Make:

Now it's time to join the front and back panel to the middle. Again, using the M3 nuts and bolts. Be sure to make the back panel face inwards. The laser etching should be visible when looking into the CupCake CNC machine. Once completed, add the left, right, top, and bottom in the same manner.

Now we need to assemble the Z-stage rods. It's easy, but there's some important prep work to do first. The threaded rod has some metal "bits" in the threads that need to be removed.

The easiest method is to put some tape on one end of the threaded rod and insert it into an electric drill. Next, add a little oil, and while slowing turning the rod, use a paper towel to clean out all the debris. Done!

Now it's time to assemble the Z-stage threaded rods. First you add (1) 8mm nut onto the threaded rod, followed by (1) 608 bearing, and another 8mm nut. Use (2) wrenches to tighten the bearing onto the threaded rod.

Next, add another 8mm nut on the other end. This one is used to hold the Z-stage in place. It should be screwed down a few inches to stay out of the way. Then you can add another bearing sandwich like you did on the other end. Note: Do not tighten them up yet!

Next, place the Z-stage threaded rod into the four holes in the top of the enclosure and into the holes in the "middle" layer.

You need to adjust the top-bearing sandwich so that the bearing sits just at, or slightly below, the top layer of the CupCake CNC. It is very important that the bearing sits flush! Double and triple check it!

Once all the bearings sit flush, you can add the Z -stage brackets. Use (1) screw on each cover until you know there is no play, or any friction, on all the threaded rods.

When it's perfect, go ahead and add the rest of the screws.

Next up is adding the power supply. Unfortunately, it didn't fit the laser-cut opening. I had to make the opening slightly larger to accommodate the power switch and plug. Start by cutting a section of wood out from around the switch area. You can eyeball the exact amount fairly easily.

Also, you will need to cut a small notch out of the side to allow more room for the plug. Place the power supply behind and mark the area with a pencil. Then, using a craft knife, carve a small semi circle.

Once those modifications are made, attach the power supply to the laser-cut plywood. Next, attach the entire assembly to the enclosure using the same bolt and screw method used on all the other panels.

Now, feed the cables through the opening on the right hand side of the enclosure.

Done! The enclosure is complete and ready for some electronics. Speaking of which, let's go ahead and add some stepper motors while we're at it!

First, we will install the X-axis stepper motor. Start by attaching one of the small silver pulleys to the stepper motors shaft. The shaft of the motor should be flush with the top of the pulley. Tighten down the setscrew and you are ready to install it into the enclosure.

Now you can mount the X-axis stepper motor to the middle section of the enclosure with the (4) shorter M3 bolts. The bolts thread right into the stepper motor. Easy!

Next up, it's time to install the Z-stage stepper motor. This stepper used the black pulley from the kit. Note: Do not tighten this pulley yet. You may need to adjust the height a bit in the next step.

Now we can go ahead and add all the pulleys to the Z-axis threaded rods. These pulleys are put on upside-down compared to the one installed on the stepper motor.

Also, you can add the tensioning pulleys that were made in part 5 of this build series. They are installed on each side of the stepper and keep the correct tension on the belt. Finally, add the belt and adjust the tension. It should be tight, but not too tight. I know that seems a bit vague, but you'll know when it's right.

The final step is to make sure the height of all the pulleys is correct. As you can see in the image above, the belt sits perfectly inline with the pulleys, especially the one mounted to the stepper motor. Adjust all the pulleys into alignment, and then tighten all the set screws.

And, DONE! We're finished building the enclosure. Next up in the series: Building the Y-stage.

Ask questions! Do you want to see a better picture of a particular part, a different camera angle, a video perhaps? Maybe you have a suggestion for a cool mod or hack? Let me know in the comments. I'll try to answer them as best as I can. Thanks!

Want to know when my next build entry is done? Follow me on Twitter @devinck!

Build history:

• Part 1: Introduction & background
• Part 2: Unboxing
• Part 3: Electronics
• Part 4: Update & burning the bootloaders
• Part 5: Pulley & enclosure finishing
• Part 6: Building the enclosure
• Part 7: Building the Y-stage and adjusting the Z-stage
• Part 8: Building the X stage
• Part 9: Installing the X & Y stages
• Part 10: Installing the endstops & electronics
• Part 11: Building the plastruder & testing
• Part 12: Installing the electronics
• Part 13: Software installation & tuning
• Part 14: First print