Makerbot Replicator 2 or 2X Build Plate Indicator Base

thingiverse

There are many indicator bases available on Thingaverse, but I chose to make my own because I thought some existing concepts over constrained the design by trying to pick up on both rods with arcs or v grooves. This design will pick up the rear most 8mm guide rod and align itself. The rest of the gauge block is a flat surface allowing the distance between rods and the rods diameter to vary without affecting the height of the block on the rods. Craft magnets are used to hold the block down vertically. After heating my build plate I use a feeler gauge to set my nozzle height to .006" above the rear most leveling screw, set my indicator to zero, and level the front to screws in relation to the back most. With this block I can consistently get these 3 points on my build plate within +/-.0005" of each other. Enjoy! -Greg Instructions Indicator:http://www.harborfreight.com/1-inch-travel-machinists-dial-indicator-623.html Magnets: Harbor Freight "Craft Magnets" 10 piece ceramic magnets for $0.47. They measure approximately .525" on the OD. 5 will fit in each hole of the block. Sorry I didn't see them on the website when I looked. .x3g files is included for Makerbot Replicator 2X. ABS, 200 micron build height, 25% density, 110C build plate, raft on, support off. The side of the block (top) where the magnets and indicator are inserted is grown face down to give the best quality surface to where the rods ride. If the holes for the magnets are a little tight, I recommend using the ID measuring jaws on a metal caliper. Set them to .525" and tighten the set screw. Spinning these in the bore seemed to fix the slight bulge at the hole opening. STL files are included. I have not tried printing in PLA.