Back when I was still building Ox's. I eventually just redesigned the plates to accept a C-beam. I believe Chris at Blue Ox still makes those plates, for the Ox HD. You can also look at the Ox HD build that I did in the builds section. I also bolted a piece of 20x40 into the slot of the c-beam to stiffen it more. Also, on the original builds, I put 3M VHB tape (.015" thick) between the 40x80's to stiffen it up. That stuff sticks REALLY well and holds the beams from sliding against one another. You need to use a 1/4" and a 3mm spacer together instead of a 9mm between the wheels to make up for the added thickness of the tape. I haven't built a belt drive machine for over 3 years now, probably never will again. MG
Hello Has anybody tried using a steel rail with a linear bearing mounted to the z carrage to try and stop the "twisting" ? I was thinking of trying this but wondered how much success I would get for the investment. The Steel rail is an HGR Rail that is 40mmx40mm and I could modify the end plates to accept this rail
You sure the rail is 40mmx40mm? It sound more like it's the carriage that rides on the rail. If the rail is 40mm wide it may help with the twist but if it's the carriage than the rail is most likely only 16mm and I don't think that that will help much with the twist.
You may be right I think I was reading the block dimensions Is there a linear bearing rail that may work?