I am connecting 3 linear v-slot 40x40 rails together with a maker link. The rails will be connected inline. I need to make the areas where the linear rails connect together much stronger. With just the makerlink connector 8 can bend the rails on either side of the connector and break the connector. How do I make the connection stronger. There or 4 cylindrical holes in the rail. Can some rods to go in those holes and make the connection stronger? Where can I get the rods from? Thanks.
The small size of the holes really won't offer much. I would probably be more inclined to use filler in the larger cavity area. One suggestion would be rabbeting the corners off a 1" square aluminum bar, turning it into a plus shape and then wedging that down the middle. You might also be able to achieve usable results with a similar piece of good hard oak or maple depending on your loading or usage conditions. Another thought would be to epoxy 1/2" all-thread rods in the nodes of the plus shape. Would probably go 6" each side of the joint with metal and 8" each side with wood.
I use cover plates over the top of the makerlink. If you make the hole spacing on the plate identical to that of the makerlink, then you can use M5 x 8mm or M5 x 10mm screws through the plate into the makerlink instead of the set screws. Even a plastic plate adds considerable strength, though if you want to add serious strength then go with aluminum or steel instead. See the second, third, and fourth photos on this build: Chrysalis: An Enclosure for TAZ 6 3d Printers Also make sure you are using the makerlink in pairs or more. One makerlink is usually weak. Two are moderately strong. And two plus plates are quite strong.
