# Adding an Openbuilds Openrail Y axis to a Taz 3/4/5 **URL:** \ **Category:** Hardware\ **Created:** [July 19, 2015, 11:59pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019 "2015-07-19T23:59:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Rp1030](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e99b99/32.png) [@Rp1030](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/Rp1030)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2016, 12:48am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/101 "2016-02-28T00:48:39Z")
> Full parts list (Thank you mikronano for writing this up): > Spacers ( 6x - each): > (2) M5 x 10mm > (2) M5 washers > (2) T-nuts > so if you use six spacers you’ll need (12) for each of the above > > Front Rail Ends (Idler): > (6) M5 x 10mm (use on the T-nuts) > (6) M5 x 20mm (use upfront on the End Plate) > (12) M5 washers > (2) M5 heat inserts (i.e. product#94180A361 M5x6.7mm from McMaster-Carr will do just fine) > (2) M3 x 16mm (for the upper holes upfront on the End Plate and all the way back to the Idler) > > Rear Rail Ends (Motor): > (6) M5 x 10mm (use on the T-nuts) > (8) M5 x 20mm (use upfront on the End Plate) > (14) M5 washers > (2) M5 heat inserts (same M5x6.7mm) > (2) M3 x 16mm (for the upper holes upfront on the End Plate and all the way back to the Motor) > > Wheels: > (4) M5 x 30mm (I personally prefer the “Low Profile” from OpenBuilds because they’re the only ones that I can find with Full Threads) > (12) M5 washers This may be a dumb question but… Why do we need 12 spacers (listed at the top) and 12 washers for the wheels? ---
**Author:** ![nbmoretto](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/forum.lulzbot.com/nbmoretto/32/9203_2.png) [@nbmoretto](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/nbmoretto)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2016, 2:51am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/102 "2016-02-28T02:51:31Z")
My belt is rubbing near the home position, how can I fix this? ---
**Author:** ![piercet](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/forum.lulzbot.com/piercet/32/12_2.png) [@piercet](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/piercet)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2016, 3:20am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/103 "2016-02-28T03:20:25Z")
Its rubbing on the bed belt? Can you get me a picture of the underside? Unless a plate got flipped on the back, the belt path shouldn’t have changed. Did you install one of those noise dampers at the same time by any chance? Is the motor pulley down too low? ---
**Author:** ![piercet](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/forum.lulzbot.com/piercet/32/12_2.png) [@piercet](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/piercet)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2016, 3:25am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/104 "2016-02-28T03:25:14Z")
> [@Rp1030](#): > > > Full parts list (Thank you mikronano for writing this up): > > Spacers ( 6x - each): > > (2) M5 x 10mm > > (2) M5 washers > > (2) T-nuts > > so if you use six spacers you’ll need (12) for each of the above > > > > Front Rail Ends (Idler): > > (6) M5 x 10mm (use on the T-nuts) > > (6) M5 x 20mm (use upfront on the End Plate) > > (12) M5 washers > > (2) M5 heat inserts (i.e. product#94180A361 M5x6.7mm from McMaster-Carr will do just fine) > > (2) M3 x 16mm (for the upper holes upfront on the End Plate and all the way back to the Idler) > > > > Rear Rail Ends (Motor): > > (6) M5 x 10mm (use on the T-nuts) > > (8) M5 x 20mm (use upfront on the End Plate) > > (14) M5 washers > > (2) M5 heat inserts (same M5x6.7mm) > > (2) M3 x 16mm (for the upper holes upfront on the End Plate and all the way back to the Motor) > > > > Wheels: > > (4) M5 x 30mm (I personally prefer the “Low Profile” from OpenBuilds because they’re the only ones that I can find with Full Threads) > > (12) M5 washers > > This may be a dumb question but… Why do we need 12 spacers (listed at the top) and 12 washers for the wheels? There are 6 spacer pieces under the rails, 3 per side. 12 is a typo. The wheel assemblies consist of a wheel housing, 2 bearings, 2 washers and either a 6mm straight or cammed spacer. There are 4 wheels. There’s also a bolt and a nut. I think it should be 8 washers total unless you double the end washer. ---
**Author:** ![Rp1030](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e99b99/32.png) [@Rp1030](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/Rp1030)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2016, 5:17am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/105 "2016-02-28T05:17:23Z")
> [@piercet](#): > > There are 6 spacer pieces under the rails, 3 per side. 12 is a typo. > > The wheel assemblies consist of a wheel housing, 2 bearings, 2 washers and either a 6mm straight or cammed spacer. There are 4 wheels. There’s also a bolt and a nut. I think it should be 8 washers total unless you double the end washer. Hmm… I didn’t use any spacers, and I have my rails all put together. Do I really need them? I’m still not sure that I understand where they go. ---
