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Tiny squares of Kapton tape over the vias in the Onyx would have done the same job.

g.

For the short term, yes. For the longer term, maybe not. There's vibration and differential heat expansion to worry about. Combined with microscopic variations in the aluminum surface, I theorize this could wear through what little protection is there.

I wasn't comfortable having only a layer of sealer between the traces on the Onyx and a chunk of aluminum, so I put tape on the whole thing for an extra layer of protection. Besides, I have a roll of tape I'm not using for anything after learning about using hairspray.

- dan

I got the EZStruder installed Friday evening, but haven't had a chance to play with it until this evening. It's certainly quieter than the old one; the stepper is only stepping abou 16% as fast. I came up with 46.74 steps/mm, for my RAMBo 1.0.

- dan

dbarrans wrote:I got the EZStruder installed Friday evening, but haven't had a chance to play with it until this evening. It's certainly quieter than the old one; the stepper is only stepping abou 16% as fast. I came up with 46.74 steps/mm, for my RAMBo 1.0.

- dan

1/8th microstepping? Just curious, I use 1/16th and mine is just about double that at 92.68.

Yes, RAMBo 1.0 uses 1/8 microstepping.

- dan

dbarrans wrote:Yes, RAMBo 1.0 uses 1/8 microstepping.

- dan

Just glad they are close then.

Last week, I took the opportunity to use NextFab's laser cutter to cut a new Tricklaser-designed overhead filament holder and EZStruder mount. The local HD didn't have melamine, but they had 1/4" MDF and I figured these aren't critical dimensional items so I figured I'd give it a shot.
Thanks to Brian for the design. I like not having that stuff hanging off the side.

- dan

Of course, then I needed to run the extruder wiring up to the top. So I got a piece of plastic tubing, and made holes for it where the side-mount extruder used to be. I took a couple leftover pieces from the laser cuttings, drilled holes matching the ID of the wiring conduit, and used them as retainers.

Yeah, I know the melamine chipped a bit; it doesn't like forstner bits, not even with a block of wood on the back side of the hole while drilling. At least my countersunk screw holes are clean.
- dan

And here it is back together again.
- dan

Cool! I wasn't going to take on top mounting until I had a cable solution. Without using something other than T-slot, I think you came up with the only other thing that would work.

That tube also leaves enough room to run wires for....

The tube I used has an ID of 1/2", just enough room to allow the 4-pin extruder connector to pass. You could also use some PVC electrical conduit or plumbing pipe, but that's a bit larger, and I wanted to use the smallest tubing that fit. It cost me about $7 + shipping vs. $1.58 + driving to the store.

- dan

That tube actually looks pretty good on there. I hope you don't mine me stealing your idea.

That's why I posted it.

- dan

BTW, the tubing came from McMaster-Carr (of course). p/n 1839T371.

- dan

Dan, I noticed that you are using one of those 12v 30A power supplies.
You have it sitting on some bent metal brackets and I was wondering if
the brackets are homemade or something that can be purchased.

They're homemade (well, shopmade) with a shear and a sheet metal brake. I haven't fully worked out the design yet or I'd have posted more about them. I want them easy to anchor and remove because the power supply blocks access to the stepper mounting screws.

- dan

dbarrans wrote:They're homemade (well, shopmade) with a shear and a sheet metal brake. I haven't fully worked out the design yet or I'd have posted more about them. I want them easy to anchor and remove because the power supply blocks access to the stepper mounting screws.

- dan

Thanks Dan.