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Introduction

Please note: This guide is based upon building a 750x750 StrongHold ONE CNC.

Measurements for the 750x1250 and 1250x1250 machine sizes are provided in the relevant steps.

It is strongly recommended to assemble the base frame on a known flat surface (such as a solid table, work surface or similar). Assembling the frame on a carpeted floor, or other non-flat surface, can cause the finished frame to not be square. This can cause issues with quality and performance.

  1. 2x 1000mm 40120 Extrusion [  1500mm for the StrongHold ONE 750x1250 or 1250x1250 ]
    • 2x 1000mm 40120 Extrusion [ 1500mm for the StrongHold ONE 750x1250 or 1250x1250 ]

    • 920mm 4040 Extrusion [ 1420mm for the StrongHold ONE 750x1250 or 1250x1250 ]

    • 2x 864mm 4040 Extrusion [ 1364mm for the StrongHold ONE 1250x1250 ]

    • 2x 412mm 4040 Extrusion [ 662mm for the StrongHold ONE 1250x1250 ]

    • 16x 4040 Cast Corner Assemblies

    • 4x 4040 Extruded Corners Assemblies for the spoil board

  2. 864mm 4040 Extrusion 4040 Cast Corner Assembly
    • 864mm 4040 Extrusion

    • 4040 Cast Corner Assembly

    • Install one corner assembly onto each end of the 4040 extrusion as shown. Tighten the M8x16 screw to secure them.

    • Ensure the corner assemblies are flush and square with the ends of the extrusions after tightening the screws

    • Repeat these instructions for the second 864mm 4040 extrusion

  3. 920mm 4040 Extrusion 4040 Cast Corner Assembly Install corner assemblies on to both sides of each end of the 4040 extrusions as shown. Tighten the M8x16 screw to secure them.
    • 920mm 4040 Extrusion

    • 4040 Cast Corner Assembly

    • Install corner assemblies on to both sides of each end of the 4040 extrusions as shown. Tighten the M8x16 screw to secure them.

    • Ensure the corner assemblies are flush and square with the ends of the extrusions after tightening the screws

  4. 412mm 4040 Extrusion 4040 Cast Corner Assembly Install corner assemblies on to both sides of each end of the 4040 extrusions as shown. Tighten the M8x16 screw to secure them.
    • 412mm 4040 Extrusion

    • 4040 Cast Corner Assembly

    • Install corner assemblies on to both sides of each end of the 4040 extrusions as shown. Tighten the M8x16 screw to secure them.

    • Ensure the corner assemblies are flush and square with the ends of the extrusions after tightening the screws

  5. Front / Back Assembly from Step 2 Central Frame Support Assembly from Step 4 Position the central frame support in the middle of the assembly from Step 3, as shown.
    • Front / Back Assembly from Step 2

    • Central Frame Support Assembly from Step 4

    • Position the central frame support in the middle of the assembly from Step 3, as shown.

    • Tighten the marked M8 cap head screws to secure the extrusions together

    • Repeat these instructions for the second central frame support

  6. Middle Assembly from the previous step Front & Rear Assemblies from Step 2
    • Middle Assembly from the previous step

    • Front & Rear Assemblies from Step 2

    • Position the three assemblies as shown

    • Ensure that the ends of all three 4080 extrusions are aligned

    • Tighten the marked M8 cap head screws to secure the extrusions together

  7. 1000mm 40120 Extrusion Align each of the 40120 extrusions as shown Ensure that the ends of both 40120 extrusions are aligned with the ends of the frame
    • 1000mm 40120 Extrusion

    • Align each of the 40120 extrusions as shown

    • Ensure that the ends of both 40120 extrusions are aligned with the ends of the frame

    • Tighten the marked M8 Cap Head Screws to secure the base together

  8. 2x Rat Rig StrongHold ONE CNC - Motor Plate
    • 2x Rat Rig StrongHold ONE CNC - Motor Plate

    • 2x Rat Rig StrongHold ONE CNC - Idler Plate

    • 12x M12 Washer

    • 12x M12x45 Cap Head Screw

    • 4x M8x22 Cap Head Screw

    • 4x M8 Washer

    • 4x 4040 Drop-in T-Nut - M8

    • The main difference between the motor and idler plates is the Stepper motor mount holes.

  9. Rat Rig StrongHold ONE CNC - Idler Plate M8 Washer M8x22 Cap Head Screw
    • Rat Rig StrongHold ONE CNC - Idler Plate

    • M8 Washer

    • M8x22 Cap Head Screw

    • 4040 Drop-in T-Nut - M8

    • Make sure the counterbore for the bearing is on the same side as the T-Nut.

    • Loosely thread a 4040 T-Nut on to each of the M8x22 screws. Do not tighten them at this point.

    • Repeat these instructions for the second idler plate.

    • Set these assemblies aside until Steps 11 & 12

  10. Rat Rig StrongHold ONE CNC - Motor Plate M8 Washer M8x22 Cap Head Screw
    • Rat Rig StrongHold ONE CNC - Motor Plate

    • M8 Washer

    • M8x22 Cap Head Screw

    • 4040 Drop-in T-Nut - M8

    • Loosely thread a 4040 T-Nut onto each of the M8x22 screws. Do not tighten them at this point.

