Am I overthinking this?

[Capstone]

So I've got my new base ready for the rails... Here's where I have to fix all of the warpage and poorly aligned joints that were welded by this kid I thought knew how to weld.

Question: If I bolt one raid side down and then just make sure the other one is equal distance apart at the ends and in the middle; that should ensure that the gantry bearings will run true right?! Why is it that when I do that, the diagonal measurement is still off by 1/4in. Does that "squaring" measurement really matter in this case? Not sure why this is bugging me, but I'd appreciate a reality check.

Thanks

[acourtjester]

If the rails are the same length and diagonal measurements and the parallel measurements are correct that's as good as it gets.
I would be sure the parallel measurements are correct as that is the most important, a small difference of travel distance along an axis is not that big a deal.
Also make sure the rails are level with each other with no twist

[Capstone]

Thanks. I think I covered all the angles. it's not "square" but the rails are definitely parallel and the same height and level. I just got the gantry back on the rails and it's running solid. The best part is how there's no shudder/vibration at the tip of the torch like before. The only problem is that I overshot the height of the gantry above the water table and have to make a correction in that aspect. Otherwise, I'm stoked to start making cuts.

[acourtjester]

stick a couple of wood 2X4 under the water table

[Capstone]

stick a couple of wood 2X4 under the water table

I used the old shorter 2x2 rail supports from my previous table. They will work great.

Now I just have to empty the old table and recover the slat holders. not looking forward to that mess.

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