do i need to glue it up? when to paint?

[forgetcolor]

building a jgro. tapping and supergluing in the MDF. do i need to glue everything up? i did go ahead and glue the corner blocks to the gantry, but i'm wondering about the rest. i want to be able to preserve the ability to make any necessary adjustments. i know i wouldn't glue the bearing blocks in case they need adjustment.

i'm also planning to paint it. do people usually paint the parts then assemble or assemble then paint?

[OgreOwner]

From the hours I have spent on this forum here is what I have gathered:

Glue and nail the torsion Boxes. These are the only parts that get glued.

Paint after you have test fitted and made sure all the parts are working.

Some suggest building from the Z axis outward. That way once you have the pipes and all arrainged, you do not have to take it apart to put the next axis in. If you start with z, then build outward, once a pipe is in, it stays in until you take it apart.

Hope that helps.

Karl

[voltsandbolts]

I glued and used a brad nailer on the T-box, and I glued the Z axis assembly together. I believe I left the rest of it so I can take it apart. I didn’t paint mine for almost a year! And then I used clear poly on it instead of paint. I am actually working on parts for the machine that will replace my jgro. Enjoy your build!

[DIYaholic]

Depending upon your climate, humidity level, you may not want to wait a year prior to sealing/painting the MDF. MDF and moisture do not play well together, the MDF will swell under increased humidity. IMHO, as I have not painted MDF, I would paint after assembly. The paint might swell the MDF enough that tight fitting peices won't go together. If you want to seal/paint the interior of the torsion box, assemble with only one side skinned, seal/paint, then attach the other pre-painted skin. Just my thoughts, as I said I have not painted MDF.

Randy,