Need X-axis endstop holder for Prusa i3 - any suppliers?

Hi folks. Many, many moons ago I started building a Prusa I3, based on parts from various sources. My progress has been really poor, partly due to the limited time that I have available. At the moment, I have a printer that works in all respects apart from the fact that I don't have an end-stop holder for the X-axis. To clarify: I have the actual switch (on a small PCB with LED indicator) and the circuitry works fine, but I don't have anything to hold it in place. Ideally, once I've got the basic printer working, I would like to upgrade it piecemeal, by building my own upgrades. However, to do any of that, I need a basic functioning machine, Is there anybody out there who could provide me with an end-stop holder? The two options that I've seen include a holder that is built into the mount for the X-axis stepper motor. and an end-stop holder that clamps to the z-axis runners - either would be fine. I would of course be prepared to pay for this part (assuming we're not talking silly money).

Welcome.

Could you provide a picture of your printer, so we exactly know what you built and make the correct holder?
Regarding money - could be interesting where you are from - else shipment costs could be extremely high.

Here is a photo of an identical model, that I found on eBay: Reprap Prusa i3 Mk1

This omits the wiring and other stuff that would otherwise obscure the view.

I live in the UK, so would hope that shipment costs would not be too high, providing you are in Europe

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/08/2020 11:26AM by AndyD.

I just connected it to my smooth rod with a tie-rip the first time. Then I printed out my own part and replaced it

Should work fine. Otherwise, I live in NL and would print it for free, only shipping cost would have to be covered.

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http://www.marinusdebeer.nl/

You may well be right - I'll give it a try

Nice bubble(s) by the way

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AndyD
You may well be right - I'll give it a try

Nice bubble(s) by the way

Honestly, on my MendelMax I still use a ziptie hahaha.
And thanks about the bubbles, and to remind me I have to update the hopelessly outdated website........



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/09/2020 04:36PM by Ohmarinus.

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http://www.marinusdebeer.nl/

maybe one day i'll use endstops...but they dont alf add some clutter.

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MechaBits
maybe one day i'll use endstops...but they dont alf add some clutter.

Without endstops, how does the printer find 'home'?

It doesn't.

You tell it where it is.

Normally you park it at a known location then power off. On next power on you tell it where it is again.

Its a pain in the butt, but does work.

If this really is a prusa i3 mk1 (and It looks like it is from the X carriage shape)

It doesn't have endstop holders. They where just micro switches held on with zip ties
see the assembly manual [manual.prusa3d.com]
In particular this page [manual.prusa3d.com]



The mk2 had holes at the bottom of the X motor mount to attach the microswitch

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Dust
It doesn't.

You tell it where it is.

Normally you park it at a known location then power off. On next power on you tell it where it is again.

Its a pain in the butt, but does work.

Apologies for also being a pitb, but how do you "tell it where it is"? I'm a newbie in case you hadn't guessed

I find it funny to see that my ziptie solution isn't that uncommon.

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http://www.marinusdebeer.nl/

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Ohmarinus
I find it funny to see that my ziptie solution isn't that uncommon.

sometimes the old ways are the best

to tell the machine where it is you send gcode G92
[marlinfw.org]

For X and Y end stops a zip tie is fine, It doesn't have to be that accurate... but personally I don't like the idea for the Z end stop

A 3D printer would come handy to make such simple holder, 5 min to "design" a bit longer to print.

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"A comical prototype doesn't mean a dumb idea is possible" (Thunderf00t)

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MKSA
A 3D printer would come handy to make such simple holder, 5 min to "design" a bit longer to print.

I will probably adopt Dust's suggestion to use manual homing, and use the printer to print some proper endstops. I realise I don't strictly need them but I prefer to over-engineer (it's a known weakness of mine).

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Dust
It doesn't.

You tell it where it is.

Normally you park it at a known location then power off. On next power on you tell it where it is again.

Its a pain in the butt, but does work.

I just make sure I send it to Z=0 after the last print(dont bother with x & y), and when I start I just put the head close to the corner, but out the way of the bed level screw as when the motors engage they move a little, though sometimes position off the bed, so when I purge some filament it drops to the floor rather than on the bed, or I raise it 10mm and purge there, when I hit print it returns to zero, saves time on any probing end stops or faffing around with pullups, & extra wires, though obviously with beefier motors & finger chopping designs they are needed. Hasn't let me down in years.