Rack version build - Raw 2.5 Creative Forum

Issues putting it all together

Steve Sandström — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 11:02:40 +0000

I have a couple of minor issues when putting my machine together.

I ordered the kits, racks and pinions from the website. The only parts I have sourced elsewhere so far are guide rail and steel tubing.

So far I've come across a couple of issues putting this all together, worthy noting and thinking of.

1. When mounting the spring loaded motor mounting plates on their assigned positions, the M8 bolt is too thick for the precut holes.

I considered two different solutions. One was theeading and the other was drilling the hole wider. Thoughts?

2. The rails are to be mounted by m4x12 machine screws and m4 t-nuts. However, those screws are too short. They do not reach all the way down to the theeads.So I need longer screws, and was thinking M4x16 since I'm not sure M4x12 would add much enough extra thread to actually give the strength needed.

If I stumble upon additional hardships, small or large, I will add those here.

Helical Rack

Christer Magnusson — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 03:33:59 +0000

Helical rack, isent it better for talest version.

motor covers

Dan Howard — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:09:53 +0000

In the video for the rack build you install a motor cover that has enclosed sides and an extended part that I believe is attached to the 3mm plate. I do not see that smaller side cover, nor the holes for it in the plate dxf, nor the spacer enclosures.

see attached

covers.jpg

Plates in the USA - alternative thicknesses

Brandon Robertson — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:30:12 +0000

I saw this discussed some earlier, but I'm starting a new topic as suggested because I also have another question about it.

3mm seems easy enough to get here. And I saw that you believe .250 inch should be ok for the 6mm. What about the 10mm spacer? Does that need to be exactly 10mm?

BOM list for the rack and pinion version is now available

Rawcnc — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 10:30:32 +0000

The BOM list for the rack and pinion version of the Raw Creative is now finished and available here:

https://creative.rawcnc.com/bom-list-for-the-rack-and-pinion-version/

All parts should now be correct for the rack version, but if you find anything that looks strange or unclear, please let me know so I can check it.

The steel plate files for the rack version are also available to download, so builders can either make the plates locally or use the files as reference when planning the build.

Long machines and full sheet format

Rawcnc — Wed, 27 May 2026 16:50:19 +0000

When the rack and pinion version of the Raw Creative is released, it will make it possible to build much longer machines, including machines large enough for full sheet material.

This is one of the main advantages of the rack version. For longer travel distances, rack and pinion is often a more practical solution than belts or ball screws.

However, there is one important thing to understand: the Raw Creative is an aluminium profile machine, and it is not designed to stand on its own legs as a large freestanding industrial frame.

For a larger machine, especially a full sheet format machine, the solution is to build a strong and flat table for the machine to sit on. The table becomes an important part of the complete build.

The table can be built from wood, aluminium or steel, depending on your tools, budget and what materials are easy to source locally. The most important thing is that it is strong, stable and as flat as possible.

Most desktop CNC machines are around 2 meters long or less, but it is absolutely possible to build a much longer desktop-style machine if it has a proper table underneath it.

So in short: the rack version opens the door for long machines and full sheet builds, but the machine needs a solid table to support it.

Below is an example of how a larger table-supported machine can be built. It's an Avantic machine, but the frame is very similar

2.png

Rack version build status

Rawcnc — Tue, 26 May 2026 06:22:49 +0000

I know many people are interested in this version, especially for larger machines and longer travel distances, so I want to be transparent about the current status.

The plan is to publish the illustrations and drawings first, so members can start understanding the layout, components and mechanical setup. The full build video will come later.

This takes time because these are not simple machines. Even though the concept may look straightforward from the outside, there are many details that need to be correct: alignment, motor placement, gear reduction, rack positioning, tensioning, calibration and general assembly order.

Many of the parts used in the belt version will also be reused for the rack version. The frame, linear rails, motors, electronics and many general components are the same or very similar.

The parts that change are mainly related to the drive system. The rack version uses rack and pinion components instead of belts and idlers, and some of the steel plates are different between the versions.

To make this easier, we also have steel plates available on our website. Some of these plates are designed to be more universal between the different versions, which makes it easier to build or upgrade without starting completely from zero.

So in short: the rack version is coming, but it is not fully documented yet. I will release the illustrations first, and then the video will follow when it is ready.