Has anybody lately done a machine expansion or gotten one of those kits in looking at the instructions it talks about the gussets but they didn’t send me the black welded ones I got just some right angle extruded aluminum but in the instructions it doesn’t mention anyway about attaching them.
It’s simply the standard in all kits now with the spring loaded nut and bolt
Try reading instructions for a modern kit, not your original one. You might need to mix and match instructions based on what you had, and what you got.
I’m not familiar with the spring-loaded nothing bolt of what you speak.
I hear you yeah the last time the machine expansion instructions were updated was 2002 or 2022 maybe I wish I had a video kind of outlining the process it’s not quite as simple as you think . I certainly appreciate the reply I will look at the other later model installation instructions.
Here is the angle brace shipped my new machine last January. These are drilled such that a rolling T-nut and a hex bolt can fasten them into the adjoining members.
I also just ordered a 2’ extension a couple of weeks ago to add to my 4x4 Pro machine. I haven’t looked into instructions yet but Avid support mentioned that I will need to offset my Y-axis gantry gear racks to bridge the joint where the 2’ extension meets the current 4’ frame. It makes sense to bridge the weak area in this manner. I’m anxious for the extension (along with the moveable ATC rack) to keep a full 4x4 footprint and maintain my rotary and vertical workholding at the front of the machine.
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I can see why avid made the move to the aluminum but I was a little disappointed because the metal ones look much stronger
I agree for sure
I’m not a materials scientist, but IMHO these parts need to be stiffer, not stronger.
We have an excellent engineering staff that goes over and tests all of these changes. I wasn’t around for this change but I suspect at the angle these see force they are more than sufficient.
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I have my CNC machine since 2022 and have no issues with the aluminum bracing and have no way of comparing the two engineering well done 
That’s the tool tightening fixture that comes with the new smart spindles for ISO30 taper tool holders.
Ok nice
Yes, it’s definitely a need to have item. It works great! I also added a 1/4” retractable hose reel under the top to keep a blow nozzle handy or plug in the composite nailer.
The metal ones were a PIA to install (bolt access).
Don’t ask why I remember this….. 
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Yeah!! But you only install once 
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That has not been my experience. But, I tinker with everything…