Onto the Y axis movement.
The Y axis movement consists of two linear slides that are mounted on either side of the Z platform. They are mounted to the deck, and not the the Z stage, so that the Z stage can be used to control the distance from the material to the cutting head. The slides themselves are machined out of a solid bar of aluminum and then anodized. They are quite heavy duty and in excellent condition. The trucks that ride on the rails are in relatively good shape as well, though they do need new wheels/bearings. The belts and idlers for the belts also need to be replaced [normal service items, so not a big problem]. The belts that move the trucks, and by extension the X axis, are driven by a dual shaft stepper. This configuration eliminates the possibility of X axis twisting or racking, as both sides move in unison. The hardest part will be squaring up the assembly when I put it back together. It is a very well thought out, and simple, design. Once again the stepper motor will be replaced, although it does turn freely as is. This is one area where I may elect to upgrade in order to have more power for moving a heavier Y axis / X gantry. This is because one of the upgrades I am thinking of doing is adding air-assist, which is going to add some mass. Unfortunately that’s about where the usability of the original parts end. On the left hand truck, is the #2 mirror which needs to be replaced. On the right hand truck, is the X-axis stepper motor, as well as a circuit board that contained the X & Y home sensors. The PCB burnt up, so it will need to be replaced entirely. [it also contained the flex circuitry that brought the signal/power to the X axis stepper motor] I’ll probably use heavier gauge wires for feeding the new stepper, and I’ll route the wires using a flexible cable carrier instead of using something like a flex-circuit. The cable carrier will also facilitate routing of the air line for the air assist.
Ouch my eye! 
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