Making a powered Z-Axis table for my K40 Laser Cutter - Holgamods Kit (Part 1)

So I recently ordered a Z-Axis kit for my Laser cutter from holgamods.com

I thought I'd document the build.

First I installed the aluminium saw blade for my tablesaw. This will allow for good cuts on the aluminium that I will be using

After cutting 4 pieces of 25mm square aluminium tubing to approximately 255mm I then needed to ensure that every piece was square and the right length, 253mm.

So I taped the pieces together, and clamped them to each other so they did not spread apart as I pushed them through the saw.

First cut done

Both sides done and the tape removed.

Just checking to make sure I got 253mm - not bad!

Time to sand down these tubes in order to make them ready to paint.

Broke out my Ryobi orbital sander with 180 grit paper attached

Now it was time to drill some holes using my drill press. Used a 3.2mm drill bit straight from the chineseium factory (cheap and nasty)

Marked the places that I wanted to drill the holes - 1/2" and 1" from each end

Time to drill the holes!

As you can see here these need to be cleaned up on the inside..

Time to break out an old file

As you can see here, it cleans up nicely!

Time to prepare these to be painted.. Cut up an old coathanger.. well, actually it was one out of the warddrobe - hopefully my partner doesn't notice ;)

Hung them up on the remaining piece of aluminium tube using a mini step ladder and a sack truck to hold it up

Time to paint! - Using some Rust-oleum paint and primer in Satin poppy red. This is something I had laying around

.. and painted - Yes, I suck at spray painting.. but who cares :)

For the cross section - needed a piece of 25mm wide 3mm thick mild steel flat bar. Cut this to 260mm

Once sanded down, this was ready to also be painted.

This concludes part 1 of this build... Need to wait for the paint to dry before continuing :)