Makerbot style Mendel RepStrap with Linear Bearings.

thingiverse

As a proud owner of both Thingomatic and Cupcake 3D printers, I have been seeking a larger build area for some time now. A Reprap Mendel seems to be the best solution. After reviewing various Mendel designs, I envisioned incorporating T-slot style construction into Mendel hardware. Using my FireBall V90 CNC Router, I devised an upside down T-style design and ordered linear bearings from kclinear.com. In a few weeks, I expect to have a full frame assembled. This project is a work in progress, with recent updates involving the addition of upright frame parts and build platform spacers. The design includes six screw mounts on either side of the frame, and I am currently working on motor mounts and Z slider brackets. Recent updates include adding the top motor mount plate and support pieces; the frame is coming together well. Regarding the Z and X stage mounts, there are two holes on each side of the Z bearings left for lead screw mount. The current design accommodates a traditional Mendel Z rod for vertical motion but may be modified to work with motors from thingiverse.com/thing:10103 for compatibility with my TOM. The frame dimensions are 419mm x 273mm, suitable for most smaller CNC machines. It was cut from 1/4 inch plywood compensated for a 1.5875mm (1/16 inch) double flute straight bit. As I used 8-32 x 3/4 hardware (non-metric), adjustments may be necessary if using a laser cutter. Updates will continue as the project progresses.