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Hi,

Building my first 3D printer, taking a long time because I have been distracted by household DIY jobs and to be honest I have been procrastinating, most likely overthinking things.

Anyway, I have got to the first belt (the one on the bed) and I’m not sure how much spare to leave when I cut it. One of the first things I intend to print is the belt tensionsers and I understand that you need a longer belt to accomodate this.

But I don’t know how much extra I will need so where to cut the belt - and if I cut too juch then there won’t enough for other belt.

So can anyone advise how much extra length I should leave to be able to accomodate the tensionsers - are we talking a cm, 2, 3 or more?

Thanks,

Nigel

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Hi,

I left about 3/4 cm on the y axis under the bed and mounted the rest on the x axis checking that the extra belt didn’t interfere with the motion, at the end I didn’t even need that extra length but it depends on what type of belt tensioner you will use, so try to make your choice thinking about it.

PS: don’t over tight the belt or the frame will bend (expecially on the y axis), I suggest you to print some frame reinforcement if you’re going to put belt tensioner and even then don’t over tight the belt.

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My belt tensioner actually shortens the belt run, but I’ve leave some spare as it won’t hurt.

Make sure you pack underneath the carriage so that the belt is clamped lower and runs straight on the bottom and top runs.

If you build as per instructions, the belt clamp makes a triangle shape and causes difficulty getting the tension correct.

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Thanks for the advice - yes I will be print frame stiffeners too.

When you say 3/4 cm I assume you mean 3 to 4 cm rather than 0.75cm

Cheers,

Nigel