So Im getting back to continuing with my Acro build and following the tutorials I'm a little confused and have a few problems. The installation of the limit switches talks about front back left right orientations but they simply never show a simple clear orientation image which shows position of gantry/motors so I can ensure the switches are positioned ok. This would greatly avoid any confusion on positioning. Halfway through the video changes the orientation of the frame relative to the camera. The laser that I have aligns with a couple of holes in the laser plate although the two screw hold the laser tightly however attaching that plate back to the gantry - the screws appear too short when I use the spacer and they dont even reach the double T screw. I can install without the spacer but was trying to determine the purpose of the spacer.
So after much watching/rewatching I've determined the orientation - however the spacer used to attach the laser mounting plate to the gantry I still don't have a clear understanding of that spacer. Is it intended to sit in the slots on each side - if it is then the slots are not wide enough - but that would seem logical - if its not then the screws are not long enough to reach through to the double t nut.
No, it doesn't sit in the slots. It's sandwiched between the front laser mount plate, and the gantry plate. It provides a little space for the bolt heads mounting the laser to the plate, and the bolts mounting the gantry plate. The slots are there to allow you to adjust the laser mounting plate up or down to adjust to the appropriate focal length for your material. There should be JUST enough thread to thread into the double t nuts. Turn the T nuts so the protruding part sticks inside the slot. Makes a little harder to get the bolt started, but will give you a little more thread to grab.
And if you flip the nuts around, it has a little more thread toward the screw On the other side of the coin, if they are too long (screws come in 5mm increments, next size up is too long) they foul the 2040 behind the plate when you adjust the height-adjustable plate higher
Cutscene from my personal Acro build, but note: I had a beta version with 4mm thick plates, so the M5 screws actually had spacers on the head as it was too long (the final production version doesn't need those of course) and some other minor differences between the beta build in the video below, and final production version. But still, another perspective on assembling that section may help:
Here's the sketchup model showing how they go between. This gives the clearance for the bolt heads holding the wheels on (circled in red), as well as the bolts mounting the laser.
Thanks guys makes things a lot clearer. Anyone fancy looking over my plans to complete my build and parts lists so i can get all i need in one final order. I keep gettin stuff and then realizing i missed items and just need to get this up and running.
I have done the same thing. I had to order twice in the past month. I don't know how I can forget to order things as prominent as the actual 1000mm cbeams. But, I got the rest yesterday. The main thing holding up my progress was the lack of 15 and 20 mm screws, but they are here now.
Its certainly frustrating - I know every build is different but having someone whos built one give a once over is really useful to avoid parts that may have overlooked. Hopefully, I will get the order ready tomorrow.