    • Repeat these instructions for the second motor plate.

    • Set these assemblies aside until Steps 16 & 17

  11. Left idler plate Assembly from Step 9 Align the idler plate assembly with the base frame as shown M12 Washer
    • Left idler plate Assembly from Step 9

    • Align the idler plate assembly with the base frame as shown

    • M12 Washer

    • M12x45 Cap Head Screw

    • Place an M12 Washer on to each M12x45 Cap Head screw and loosely screw them through the plate and in to the extrusion.

    • Do not fully tighten any of the M12 or M8 Cap Head Screws at this point

  12. Right idler plate assembly from Step 9 Align the idler plate assembly with the base frame as shown M12 Washer
    • Right idler plate assembly from Step 9

    • Align the idler plate assembly with the base frame as shown

    • M12 Washer

    • M12x45 Cap Head Screw

    • Place an M12 Washer on to each M12x45 Cap Head screw and loosely screw them through the plate and in to the extrusion.

    • Do not fully tighten any of the M12 or M8 Cap Head Screws at this point

  13. Right motor plate assembly from Step 10 Align the motor plate assembly with the base frame as shown M12 Washer
    • Right motor plate assembly from Step 10

    • Align the motor plate assembly with the base frame as shown

    • M12 Washer

    • M12x45 Cap Head Screw

    • Place an M12 Washer on to each M12x45 Cap Head screw and loosely screw them through the plate and in to the extrusion.

    • Do not fully tighten any of the M12 or M8 Cap Head Screws at this point

  14. Left motor plate assembly from Step 10 Align the motor plate assembly with the base frame as shown M12 Washer
    • Left motor plate assembly from Step 10

    • Align the motor plate assembly with the base frame as shown

    • M12 Washer

    • M12x45 Cap Head Screw

    • Place an M12 Washer on to each M12x45 Cap Head screw and loosely screw them through the plate and in to the extrusion.

    • Do not fully tighten any of the M12 or M8 Cap Head Screws at this point

  15. 4040 extruded corner assembly (For the spoil board) Position the 4040 extruded corner assembly in the middle of the extrusion gap as shown The displayed measurement should be:
    • 4040 extruded corner assembly (For the spoil board)

    • Position the 4040 extruded corner assembly in the middle of the extrusion gap as shown

    • The displayed measurement should be:

    • 220mm for StrongHold ONE 750x750

    • 345mm for StrongHold ONE 750x1250 or 1250x1250

    • Ensure that the top of the extruded corner assembly is flush with the top of the 4040 extrusions.

    • Fully tighten the M8 cap head screw to secure the extruded corner assembly to the frame

    • Repeat the above instructions for the remaining 3 extruded corner assemblies

  16. Before continuing with the assembly, the frame must be squared and all screws full tightened Using an engineers square, check that the side 40120 extrusions are square to the extrusions forming the base On each side, tighten all of the following screws whilst continuing to check that the side extrusion remain square with the base:
    • Before continuing with the assembly, the frame must be squared and all screws full tightened

    • Using an engineers square, check that the side 40120 extrusions are square to the extrusions forming the base

    • On each side, tighten all of the following screws whilst continuing to check that the side extrusion remain square with the base:

    • 4x M8x16 within the cast corners connected to the base

    • 6x M12x45 on the motor and idler plates

    • 2x M8x22 on the motor and idler plates

    • Once one side is fully secured and squared, proceed to repeat the process on the other side

    • After tightening all screws, check the entire frame once more for squareness. Correcting any issues now is easier than once the assembly is complete!

  17. 2x 1000mm HG15 Linear Rail with 2x Carriages
    • 2x 1000mm HG15 Linear Rail with 2x Carriages

    • 1500mm for a 750x1250 or 1250x1250 machine

    • 34x M4x20 Cap Head Screw

    • 50x for a 750x1250 or 1250x1250 machine

    • 34x 4040 Drop-in T-Nut - M4

    • 50x for a 750x1250 or 1250x1250 machine

    • 2x align_40120_hg15 Printed Part

  18. The linear rails are supplied with a protective oil coating on them. It is strongly recommended to prepare your work surface with paper towels and to wear disposable gloves.
    • The linear rails are supplied with a protective oil coating on them. It is strongly recommended to prepare your work surface with paper towels and to wear disposable gloves.

    • Paper Towels

    • Linear Rail

    • Carefully open one end of the linear rail packaging and remove the rail. Place the rail upon the paper towels and dispose of the packaging

    • The oil on the rails protects them from rusting. Make sure not to remove all of the original oil during preparation.

    • The linear rail carriages are not interchangeable. Do not try to use a carriage on a different linear rail than the one it was supplied with.

