CNC Build | The Guides

Welcome back to Krafted by Koen! In this video, I'm installing the linear guides on the previously built steel frame. I get to the point where the X-axis and Y-axis (the gantry) are installed and running smoothly. It's starting to look like an actual CNC machine.

The idea was to build the machine so that no surfaces need to be machined or ground flat to install the linear guides properly. To achieve this, I attached extruded aluminum slot profiles to the steel frame. I can shim these profiles until they're perfectly straight, providing a straight and flat surface to mount the guides.

To measure straightness, I made a simple fixture that I can clamp to the frame. With this fixture, I tension a piano snare to use as a straight reference. I adjust one side like this and set the other side by referencing the first.

For the gantry carriages, I had a company laser cut some parts. These parts fit together perfectly like puzzle pieces, making the welding process a breeze. The same goes for the Y carriage, which will eventually hold the Z-axis.

To see what kind of projects I'm planning to create with this machine, check out my website. In the future, I'll document the making of these projects as well, so consider subscribing, and let me know in the comments if you want to see that. Don't forget to hit the like button if you enjoyed this video.

Thank you for watching, and I’ll see you in the workshop!

This project was made possible by the "makersregeling" of the Municipality of Breda.

Timestamps:
0:03​ - Setting up the fixture
1:38​ - Measuring
2:22​ - Shimming
3:36 - Adjusting height
4:26 - Copying to the other side
6:49​ - Installing the gantry
10:01 - Welding in place
11:02 - Testing for smoothness

Connect with me:
Subscribe to my channel:    / @kraftedbykoen  
Follow us on Instagram:   / kim_koen  
Visit our website: https://www.kimenkoen.nl/