# X-axis stiffening **URL:** \ **Category:** X-Carve\ **Created:** [June 8, 2016, 6:23pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/x-axis-stiffening/24721 "2016-06-08T18:23:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![anon68752607](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6de8d8/32.png) [@anon68752607](https://community.inventables.com/u/anon68752607)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2016, 6:23pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/x-axis-stiffening/24721/1 "2016-06-08T18:23:01Z")
Hey I am having some issues with my machine, so I thought I finally bite the bullet and do some long overdue overhauling. I know that one of my stepper cables has a bad connection, I will add supports along the Y-axes, I need to clean out the Z threadnut, add Y-rail chip protection, etc. you know the whole works including really trying to square it up and make it as good as I can get it. If I’m going to take it apart, better do it all in one go. Obviously I want to make the X-axis more rigid, as I’mhaving trouble getting decent speeds on aluminium. So the question is: which method would provide the stiffest result this one: > [@A 60 minute x-axis stiffening mod to reduce chatter](https://community.inventables.com/t/a-60-minute-x-axis-stiffening-mod-to-reduce-chatter/20073): > > I really liked the idea of not having to drill holes through the maker slide on the 30 minute x-axis mod ([https://community.inventables.com/t/a-30-minute-x-axis-mod-to-reduce-chatter](https://community.inventables.com/t/a-30-minute-x-axis-mod-to-reduce-chatter)) but thought I could take it to the next level. Rather than using washers to clamp the two rails together, I took a trip to the corner hardware store and picked up two pieces of flat bar aluminum. One piece measuring 1”x1/8”x48” and the second one measuring 3/4”x1/8”x48" [image] I cut the length of both bars to ma… or bolting through the makerslide (I don’t mind drilling them at all) with a flat piece of steel in between? Or anything else? If i’m going to do it, I’m going to do it right! ---
**Author:** ![anon68752607](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6de8d8/32.png) [@anon68752607](https://community.inventables.com/u/anon68752607)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2016, 7:57pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/x-axis-stiffening/24721/3 "2016-06-08T19:57:05Z")
especially since the 30/60 minute mod puts the stiffening along the X axis. Even if you use flat strips on top and below, they are prone to bend along with the X axis sag. However, if you place the steel perpendicular between the makerslideprofiles, it should structurally be much more stiff. in theory that is… 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Earwigger](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/earwigger/32/85008_2.png) [@Earwigger](https://community.inventables.com/u/Earwigger)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2016, 8:32pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/x-axis-stiffening/24721/4 "2016-06-08T20:32:50Z")
I agree with that assessment. I did go a step further and mount my y-axis rails directly to a squared surface for my aluminum milling machine to prevent flex of any kind. But it is a much smaller machine so this may not be practical for you. This mod also reduces z-clearance to just over 1/2" (but I didn’t think I would be milling metals over a half inch). > [@Coming Soon: SON OF X-CARVE](https://community.inventables.com/t/coming-soon-son-of-x-carve/15403/2): > > Rigidity mod built in. Frame and wasteboard are one. The entire thing will be bolted down to a flat surface. Problem is, this machine is so superior to my 1000mm x-carve that now I am working on taller plates to hold the gantry so I can mill up to 1.5" thick. Hopefully this will not compromise rigidity. .25" aluminum is on order for this mod: ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/3X/5/e/5ecf25291aeada96927f2c451f35e2b9d03521ed.jpg) Notice the x-axis makerslides and the stepper mount are now centered - hopefully that will gain some rigidity by reducing the angle of force applied by the router (shorter lever arm).