**Author:** ![piercet](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/forum.lulzbot.com/piercet/32/12_2.png) [@piercet](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/piercet)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2016, 5:24am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/106 "2016-02-28T05:24:20Z")
The eccentric spacers are the pieces that let you August the wheel tension to the rail on one side. If its working without them i guess you technically don’t? ---
**Author:** ![Rp1030](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e99b99/32.png) [@Rp1030](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/Rp1030)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2016, 5:45am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/107 "2016-02-28T05:45:48Z")
I have the eccentric spacers installed and the 6mm spacers on the opposing side but that only amounts to 2 spacers, not 6? From what I have built so far, I don’t see a place for 6 more spacers. ---
**Author:** ![piercet](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/forum.lulzbot.com/piercet/32/12_2.png) [@piercet](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/piercet)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2016, 6:03am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/108 "2016-02-28T06:03:50Z")
Ah. we’re talking about two different spacers here. In the context that they are used on the parts list first, spacer refers to the 3d printed plastic trapazoid-ish blocks that go between the upper openbuilds extrusion and the lower existing rail. I usually call them support pillars myself. I’ll probably need to edit that list a bit. ---
**Author:** ![Rp1030](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e99b99/32.png) [@Rp1030](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/Rp1030)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2016, 6:13am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/109 "2016-02-28T06:13:57Z")
Lol, thanks for the clarification, I had 12 6mm spacers on hand just incase. Looks like my Y mod is finished, will try to post pictures tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![piercet](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/forum.lulzbot.com/piercet/32/12_2.png) [@piercet](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/piercet)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2016, 7:12am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/110 "2016-02-28T07:12:49Z")
Nice! Looking forward to seeing how it turned out! I’ve been kicking the idea of one more Y axis modification. A Y belt tensioner with a thumbscrew on the front plate for adjustment, and a Y max endstop target. I’ve been resisting implementing it because it will involve another drilling of a plate. But I really wish I had an easier to use tensioner heh. ---
**Author:** ![kcchen\_00](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9dc877/32.png) [@kcchen\_00](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/kcchen_00)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2016, 7:40am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/111 "2016-02-28T07:40:45Z")
GT belt tensioner on the Y would be motivation to perform this modification. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![piercet](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/forum.lulzbot.com/piercet/32/12_2.png) [@piercet](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/piercet)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2016, 7:55am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/112 "2016-02-28T07:55:36Z")
> [@kcchen\_00](#): > > GT belt tensioner on the Y would be motivation to perform this modification. 🙂 I’m basically thinging a variant of this: [MendelMax 1.5+ Y-ais Internal Idler Tensioner by MishaT - Thingiverse](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:186252) The existing 4 bolts would be the anchor for the same style of base as that 2 bolt base, but reinforced and with a mount for a Y max endstop on the side. A fifth hole would be bored directly in the center of the 4 bolts for the tension adjustment. I know I can make that assembly shorter overall than that particular unit, and there is plenty of clearance. I use that style on my Ao-10x and it works really, really well. It means drilling the front plate though, and also the reinforcement plate if you have already printed those. If there is enough interest though, that may be my project for some evening this week. ---
**Author:** ![discojon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@discojon](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/discojon)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2016, 9:46pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/113 "2016-02-28T21:46:23Z")
Once I get the 2d files from piercet I’m going to cut combined y plates from 1/4 acrylic. I think that will be plenty strong ---
**Author:** ![ansonwing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c57346/32.png) [@ansonwing](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/ansonwing)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2016, 4:03am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/114 "2016-02-29T04:03:25Z")
> [@discojon](#): > > Once I get the 2d files from piercet I’m going to cut combined y plates from 1/4 acrylic. I think that will be plenty strong How much would you charge for those? ---
