1 hour

This is the estimated time it will take to assemble the cross-slide.

Before beginning: check the dimensions of the cross-slide plate

Unfortunately we have identified that some Genesis and Genesis XL kits shipped after December 1, 2020 included an incorrect cross-slide plate.

We have pro-actively remedied this issue by sending replacement plates to all kit owners or by including an extra plate in every kit shipped in mid-December 2020 or later.

Before beginning the assembly steps on this page, please ensure you are using the correct plate. The correct plate should measure 180mm wide by 150mm tall, and have a hole layout that exactly matches this image:

Step 1: Add the gantry V-wheels

Use four M5 x 30mm screws and M5 flange locknuts to attach four V-wheels with normal 6mm spacers to the cross-slide plate.

Make sure you attach the V-wheels to the correct side of the cross-slide plate as shown.

Wheels with normal spacers.

Use three M5 x 30mm screws to attach three V-wheels with eccentric 6mm spacers to the holes shown. The V-wheels should be secured with an M5 flange locknut on the other side.

Bottom three wheels with eccentric spacers.

Step 2: Add the Z-axis V-wheels

Flip the cross-slide over so that all of the V-wheels you have added so far are facing away from you.

Use two M5 x 30mm screws to attach two V-wheels with normal 6mm spacers to the holes shown. Secure these wheels with an M5 flange locknut on the other side of the plate.

Wheels with normal spacers.

Use three M5 x 30mm screws to attach three V-wheels with eccentric 6mm spacers to the holes shown. The V-wheels should be secured with an M5 flange locknut on the other side.

Right three wheels with eccentric spacers.

Step 3: Add the leadscrew block

Attach the leadscrew block to the cross-slide plate using two M5 x 30mm screws and M5 flange locknuts.

Step 4: Add the stepper motor

Insert the stepper motor into the horizontal motor housing such that the motor and encoder connectors are facing down, out the open face of the housing.

Use four M3 x 12mm screws to attach the stepper motor and motor housing to the cross-slide plate.

Orientation is key

The motor and housing should be on the same side of the cross-slide plate as the delrin leadscrew block and the motor and encoder connectors should be facing down towards the delrin leadscrew block.

Slide a GT2 pulley onto the stepper motor shaft. Make sure that both setscrews are lined up with the flat spots of the motor shaft. Then tighten the setscrews with the 2mm driver.

Step 5: Add the cable carrier mount

Use two M5 x 16mm screws and M5 flange locknuts to secure the 80mm cable carrier mount to the cross-slide plate. The bracket should be on the opposite side of the plate as the motor.

Step 6: Adjust the eccentric spacers

In order for the cross-slide to slide smoothly and wobble-free on the gantry main beam, you must first adjust the eccentric spacers of the bottom three V-wheels. Adjust the eccentric spacers using the eccentric spacer adjustment reference guide.# Step 7: Slide the cross-slide onto the gantry main beam Once you have adjusted the eccentric spacers, slide the cross-slide onto the gantry main beam.

This is a view of the attached cross slide

The cross slide should easily move across the gantry. If you feel any significant resistance you need to re-adjust your eccentric spacers so that there is less resistance to movement. On the XL models you should pay special attention at the connection point between the two tracks. If there is any significant bump or resistance to movement at the connection point please use some sand paper and sand away the bump.

This is a view of the attached cross slide looking up at the Y-Axis motor

Step 8: Feed and secure the belt

Attach a belt clip to the end of the gantry main beam using two M5 x 10mm screws and a 20mm nut bar. Then secure one end of the y-axis GT2 timing belt (2m long for Genesis, 3.5m long for XL or MAX) to the belt clip using the belt installation reference guide.

Feed the belt under the end V-wheel of the cross-slide, then over the GT2 pulley and under the remaining three V-wheels. The flat side of the belt should be in contact with your V-wheels while the toothed side should engage with the teeth on the pulley.

Make sure that the belt is not twisted anywhere.

Secure the belt at the other end of the gantry with another belt clip, 20 mm nut bar, and two M5 x 10mm screws. Ensure there is a small amount of tension on the belt once everything is in place.

What’s next?