Thing O Matic Y Axis Bearing Mod

thingiverse

This modification for the Y axis was inspired by www.thingiverse.com/thing:6184 and uses the same brass tube to increase the distance between the bearings on the Y axis. My XY carriage was a bit sloppy due to one of the sleave bearings being loose and this mod fixed the problem. Instructions Go look at www.thingiverse.com/thing:6184 for tips on cutting and shaping the brass tube and increasing the diameter of the carriage holes. I used a step drill bit held in my hand that worked very well. Cut the 21/32" brass tube to 95mm which leaves 10mm either side of the carriage. Make sure the ends are flat and square. Remove Y shafts and belt. You probably don't have to entirely remove the XY carriage, just allow enough room to work. I removed it because I wanted to tighten the idler bearings at the same time. Remove bearings Enlarge bearing holes to allow snug fit and insert brass tube. Carefully push bearings into brass tube. Add some lubricant as part of the shaft will be inaccessible. Reinsert shafts and reattach belt. Some jiggling of the self-aligning bearings may be necessary to get the shaft through.