Root 3 CNC - Installing the X-Axis Belt Mount

Relevant official documentation can be found at: https://rootcnc.com/machines/root-3/animated-assembly

• Root 3 X-Axis Box Section Mount

For preparing the X-Axis box section mount to receive the bars, the following parts were used:

• 1x X-Axis Panel Assembly
• 2x 3D Printed Parts
• 4x M4 x 50mm screws (0.7mm threads)
• 8x M4 washers
• 4x M4 nylon lock nuts
• 4x M3 x 50mm screws (0.5mm threads)
• 8x M3 washers
• 4x M3 nylon lock nuts

The M4 screws go through the outer bores, and the M3 screws through the inner bores. Tighten the screws, but not all the way, as the timing belt is not yet installed.

Repeat this process for the other panel.

Root 3 CNC - Upgrading the X-Axis 3mm Belt Mount

While looking through online sources, many people hand-cut a notch in the X-Axis 3mm Belt Mount in order to simplify belt-tightening.  Rather than cut into the exist part, measurements were taken from the provided STL file and a modified version was created.  The modified file can be found on Thingiverse.

Comparing the two parts:

The new part is on the left.  A notch has been added for the timing belt, as well as a few other minor changes.  All edges have been rounded, and the right side opening narrowed a bit to get the M3 screw holes a bit further from the edge.  The final part can be seen below.

Building a Lulzbot Mini OctoPrint Server

There are numerous sources online that document the process of building/setting-up an OctoPrint Server, so I will not duplicate that here.  This will instead just document a number of links and settings specific to my rig using a Lulzbot Mini.  Note that for my use, I am not slicing on the Octoprint Server;  I continue to use Cura locally for slicing, and simply print to Octoprint vice printing directly to the device.  This limits the amount of configuration required to use Octoprint.

Hardware Components:

• Raspberry Pi
• Memory Card
• Case, Power Supply, etc.
• USB Camera

Software Components:

OctoPrint OS Distro for Raspberry Pi

https://octoprint.org

Lulzbot Mini Settings

The following images document the OctoPrint profile in use for the Lulzbot Mini:

Root 3 CNC - Add Rails to Z-Axis Front Panel

To add the linear rails to the Z-Axis front panel, the following parts were used:

• 1 Z-Axis front panel
• 2x MGN12 200mm linear rails
• 4x MGN12C carriages
• 16x M3 x 16mm screws (0.5mm threads)

Line up the rails with the holes on the front panel, and insert screws.

Root 3 CNC - X-Axis Box Section Mount Prep

Relevant official documentation can be found at: https://rootcnc.com/machines/root-3/animated-assembly

• Root 3 X-Axis Box Section Mount

For preparing the X-Axis box section mount to receive the bars, the following parts were used:

• 2x 3D Printed Parts
• 2x #10-24 x 1/2" cup point set screws

Tap 8 holes with #10-24 threads, then insert the set screws:

There are two lock nuts which will be hidden by the timing belt plate.  To avoid a bunch of hassle if these two hidden screws come loose, use Loctite glue to weld two M3 nuts onto the 3D printed parts (yes this is a hack).  To glue the parts, temporarily insert a screw into the lock nut and let them hang.  Apply a dab of glue and let set.

After the glue has set, attach the box section mount to the wooden panel, use the following:

• 2x M3 x 30mm screws (0.5mm threads)
• 2x M3 lock washers
• 2x M3 washers

Root 3 CNC - X-Axis Carriage Assembly

Relevant official documentation can be found at: https://rootcnc.com/machines/root-3/animated-assembly

• Root 3 X-Axis Carriage Assembly

For building the X-Axis carriage assembly, the following parts were used:

• 2x wood panels (front and back z-axis)
• 2x box carriage assemblies
• 32x M4 x 35mm machine screws (0.7mm threads)
• 32x M4 nuts

Add the captive nuts and insert/tighten 8 screws per box section side (using Loctite on screws):

Front panel attachment complete:

Back panel attachment complete:

Assembly with front and back panels fully attached:

Root 3 CNC - Z-Axis Front Panel Prep

Due to the size of the screws I purchased, I needed to slightly modify the front panel so the screws could sit flush to the panel, and fit cleanly through the top and bottom cups.  The cup holes were cleaned out with a 3/16" drill bit, and the box carriage mounting holes were modified with a 4mm countersink.

The panel now looks like: