Maybe you have seen this before on my write up of the Cyclops.  I set them up so they could be fed from top or bottom.

This is a completely original set of carriages for the Solidoodle 2. They were inspired by Lawsy's carriages, and additional work by CHAMP and others.

I decided to make these because other solutions weren't nicely compatible with string-drive systems (fishing line instead of timing belts). Also, I had issues with the Y-Left carriage's stepper-holder warping due to heat. And I don't like the X carriage solutions available for bowden extruders. Too many pieces.

Should be fully compatible with both belt-driven and string-driven setups, and original SD2 idlers, pulleys, gears, stepper placements, etc.

X carriage
The X carriage combines a mount for a J-head or E3D or Prometheus or similar hotend. It is intended for use with a bowden setup, as there is no mounting point for a direct drive stepper on the carriage.

It uses 3x LM8-UU linear bearings. Hold them in place with tightened cable ties.

Y-Left carriage
The Y-Left carriage holds the NEMA-14 stepper in the same position as Lawsy's carriages and the original Solidoodle design (IIRC). My design differs from Lawsy's in that there's more clearance for the belt/string-tightening bolts, allowing for the use of these "line-length control washers."

This part is designed to "capture" M3 hex nuts for (I think?) all the points where M3 bolts are necessary. Not the NEMA-14 mounting points, but everywhere else.

It uses 2x LM8-UU linear bearings. Hold them in place with tightened cable ties.

Y-Right carriage
The Y-Right carriage does not exist yet. SOON.

See Also:
For a strong, reliable bowden connection from the extruder to the hotend, I recommend my own variation of Lawsy's bowden extruder, which completely captures a push-fit connector at the cold end. You can pump up the e-stepper's torque and stop worrying about your bowden line bursting free.

I recommend these "line-length control washers" for relatively easy tightening of fishing line.

To Do:
make Y Right carriage
update X carriage to "capture" M3 nuts
figure out a nice way to mount fans/accessories on the X carriage
??

Send me feedback! Updates ongoing.