I started a JGRO in May but the 95% humidity and 105 temp (Central Florida)warped it before I got it done. I took it apart a couple of days ago and used the parts to start a new build.
I got a 1/2" thick steel topped 80/20 framed soldering machine from a business that I scrapped out and used for the base of the machine. It is rock solid.
I cut a couple of peices of 3/8" thick 3" x 6" angle aluminum to use as the rail mounts coupled with the JGRO mounting blocks.
The sides of the gantry are 6" Al C channel. The back of the gantry is a pair of 4" C channel. They are bolted together with carriage bolts and slotted so I can adjust the level. There is no need to adjust the pipes on the X since they bolt right to the C Channel and are parrellel.
I have about 6 hours and $50 in it as pictured, mostly in bolts. I have enough scraps of C channel and 80 /20 to finish it. I will use a 1/2" 8 TPI ACME screw that I have on hand to drive it.
I have a little Z axis that I was going to use but it only has 2 inches of travel. It was part of the soldering machine. It has a 3 to 1 reduction pully driving a ball screw and it rides on little v grove bearings and has adjustiable gibs. I will save this unit for a little precision engraver (Another project...)
I am a little weak on the computer end of the build so may consider a "Kit" with 3 steppers, controller software etc... that works together but I am undecided about that yet as I need to keep this low buck.
I am not using any plans as you can tell but plans are over rated
Suggestions are most welcome.
JIM