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: www.kimenkoen.nl/

[@lionelchevalier5650]

Hello, thank you for sharing. I like your way of directing and we see that there is little room for improvisation. The chassis is very sturdy and the squaring is well done, looking forward to seeing the rest and the beautiful evolution of this machine. I can only wish you the success of the project especially as it is off to a very good start ^^

[@J1I9M7M4Y]

That is looking really good! What motors are you going to use? And by the way, a wise man once told me "if you can`t make it perfectly straight, make it adjustable"!

[@KraftedByKoen]

Thanks! And those are words to live by 🙌 For X and Y I'm going to use Closed loop, NEMA 34, stepper motors with a rack and pinion system. The Z-axis will be a NEMA 23 stepper with a ball screw.

[@J1I9M7M4Y]

@@KraftedByKoen I am really looking forward to see future videos of you build! I like your frame design!!