Raw 2.5 Creative Forum - Recent Posts

RE: Rack version build status

Rawcnc — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 05:19:39 +0000

Yes, 15 and 17 are the same, they specify it different, 17mm with the teeth and 15mm wide,

RE: Rack version build status

Dan Howard — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:35:25 +0000

I am only seeing 15x15 MOD1 rack at motedis.com, the BOM specifies 15x17. does 15x15 work?

RE: Mach3 Initial Setup

Rawcnc — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 02:25:55 +0000

Hi, We have a guide for mach3 with the settings files here: https://creative.rawcnc.com/setup-mach3-or-uccnc/

By the way, great work on the machine! The black aluminium profiles look really nice.

I also noticed that you are using larger motors than we do. I would be very interested to hear how the machine performs once you have everything calibrated and have done some proper cutting tests.

And I noticed how you mounted the cable chain in the opposite direction. That is actually a smart solution, as it saves quite a bit of cable. The advantage of our layout is that the cables are a little more hidden, but your approach definitely makes sense.

Really nice build, and thanks for sharing it with us!

settings.png

RE: Where in the USA to get plates for the build?

Rawcnc — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 02:22:04 +0000

That is actually a very good price, especially considering the cost of steel, laser cutting, gas and labour.

It is roughly what we need to charge for our own plate sets to make a reasonable profit.

Choosing the non-urgent option sounds like a smart way to save some money, especially if they can use leftover material from other jobs.

Thanks for sharing this. It is useful information for other builders in the US!

RE: Rack version build status

Rawcnc — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 02:20:13 +0000

Hi Dave,

We are currently working on finding suitable suppliers for the rack and pinion parts.

Motedis.com offers the correct MOD1 racks in 1-meter lengths, and these can be joined together for longer machines.

Another option worth looking into is nylon or POM racks. They are lighter, quieter and can work well even with steel pinions, provided they are properly sized for the load.

I would personally stay with MOD1 rather than switching to MOD1.5, since changing the module also requires a matching pinion and may affect the drive setup.

Hopefully, we will soon be able to make sourcing these parts much easier for everyone.

RE: Square Tube for X-Axis

Rawcnc — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 02:17:00 +0000

Yes, I think your solution should work fine!

The important dimension is the 40 mm thickness, as the steel tube sits between the aluminium extrusions. Your 3" × 1.5" tube with a 0.075" shim gives almost exactly 40 mm, which is what we need.

The other dimension, 76.2 mm instead of 80 mm, should not cause any problems.

Using two 80 × 40 aluminium profiles is also an option, but personally I would prefer the steel tube for better rigidity, especially on a machine this large.

I would avoid welding the aluminium extrusions together, as the heat could cause distortion. Mechanical joining would be my preferred solution.

So if you can source that steel tube locally, I think you have found a good alternative.

Mach3 Initial Setup

Chirita George — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 18:50:14 +0000

Hello,

Do you happen to have a mach3 tutorial or a file that contains the initial set-up for the machine?

I've built a rack and pinion one that is 1980x990 and I'm happy to stay that it works but I'm having a rough time setting up mach3.

I've managed to turn on the motors and sensors so that I can run the machine manually but I'm yet to calibrate it and figure out how to set soft limits and the rest.

Thanks

1980x990.jpeg

RE: Where in the USA to get plates for the build?

Kaydon Duvall — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 16:36:06 +0000

I used OshCut for my plates in the USA, total came out to ~$280 before discount code. I marked them as non urgent - meaning they’ll fill the order later but the savings were substantial. I assume because they’ll cut my smaller parts out of leftovers from other jobs

RE: Rack version build status

Steve Sandström — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 02:39:42 +0000

I bought from the webshop before they went out of stock. The problem with mod 1.5 is the teeth count. Bigger and fewer teeth means higher speed but less resolution.

Bigger racks won't physically fit either without a bigger redesign of the machine.

RE: Square Tube for X-Axis

Kaydon Duvall — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 02:05:44 +0000

So you wouldn't be too worried about gantry weight? The same supplier that has 2mm wall has 3mm available now. The 2mm would be 6-10 weeks lead time because they're out of stock.

I was worried about adding additional weight to the gantry, as I was planning on trying to source a 2.2kw ISO20 spindle if I can manage... as ATC would certainly be a luxury. And was thinking I might want to keep the moving mass lower?

Thanks in advance, looking forward to the build

For the US folks looking for tube Spahr Metric is the supplier I tracked down