Perpendicular axis, OX CNC

A more rudimentary way of squaring things up is to bring the gantry close to the front, power down, then put a ruler on each gantry and measure each from the front. Adjust until they match. Not as exact as the video presented, but I do this all the time and it works well.

As to stiffening, hmmmm, long subject. I'm not directly familiar with the "OX," but I built a Sphinx and it's similar, a bit more stout. I've been making videos of my steps toward making the machine more rigid, with the end goal, milling aluminum. But, despite my efforts, the c-beam is simply not a good choice when it comes to the X beam, it twists in the middle. It's fine for routing softer materials, like wood, acrylic, etc, and I love it for that, but harder woods and softer metals, are difficult. The machine you show here, the OX, has a very thin Z axis, you could start there, but really your major issue is the long X beam. In my opinion, you should start there and upgrade to a steel beam of some sort. I've made some videos about my trials and tribulations over the last few weeks, you can see them here:

In your video, however, it looks like your belts are too loose. Tighten them up and it should take care of that play.

I'll be posting a summary video soon about taking this machine to the next level with a steel X axis. I'm researching the smartest, cheapest, designs now.

Good luck!

 

Springs are less than ideal in a system that must remain rigid in order to maintain accuracy, especially since there is a heavy cutting motor that needs to rapidly change directions. I use lead screws. I know some folks who have belts use a bolt tensioner. Anyone care to elaborate?

 

Ah, gotcha! Some folks leave them inline to take up tension.