I don’t really know how this forum works, but could some sort of auto-reply work in some cases?
I often don’t find what I’m looking for easily on the forum. Or things get lost in the conversation. or are behind several links. So it’s very discouraging to start digging for something.
I’m generalizing, but we modern people are very impatient. If the answer doesn’t come right away, there’s no point in looking for it. I’ve been hanging around for a while and I don’t think I even know where the frequently asked questions can be found.
I don’t know if it works for others, but if I were new, it would be a great relief for me if I could find an answer to my question immediately.
Example:
person xy asks Can I use such and such a thick tube when I can’t find the right one. The official V1E response would come automatically. V1E recommends these options, but according to user experience, this also works, etc. (no link anywhere)
More importantly, do the variables just make it more intimidating.
If I just show a big rectangle, you don’t need to know where your router ends up. The calc shows you the footprint and notes to add a inch or two just in case. That sounds very not intimidating to me. We start adding mechanical drawing with tolerances and dual dimensions, I worry it looks overcomplicated for the fact that we only need length and width.
The whole goal of this is for you not to need to ask a question. We are trying to get just enough info in the instructions.
We never ask anyone to search for an answer because you do not know the lingo we use. so finding what you are looking for is next to impossible.
If there is an issue we encourage everyone to start your own topic and ask as many questions as you need. If the questions become common they get added to the instructions.
Ok, I think this is reasonable, and really what I was looking for when I was building mine.
I used the mechanical drawing because that’s what existed, but I think something like this is probably good enough, and doesn’t bog down the inexperienced user in unnecessary detail and complication
Perhaps it is a carry over from other forums, but I resist posting simply, quick questions for “fear” of getting blasted with the dreaded “try searching” responses.
I’ve been here for a little more than a year and have never seen a post even slightly resembling that.
I have seen quite a few asking people to create threads and ask questions though.
There is, quite literally, almost nothing I would be scared to create a thread and ask about lol. Really….any ridiculous topic, and I bet I would get help
Okay so there is the problem. The answer is it depends. Differnt endstops are ±5mm and each one itself is probably ±2mm in X, Y is even more so + each router is offset some.
So the real answer is build the table and do not set your workspace until the LR is mounted on teh table so you know exactly where your router is.
So, knowing this, is there a simply “fudge” factor that could be added to EACH X1, X2, Y1, Y2 (such as 1/2", 1", etc) that would cover such cases? The idea is to still build a multi-material topped table WHILE building your gantry.
Assembled it, and measured where everything fell, then transferred the lines to the table
Edit: It feels like I’m going back and forth here, but I’m working off what I remember from over a year ago…
So looking back through my build pictures and how I did it all, I do specifically remember worrying about all of this stuff ahead of time, exact measurements, etc…
But in the end, I did what @vicious1 said, and just built the table according to the calculator, then assembled the machine, then cut my runners and laid out the spoilboard on an as-built reference.
It was much easier to get 100% correct that way, anyway
Because the bearings/wheels/rollers/rail are contact points, I was just looking for the relative distances. Trying to verify that when I cut my EMT, the contact points will be close enough for my ability to shim my rails out (or remove current shims). The drawing above is awesome. Thank you. I think some simple dimensions based on spec parts may allow folks with one-off questions to investigate for themselves. That drawing hit the spot for me.
(I do think you may provide the information in the statement on minimum table size. I was just trying to ensure that was where the roller hit. Like I said, not a big deal for me either way.)
It is totally doable, and would be really cool (and helpful I think) to have the calculator tool to display a diagram like this and have it automatically update the measurement values/dimensions shown on it based on what the person put into the calculator!
I do think Ryan is trying to simplify the message and ensure people know that all of that information is for experienced builders. So I did think a little about the problem of making the additional information available for those with existing tables.
I’d be willing to bet you could estimate the number of people looking to fit the LR4 onto an existing table based on the upgrade kits you sell. Perhaps you could create an FAQ specific to upgraders with existing functional lowriders with some of this information in it and link it ONLY from the upgrade kit page in the shop.
“Notes for Upgraders” or something. Some notes on dimensional differences could be part of it,. You might even include some comments on a few mods you considered incorporating but rejected, briefly stating the reason (i.e. Much of the benefit of this upgrade would be sacrificed if this mod is used.")
Of course - a big bold reminder that this information is provided for experienced users and that we should guide new builders to the stock configuration.
I really think he’s right, and if you are doing anything except for a normal flat table, then it’s better to assemble your machine, measure it yourself, and make your decisions based on that.
There are so many variables to consider for people, the only way to make sure it’s 100% right, is “as-built”
While you may look at it as “close-enough”, the next person might be looking for mm precision.
Measure your assembly is the simplest, most-foolproof way
Diagram with measurements of belts and contact points will help me plan, and, verify what I actually measure is expected per design. Helping detect if I did something fool hardy during assembly.
