FolgerTech FT 5 Rail to Smooth Rod Modification

thingiverse

This is a modification of the FT5 to use 2x 8mm smooth chrome rods and 2x linear bearings instead of the rails that come standard with the kit. This modification only affects Y-axis motion, as X-axis remains rail-based movement. I was experiencing binding issues and Y-axis skipping due to excessive friction on the rails. I find this to be much smoother motion and generally quieter. This modification requires minimal hardware and new parts. You will need 2x 8mm smooth chrome rods 400mm-ish in length, 2 linear bearings, some M5 bolts with T-nuts, and M3 bolts x 12mm with nuts and locking washers. I sourced my rods and linear bearings from Amazon, while scavenging M5 with T-nuts from the FT5 kit and back panel and M3 bolts from Lowes. I printed smooth rod holders and modified FT7 and FT10 parts from PETG, which are holding up well so far. ABS should also work well, but I have no experience printing with that material. I fear PLA might be too brittle. No supports were needed either. The linear bearings snap right into the modified FT7 and FT10 parts but require a zip tie for secure placement. One of the smooth rod holders is about 3mm thinner to allow it to sit next to the stock Y end stop holder, while the other three are identical. Assembly took around 2-3 hours to disassemble and reassemble. I advise hand tightening M3 bolts on smooth rod holders as not much tension is needed to keep rods in place. Special thanks go to lilmikey for posting Folgertech FT5 parts, which made this modification easier! You can see the modification in action at https://youtu.be/Jes1HKSBJ0g. I welcome any design feedback on improving this mod. *** Update - Because I apparently am an idiot, files for smooth rod holders led to bad prints because they didn't all sit level with each other. I have fixed the bug and adding separated files to one print job will now result in them printing level.