Hi,
I was wondering if there is a way to get the 3d cad files for the meticulous z axis.
@MeticulousMaynard I apologize if this has been as asked. What is the difference between the standard and the maslowable versions?
Tia
Hey guys, sorry, dropped the ball here answering your questions. Just saw the email with the replies in it.
@Onif: yes, the CAD files are available on the Fusion 360 cloud. Link in the instructions page in the Community Garden or here.
@esteffen: The difference between the two is that the standard version makes use of the 3D printed dust chute whereas the Maslowable version uses a plywood chute that can be entirely cut on the Maslow. It was designed as a provision for users that donāt have access to a 3D printer to make the parts.
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Thanks @MeticulousMaynard
Can you remind me which version of the sled makes use of the 3d printed parts?
Youāll want to cut the standard version. The files for it are:
MeticulousSled_18mm.nc
MeticulousSled_DustWindow_All.nc
MeticulousSled_HDPE.nc
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Fastenal is another place to source the HDPE. You can save on the shipping if you have it shipped to a local branch and pick it up from there too!
Speaking of, what is the recommended thickness of the HDPE for the bottom of the sled? Fastenal has from .0625-1" that can be ordered, I know it shouldnāt need to bee too thick, but donāt want it too thin either.
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If I remember right, the nc files are programmed for 1/4", but 1/8" or something similarly thin would work. I briefly considered making the entire sled out of something like 1/2" or 3/4" hdpe and omitting the plywood all together but it would have been very spendy.
Thanks for the response. I was looking at the 1/8" HDPE sheets from Fastenal (they have a 4x4 sheet for $52.59 - 1/8"Thk x 48"W x 48"L HDPE Plastic Sheet | Fastenal) but was curious if that would be too thin, or if the .0625 (1/16") would be too thin. In thinking it is just to provide a smooth/slick surface for the sled to move on. I understand that the thinner I go, the harder it would be to find a way to attach it to the bottom of the sled and keep it smooth.
I also thought momentarily of just getting a 3/4" sheet and just cut everything from thatā¦then looked at the priceā¦yeeoowwwserā¦just under $600 for a 4x8 sheet of 3/4"ā¦check please! (1/2" was just under $300 for those curious. All prices are from Fastenal)
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McMaster-Carr sells 24" squares which can really save some money if you just want to do the base. A 3/4" chunk of that would only be $65 + shipping.
The biggest issue I have is warping; the quarter inch HDPE piece I bought for this has a lot less rigidity than wood. I was planning on bolting it to a half inch piece of wood but Iām questioning that plan due to the warpage Iām getting from my 3/4" plywood base. Iāve lost some accuracy due to the whole sled being able to rock slightly side to side. Without having the tools to plane down the surface of an HDPE slab I donāt know how much I want to trust a raw 3/4" sheet.
Iāve been thinking about building a hollow sled base out of thinner materials with internal beams perpendicular to the build surface so it has more structure and would be less susceptible to warping.
I bought a metal sled base for $25. It doesnt warp. Low center of gravityā¦ Could be adapted to a meticulous z if desired.
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Quick question for you: As I have combed through this entire post again, there were some references to having a version made with 1/2" ply (vice the 3/4" - 18mm). Were those updated in your cad files in the Community Garden? I was looking to re-cut all my parts since I have to update the clamp (looking to do @ShadyGās design and need to cut the z-carriage for it). I can do 3/4", but was just wondering about the 1/2" version being available as well? Thanks again for the whole project and the assistance you have provided!
I believe the original spec and what I used was 18mm ply. Home Depot had 18mm on hand. I guess it isnāt too critical as long as the measurements input in the software are precise and correct. Though, as near as I can tell with the clamp I designed and the 18mm version of the Meticulous Z axis the router bit was perfectly centered. I am pleased people are getting good use from the design.
Thanks for the response. Iām going to pick up some ply tomorrow (hopefully) to cut for a project I have and wanted to get a sheet to recut all the Meticulous parts. I canāt check the community garden right now as I am at work and it is āDenied Accessā for me on the interwebs here. Iāll be looking at it at home to ensure I get the right stuff. Right now I am looking to pick up a sheet of this: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Top-Choice-Blondewood-3-4-in-Whitewood-Plywood-Application-as-4-x-8/50121139. Thoughts?
I think I actually took my micrometer to home depot and found a 2x4ft sheet of 18mm and was able to cut all my Meticulous parts from it. I may be being over precise but, I have been very particular about measurements and dimensions and have enjoyed excellent precision from my maslow, I feel there is a direct relationship.
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@c00nphrog The plywood parts are all designed around 18mm plywood (3/4" plywood is the nominal size). thinner will work but the slots will be sloppier and fitment may be an issue.
The 1/2" (12.7") parts are for the plywood dust chute.
@RedWagon Cautionary tale about ordering raw materials from McMaster, when I ordered my 48" x 48" HDPE sheet they shipped it freight, which was an additional charge around $100. They may ship the 24" pieces by normal mail, so it may not cost that much, but I wanted to give you fair warning just in case.
@MeticulousMaynard Thanks. I was just trying to make sure I was seeing the right thing. It is much appreciated, and will see what my options are to meet the 18mm thickness.
@ShadyG unfortunately that is not in stock at any of the Lowes in my area (Eastern NC). Iāll look at both HD and Lowes to see what my options are. what is the width of the sled? I thought it was over 24" so I was not looking at 2x4 sheets.
The sled is 500mm (19.685") in diameter. With all the other parts, plus a margin, youāre looking for a 24" x 48" piece.
Sorry 18mm fixed my posts, sorry, so much for my āprecisionā.
Ahhā¦now that you have that written out, I remember the 19.6"-ish that I measured mine when I first made it. I donāt know why I was thinking it was over 24" (duh!!)ā¦smh!!! That helps my options a lot.
@ShadyG no worries on the measurementā¦I figured it may have been a fat finger on the key board!