DIY RepRap 3D Printer for Beginners – Part 1: Build

• Intro & Step 1: Build Top Plates
• Step 2: Build Linear Sleds
• Step 3: Build Extruder Sled
• Step 4: Build Extruder
• Step 5: Build Z-axis
• Step 6: Finishing Touches

Step 2: Build Linear Sleds

1) Cut the linear rods to size. For this tutorial, the middle rods were 260 mm and the side rods were 250 mm in lengths. Slide the side linear rods into the blocks you connected in the last step of Step 1. These rods will be your y-axis.

Figure 10: Picture showing assembled X-Y axis mechanism

2) Take the linear plate blocks. Place a linear bearing on top of each block and mark where the holes must go. Drill those holes with the 7/64 in. drill bit. Insert the M4-0.7 screws to hold the linear bearings in place. Mark holes in the thinnest section of the block 1 5/8 in. apart. Drill two 8 mm holes. Place the middle linear rods in these holes. These rods will be your x axis.

Flip over the block so that the linear bearing is on the bottom. Stack two timing pulleys in the center between the mounting holes for the linear bearing. Place a #8 x 2 in. screw through the timing pulleys. Use a screwdriver to secure them to the wood block. Make sure they can still spin freely.

Figure 11: Side view of fully assembled linear sled

Figure 12: Top View of fully assembled linear sleds

These blocks allow your extruder to move along the y-axis.

3) Slide the blocks onto your side linear rods.

Figure 13: Bottom view of X-Y sliding mechanism and hex key