**Author:** ![discojon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@discojon](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/discojon)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2016, 12:25pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/115 "2016-02-29T12:25:41Z")
> [@ansonwing](#): > > > [@discojon](#): > > > > Once I get the 2d files from piercet I’m going to cut combined y plates from 1/4 acrylic. I think that will be plenty strong > > How much would you charge for those? Not sure but it wouldn’t be much. ---
**Author:** ![discojon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@discojon](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/discojon)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2016, 7:50pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/116 "2016-02-29T19:50:12Z")
> [@piercet](#): > > > [@discojon](#): > > > > Still waiting on the file, btw. I was going to combine them myself but couldn’t find a model of the taz 5 y endplates, and couldn’t be bothered to model it. > > Here’s the Taz 3 motor endplate combined. I haven’t finished the others yet, but a few questions before I work on them next: > > 1. Does one of those attachment file formats work for you? > 2. I extruded the face of that middle section of the stock bracket out to the face of the Openbuilds plastic optional reinforcement bracket part to make it easier to machine. does that work better, or would you prefer the origional recess remain? > 3. Since these will be milled out of something other than extruded plastic, the thickness of the part is probably a bit overkill now. Do you want it thinner, and if so, how thick overall? Stock bracket is about 5mm thick, combined assembly is about 12mm right now > 4. Would the “spacer tab” piece be easier to make as a separate piece and then bolt to the faceplate? > > See if that one looks like it will work, let me know what you would like to see on the others, and I’ll get the other two made. i finally found a copy of the #$%^&\*()ing Taz 4/5 plate that will import without destroying all mankind, so that should work a bit better heh. I’m going to attempt to take this and draw it so I can use it. The plan is to cut the endplates out of 1/4 inch acrylic as a flat piece. The ends of the Y rails will need to be tapped M5x1.5 (is that right) I’ll post my progress later. ---
**Author:** ![discojon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@discojon](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/discojon)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2016, 11:51pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/117 "2016-02-29T23:51:10Z")
So here is the prototype acrylic y axis combined motor plate. My laser apparently has a tough time with .25" clear acrylic so the edges aren’t great. Once I get my computer back that runs the cnc router I’ll make one on it. This seems as though it will work though. ![1456789738200-172640515.jpg](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/uploads/lulzbot/original/2X/8/81b9527cb9fec671d335db419e2ca386a1759c05.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![discojon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@discojon](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/discojon)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2016, 12:08am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/118 "2016-03-01T00:08:03Z")
And here is the combined (untested) motor and idler mount. I’ll go cut another acrylic set after dinner and try to install them. ![Combined Y plates.png](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/uploads/lulzbot/original/2X/9/93f25544b0e470f8fd91ebb5aa80d83819be6759.png) ---
**Author:** ![discojon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@discojon](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/discojon)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2016, 1:25am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/119 "2016-03-01T01:25:55Z")
I changed some things up and it cut like butter! I need to lower the idler holes a few mm to center the belt on them it appears. I haven’t tapped the y bars yet but it is M5x0.8 thread. ![20160229_202426.jpg](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/uploads/lulzbot/original/2X/6/6cc9b81075c67003a93cc9ed606487f0df42a8a7.jpeg) ![20160229_202434.jpg](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/uploads/lulzbot/original/2X/6/6a11c5e41ba3d87ca71f853994ca5cc711d79295.jpeg) ![20160229_202441.jpg](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/uploads/lulzbot/original/2X/2/2b9b189283174b7e3d96522bc2183b63f1537bec.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![discojon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@discojon](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/discojon)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2016, 1:56am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019/120 "2016-03-01T01:56:08Z")
Drilled and tapped the Y axis ends. Everything lines up great. Now to do the motor mount side. ![20160229_205359~2.jpg](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/uploads/lulzbot/original/2X/f/fe9bd2ad7069c3d8a01a90e27107ff8e32dcf2a6.jpeg) ![20160229_205403~2.jpg](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/uploads/lulzbot/original/2X/d/da04daa4accf8d10ba79bc7de516c1631c7e614b.jpeg) [Previous page](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019.md?page=5) [Next page](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/adding-an-openbuilds-openrail-y-axis-to-a-taz-3-4-5/2019.md?page=7)