I’ve seen it suggested on the MakerBot Operator’s group (I forget who…) that Z axis rod wobble can be introduced where the bearings fit on the Z axis rods. This is an interesting possible source of error… and a solution!
It would seem that if the placement of the bearing on the rod can introduce warp, it might be able to slightly counteract warp as well. I’ve gotten my Z axis wobble mostly under control.
A standard MakerBot Cupcake CNC requires:
With all the cool things that could be built with the addition of bearings to a MakerBot toolkit I wanted to pick up some additional bearings. I figure I could print an improved version of my retractable spring loaded tape measure, the microlathe, and other cool things.
But, where to find these things? My local hardware store didn’t carry them. I went to a hobby shop nearby which had exactly two bearings for $5. It sounded expensive, but I’d never priced bearings before and I really just wanted the two at the time.
A few weeks later I had a brainstorm. Where could I find cheap skate ball bearings? Well, why not a place that sells cheap skates! I called my local used sporting goods store and they had a 16 pack of bearings for $5. Right on.
Ball bearings
I’ll need a few extra things to get going: