Hello everybody. I recently decided to build a delta 3d printer (almost like rostock). This is my first build. So I'm rather new to all of this, anyway. Access to smooth rods is not very easy in my country. Would it be okay if I were to buy stainless steel rods with h9 tolerance. I thought maybe sanding and polishing could work. Would it work? I have lm8uu bearings but I've read that it would damage stainless steel. Can I use plastic bearing, would it last? Or I can just use bronze bushings. I can change to v slot's at worst case. I need a Iinear guide of some sort and need some guidance at the moment. Could anyone help? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,892997,892997#msg-892997 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:42:19 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,892997,893040#msg-893040 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,892997,893040#msg-893040
Just don't expect much.

Ball bearings will cut grooves into soft steel or aluminum. If you can't get hardened and polished rods, it would be better to use bronze or UHMW bushings. UHMW is cheaper and will last longer than PTFE in a sliding bearing situation.]]> the_digital_dentist Reprappers Mon, 26 Jun 2023 17:31:42 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,892997,893033#msg-893033 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,892997,893033#msg-893033
But i would recommend a "Prusa I3 MK2" type for a first build,,, theirs a lot of information and trouble shooting guides available for them online.

-=Mindless=-]]> mindless Reprappers Sun, 25 Jun 2023 08:04:44 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,892997,893025#msg-893025 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,892997,893025#msg-893025 erensatik Reprappers Fri, 23 Jun 2023 04:25:53 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,892997,893024#msg-893024 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,892997,893024#msg-893024 I built my first printer around 2015 using whatever i could find,,,
It had 8mm aluminum rods because i couldn't get proper linear rails, the Plywood for the Frame and Bed came from the Rubbish Dump etc,
Back then you had to work your ass off to build a 3d Printer the electronics where a bloody nightmare, you had to learn how to use Arduino for the Firmware,
Steeper Motors had to be rewired,, thank god for people like the Triffid Hunter (Triffid Hunter's Calibration Guide) and all the other people in the RepRap Forum for helping us newbies out.
These days someone screws in 10 bolts and declare they have built a 3d printer,, which always makes me laugh a little bit-,:)

So far I've designed and built about 20 3d printers using 3d printers to build better 3d printers.
bloody awesome hobby.,,

Greetings from Outback Australia

-=Mindless=-]]> mindless Reprappers Fri, 23 Jun 2023 01:29:12 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,892997,893000#msg-893000 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,892997,893000#msg-893000 There are many people on this, and on other forums, who will tell you that only the best parts will do - often forgetting that they used gas pipe for rods, wood for the frame, and stepper motors from surplus 1980s printers on their own first constructions.
So, Yes. As long as the bearings don't actually rattle on the rods and have no noticeable stiff spots. Check each rod against the others to see if they are sensibly straight.
Quite important things on a Delta printer are that the spacing of the smooth rods is as accurate as you can get it and that all of the Delta rods are exactly the same length. Above all, build it so that parts can be replaced and adjustments can be made.
Mike.]]> leadinglights Reprappers Mon, 19 Jun 2023 06:40:37 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,892997,892997#msg-892997 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,892997,892997#msg-892997 erensatik Reprappers Mon, 19 Jun 2023 05:56:21 -0400