  19. With the rail still on the absorbent paper towels, carefully and slowly move the carriage from one end of the rail to the other Both carriages should move smoothly over the entire length of the rail
    • With the rail still on the absorbent paper towels, carefully and slowly move the carriage from one end of the rail to the other

    • Both carriages should move smoothly over the entire length of the rail

    • Small changes in resistance are normal, but the carriage becoming very hard to push, or binding completely are not

    • Repeat the previous test whilst applying a small amount of force downwards on the carriage

    • The carriage will likely travel more smoothly when applying a downwards force, this is normal

    • Repeat the process to check the second carriage on the rail

    • If the carriage does not move smoothly, or binds completely, refer to the Linear Rail Troubleshooting Guide

  20. Do not allow the linear rail carriages to leave the end of the rail at any point HG15 Linear Rail
    • Do not allow the linear rail carriages to leave the end of the rail at any point

    • HG15 Linear Rail

    • Insert an M4x20 cap head screw into each of the holes on the linear rail

    • Loosely thread a 4040 T-Nut on to each of the M4x20 screws

    • Repeat these instructions for the second linear rail

  21. StrongHold ONE base assembly from Step 16 HG15 Linear Rail assembly from Step 20 Install the two HG15 40120 alignment tools as shown, this will make sure the linear rail is positioned correctly
    • StrongHold ONE base assembly from Step 16

    • HG15 Linear Rail assembly from Step 20

    • Install the two HG15 40120 alignment tools as shown, this will make sure the linear rail is positioned correctly

    • Tighten every other M4x20 screw, starting from one end

    • Tighten the remaining M4x20 screws, starting from the same end as before

    • Remove the HG15 40120 alignment tools

  22. Repeat the instructions in the previous step to install the second HG15 linear rail to the base assembly
    • Repeat the instructions in the previous step to install the second HG15 linear rail to the base assembly

  23. 2x 1057mm TR8x8 Lead Screw (1557mm for a 750x1250 or 1250x1250 machine)
    • 2x 1057mm TR8x8 Lead Screw (1557mm for a 750x1250 or 1250x1250 machine)

    • 2x Lead Screw Tensioning Nut

    • 4x Thrust Bearing F8-16M

    • 4x 688ZZ Ball Bearing

    • 6x Lock Collar 8mm

    • 4x Nut Block for TR8x8

    • 8x M5 Nylon Locking Hex Nut

    • 4x Precision Shim 12x8x1mm

  24. Nut Block for TR8x8 M5 Nylon Locking Hex Nut
    • Nut Block for TR8x8

    • M5 Nylon Locking Hex Nut

    • Insert the M5 Locking Hex Nut into the Nut Block

  25. 688ZZ Ball bearing Push the ball bearing against the slot on the inner side of the plate. Push the 688ZZ ball bearings against the slots on the inner sides of the plates.
    • 688ZZ Ball bearing

    • Push the ball bearing against the slot on the inner side of the plate.

    • Push the 688ZZ ball bearings against the slots on the inner sides of the plates.

  26. While performing this step, make sure to support the Lead Screw to prevent it from bending Lead Screw Insert the Lead Screw from the back of the assembly through the hole in the ball bearing
    • While performing this step, make sure to support the Lead Screw to prevent it from bending

    • Lead Screw

    • Insert the Lead Screw from the back of the assembly through the hole in the ball bearing

    • Precision Shim 12x8x1mm

    • Slide the Precision Shim on to the Lead Screw.

    • Lock Collar

    • Slide the Lock Collar on to the Lead Screw.

    • Do not tighten the screw on the Lock Collar yet.

  27. Nut Block for TR8x8
    • Nut Block for TR8x8

    • Screw the Lead Screw through both Nut Blocks.

    • Make sure the M5 Nylon Locking Hex Nuts on the Nut Blocks are facing the 40120 extrusion

  28. Lock Collar 8mm Slide the Lock Collar on to the Lead Screw
    • Lock Collar 8mm

    • Slide the Lock Collar on to the Lead Screw

    • Do not tighten the screw on the Lock Collar yet.

    • Precision Shim 12x8x1mm

    • Slide the Lock Collar on to the Lead Screw

  29. Pull the Lead screw through the ball bearing inserted on the idler plate.
    • Pull the Lead screw through the ball bearing inserted on the idler plate.

  30. Thrust Bearing F8-16M Tensioner Nut Install the Thrust Bearing on to the exposed end of the Lead Screw as shown
    • Thrust Bearing F8-16M

    • Tensioner Nut

    • Install the Thrust Bearing on to the exposed end of the Lead Screw as shown

    • Screw the Tensioning Nut on to the end of the lead screw

    • Do not tighten the screw on the Tensioner Nut yet.

  31. Thrust Bearing F8-16M Lock Collar
    • Thrust Bearing F8-16M

    • Lock Collar

    • Do not tighten the screw on the Lock Collar yet.

    • Slide the Thrust Bearing and Lock Collar on to the Lead Screw as shown.

  32. Repeat Steps 27 through 32 to assemble the remaining Lead Screw
    • Repeat Steps 27 through 32 to assemble the remaining Lead Screw

    • The Lead Screws will be fully tensioned and adjusted later in the assembly process

Finish Line

Miguel Cruz

Member since: 02/06/2023

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19 Guides authored

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