McWire Cartesian Bot ~ B&Q UK version

Introduction

This is a UK version of Zacks post on the RepRap site.

I found that many of the parts required for Zacks build are not that easy to source in the UK.

The simplicity of the design and build methods compared to my Repstrap Bertha build and could not be ignored so this is my attempt to help other people to build a reasonably priced RepStrap Machine.

Despite the recent drop in the pound to US dollar exchange rate the electronics kits and roller bearings are still cheaper from the RRRF store than getting bare boards from RRRF and the components from Farnel or RS. I know this from experience with my first set for Repstrap Bertha where I used the bare boards.

Roller bearings are around £8 for 8 from any good sports shop. They tend to have plastic covering the ball race. The RRRF price is $3 for 8 they are all metal and seem to spin easier. I used both and prefer the ones from the RRRF.

I started the project using copper pipe which I soon replaced with the B&Q replacement for 2"x1" wood.

What do you need

Tools you will need the following

• Drill press, Cord less Drill or power Drill
• Screwdrivers
• Hand Saw
  
• Hacksaw
• Pliers
• Spanners
• Scissors
• Printer
• A vice
• Sandpaper: rough, medium, and fine

Raw Materials

So here is my B&Q based version of the parts list or raw materials.

• One piece of 2.1 m of 44 x 18 mm planed smoth soft wood, B&Q Bar Code 5014957045491
• 1 sheet of 6mm MDF Board (L)1220 x (W)607 x (T)6mm B&Q Bar Code 5022652550011
• 1 sheet of 18mm MDF Board (L)1220 x (W)607 x (T)18mm B&Q Bar Code 5022652550127
• 1 Aluminium Round Tube (L) 1000mm x (Dia) 8mm B&Q Bar Code 3232630604052
• 1 Aluminium Angle (L) 2000mm (W) 35mm (H) 35mm (T) 1.5 mm B&Q Bar Code 3232630508251
• 1 Aluminium U (L) 2000mm (W) 15mm (H) 15 mm B&Q Bar Code 3232630508503

This post is still a work in progress to be continued in April
I have two Bathrooms to re-fit in April as well .... watch this space ;-)

Failed Idea > Steel pipe to 22mm copper easy fit fittings.

Parts list for the basic structure.

1.6M of 22mm copper pipe
3 22mm elbow joints
1 22mm T joint
1 22mm Compression tank connector
6 22mm plastic pipe clips
3/4 MDF

The Skate bearings you can buy from most sports shops around £8 for 8 bearings.
Please note that buying a set from the rrrf is much more cost effective; order them with your full kit of bits don't forget to buy some Nichrome wire as well.

First cut the 22mm coper pipe to size using a standard pipe cutter.
Here are the sizes to cut.

3 x 335mm 22mm copper pipe

2 x 182mm 22mm copper pipe

1 x 106mm 22mm copper pipe

Pipe cutters like either of these they also are available in the same store.

Don't try putting any of the parts together, once fitted you need a special tool to undo an easy fit joint.

You end up with a pile of bits like this. You can now start to assemble some of these parts.


Notice that the two main bars are not fitted at this stage as they need holes to be drilled.