How to remove x-axis rods?
I took my printer apart to load my bearings (didn’t load them during original assembly since I didn’t know that I should). However, I could not get the rods out of the plastic parts on the X-axis. I didn’t want to bang on them too hard since I was afraid of breaking the plastic. Does anyone have advice on how to safely remove these rods?
RE: How to remove x-axis rods?
This is exactly why people should read the manual BEFORE doing the assembly. And if you did read the manual, this photo at the start of the Z-Axis assembly didn't mean anything? Though I have to admit the manual tells you to place the X-Axis onto the lead screws before installing the bearings.
The parts slip off the rods. If you twist the ends back and forth carefully and slowly while pulling them apart they will slip off the rods. I would not use tools to do this, scratching the rods is bad. It is a slow process, but I've done it a few times with success when replacing bearings.
Also, now would be a good time to grease the bearings before they go onto the rods.
ps: one last thought: do NOT attach the T-nuts to the ends until AFTER they are screwed on to the lead screws; trying to screw the lead screws into the T-nuts when they are attached is almost certain to damage them.
RE: How to remove x-axis rods?
Thanks for the advice. I’ll give it a try.
BTW when I said “load my bearings”, I meant load them with lubricant. I didn’t actually forget to put them on the rods when assembling the printer :). The printer has been running fine for a few months, just wasn’t lubricated.
RE: How to remove x-axis rods?
Okay - I thought you had posted print questions before and was a bit confused... lol. Anyway - they can come apart without damage if you work slowly at it. Be patient, they can and do break if forced too hard.