Rostock MAx section 12 help - MIND THE GAP

[gsnover]

Hi all,

I am working on the mechanical assembly of my new RostockMax. I am at section 12 where you mount the to plate to linear rails. The instructions clearly state" MAKE SURE THAT THE IDLER BRACKETS ARE FLAT AGAINST THE INSIDE SURFACE OF THE T-SLOT RAIL MATERIAL!". I can't get rid of my gaps. I have each tower aligned a tightened down, the measurements match. I have tried to remove the gaps, but I still have a small gap that is pretty consistent from tower to tower.
Should I fight this harder or move on with my life?

- Guy

[cambo3d]

there are some parts to that manual that aren't correct. If its close as it will go, make sure all are the same way.

better way to do this is to measure the distances and get is close to square as possible.

[geneb]

Guy, have you tried loosening the t-slot bolts on the base of each tower? The issue is that you want the towers to be perfectly square, with no inward or outward "tilt".

Is the gap you're seeing at the top the same distance as the gap (if any) at the bottom? If they're all the same, you're ok - but it's better to eliminate it all together if possible. You may want to try using a "strap" clamp - they're commonly used to hold boxes together during glue-up.

g.

[Godspeed]

I think the gap everyone is trying to mind is the one between the T-Slot extrusion and the edge nearest the top clamp that points toward the center of the top plate of the assembly. There is no way to make that gap flush with the edge of the upper plate of the Rostock on my machine. The fastener through the top clamp is positioned in a way that prevents the T-Slot from being able to be made flush.

Gene, I think your manual's wording in this area is ambiguous and needs to be clarified. You made a point to say (and I am paraphrasing) "this is really really important" and go one to say "mind the gap". This just isn't clear enough. Can you please revise the guide to prevent more confusion from users? I myself had to think about this a while and after reading hundreds of posts I am pretty I know what you meant. I know there are several posts where people have asked questions about what you meant by "mind the gap"

[geneb]

I'll revise it in the next few days, thanks!

g.

[gsnover]

Thanks guys, I just getting use to this forum. I must need to set something to get a notification of replies. I think I have it square, thanks to a bit of luck.

[geneb]

Ok, I just took a look at it again and it looks pretty straightforward to me. Note the "Mind the gap!" bit was meant as both an attention getter and a play on the "Mind the gap!" signs seen in various subway systems in the UK.

The red arrow in Fig 38 points to the same place as yours does above.

If you think the section could be clearer, what specifically would you like me to change?

tnx!

g.