Assembling An M8 Rroofl Frame

A Rroofl RepRap can be fabricated in a number of different ways. The closest to a true RepRap is probably the version using M8 threaded rod. This is extremely adjustable and great for experimentation, though could in theory be replaced with a cheaper, simpler stick-and-socket system for mainstream production. Americans can use 5/16" threaded rod if M8 is not available in your country.

Y Carriage

Easy bit first. This is composed of two Y Runners held together with a couple of 130mm lengths of M8 rod. As with all assembly below, put a washer (usually M8 x 17mm) between the flat, plastic surface and every nut so the nut does not chew into the plastic. Bolt the two Runners together so they are spaced equally apart at the ends of the rods and the whole contraption will sit flat on the table.

Frame Side

Each of the two sides has a Foot Vertex, Double Foot Vertex and a Top Vertex all bolted together as before with M8 nuts, washers and two different lengths of M8 rod: 2 x 375mm and 1 x 310mm (though if you shorten them both by 20mm it'll all cut nicely out of a 1m rod; hmmmm).

Make one side, then temporarily hold the second side's parts to the first before tightening the second frame's nuts. Use the M8 bolts needed later for the X axis. This will allow you to assemble two frames with the holes in the same place, so thing stand a fighting chance of being parallel.