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Chapter 01 — Frame

Time: 2.5–4.0 h hands-on, first build, two people · Sessions: 4 × ~40 min · Steps: 22

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What this chapter builds — everything orange is new. Everything Chapter 01 leaves standing: the eight horizontals, the four B verticals and the two bed support extrusions. CAD frame is the 250 set (370 mm horizontals, 430 mm verticals). Yours is the 350 set - same joints, longer members.

StartBefore you start

Step 01.1Verify the flat reference surfacewith a helper

Step 01.2Sort the extrusions by lengthwith a helper

Step 01.3Inspect the ends and test-fit a T-nut

Step 01.4Start an M5×16 BHCS in each end of eight A extrusions

Step 01.5Understand the blind joint before you make one

Step 01.6Lay out the bottom square on the reference surface

Step 01.7Join the first vertical to the first cornerwith a helper

Step 01.8Add the remaining three verticals and close the bottom squarewith a helper

Step 01.9Snug and check the bottom squarewith a helper

Step 01.10Fit the four top A extrusionswith a helper

Step 01.11Snug the top square

Step 01.12Square the bottom square and lock itwith a helper

Step 01.13Square the top square and lock itwith a helper

Step 01.14Check the four vertical faceswith a helper

Step 01.15Check the frame sits without rockwith a helper

Step 01.16Fit corner brackets to the two bed extrusions

Step 01.17Load four M5 T-nuts into the bottom rails

Step 01.18Set the bed extrusions and start the fasteners

Step 01.19Position the bed extrusions on the centrelinewith a helper

Step 01.20Final squareness verificationwith a helper

Step 01.21Titanium backers: not now

Step 01.22Record the frame logwith a helper

Checkpoint 01Tick before moving on

Gather per session — what to lay out before each bench segment.

  • Steps 01.1–01.5 · ~40 min — Fasteners, Tools & Misc box: M5×16 BHCS ×16 · Frame Kit 2.4-350 box: A extrusion ×8 · Tools and consumables: masking tape; marker; M5 roll-in T-nut, fit test, back in its tray; M3 roll-in T-nut, fit test, back in its tray; machinist square · Set out for later steps: A extrusion ×2; B extrusion ×4; C extrusion ×2; D extrusion ×1; E extrusion ×1
  • Steps 01.6–01.15 · ~65 min — Frame Kit 2.4-350 box: B extrusion ×4 · Tools and consumables: 3 mm hex key, straight · Already on the bench: A extrusion ×4, prepared; M5×16 BHCS ×2, already in the two A extrusions
  • Steps 01.16–01.19 · ~35 min — Fasteners, Tools & Misc box: M5×16 BHCS ×4; M5 roll-in T-nut ×4; M5×10 BHCS ×4; M5 precision spacer ×4 · Frame Kit 2.4-350 box: A extrusion ×2 · The kit, no LDO BOM row: Corner bracket ×4 · Already on the bench: the two bracketed bed extrusions
  • Steps 01.20–01.22 · ~25 min — nothing to lay out

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