[mlchman]

I recently purchased a used KX3. It is in good condition overall. I got Mach3 up and running on the computer it came with. I got it moving in all directions but noticed a clunk in the Y axis. I tried to check the Axis Calibration in the Mach3 settings tab. All were close but the Y axis still had the clunk. When I tried to return the Y axis to original location using the Axis Calibration with a negative value, I was off by a lot. I checked the backlash and it was at about .036", X was about .001". I removed the chip shield for the Y Axis and turned the ball screw by hand, there was a considerable amount of "free play" before the clunk where it felt like the fingers of the coupler came in contact with each other. It felt like the coupler was finally engaged with the stepper motor (as if the center rubber/plastic) piece had come apart.

My question is this; Has anyone of you had to replace a Y Axis coupler on a KX3. I lifted the machine off it's stand hoping it was accessible from underneath, but it is solid with no access. It appears I will have to remove the electronics/column cover and then remove the column for access to the coupler.

Has anyone done this and can offer some suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

Michael

[mlchman]

Problem solved. The red plastic flex disc in the coupler came apart. By removing the column cover/electronics housing and raising it up about 6', I was able to access the coupler. Little Machine Shop had the correct coupler in stock as a discontinued part. I replaced the coupler and was back in business. All told, it was about an hour job.