[nateman_doo]

Finally got around to machining the new slots for new A2 jaws that I am going to harden:


Also I took 0.032 off the originals (0.03 with an end mill, and 2 thou with a fly cutter and got a lovely finish)


Also I re-trammed the machine in its entirety and took 0.03 off the tool plate as well.

[nateman_doo]

Tragedy struck :tired:

how many years of usage the belt finally broke.

[nateman_doo]

Had another repair. Y axis pillow block screws. Threading into aluminum. Every so often over the years I would have to tighten, without ever over doing it. So I simply drilled out the 4 screws and put helicoils in there and I expect that issue will be solved.

[nateman_doo]

Ultimately the repair was successful. Also got into anodizing!

[nateman_doo]

Attachment 184656
my full schematic (less the motor & motor wires)

So, I realized I had this diagram wrong with the home switches (I use software limits)

Having issues with the X home function. I have the break out board open, and I am shunting the M1 Home function direct to ground, and the LED on the board goes out, but it doesnt show a yellow led in the diagnostics page on Mach 3. Both the Z, and Y axis shunting the home wires triggers the LED on the board to come on, (as with the X axis) but they trigger the yellow LEDs in the diagnostic screen on M2Home and M3Home

I wonder if the BoB is bad?

[nateman_doo]

I actually have an update. I recently got a 3d printer, and made myself a rough drain for the system.





.
So the machine has still been rocking and rolling all these years. Its been so long that I dont have the email associated with this account anymore. Hopefully a MOD notices this and I can figure out a way to have them update my email address =/

[RaderSidetrack]

Its been so long that I dont have the email associated with this account anymore. Hopefully a MOD notices this and I can figure out a way to have them update my email address =/

Send a PM containing your new email and a request to get your account updated to Admin. Here is his Profile: https://www.cnczone.com/forums/members/burs.html

[nateman_doo]

It was taken care of, thank you!

[nateman_doo]

My Y axis backlash has been bothering me for some time, so I am finally going to address it. I did a tear down of the axis and plan to attempt to add some springs to pre-load it. I found springs from McMaster (1986K995) that can slide over the ball screw, but are the same OD as the round of the ball nut and I can torque down the second ball nut with the springs.

In the meantime, I made a CAD version of the RM1605 ball screw, so I can unscrew the ball nut and remove them from the main ball screw:

[nateman_doo]

So, first option:



not sure if I want 1 or 2. springs in series are still the same compression. I wonder for longevity having the ball screw touch the spring. I dont think it would be too much of a problem, as in it wont mess up the hardened screw, but what would be a good bearing choice of maybe 1 or 2 mm thick?

The other option is make a wide block lon the other ball nut and side by side mount the springs which would put 200 lbs on the ballnuts. Its just which is better, 100 lbs, or 200 lbs? I have a 3rd option coming. 2 double nuts with a with a single spring in the middle...

[nateman_doo]

So here is option 3. I have 2 of these ordered (so it basically commits me to this option)



Have 2 of these, with a single one of the above 100 lbs compression springs in-between. Or a single one, with a regular ball nut to save some extra space. Can use the other for the X axis, but the X axis doesnt seem to have the same backlash. Far less weight riding on the X.

[nateman_doo]

The above ballnut was ultimately successful without the springs. Also had to replace a stepper and stepper controller. Hopefully no more issues for some time.

[nateman_doo]

I am thinking about upgrading the electrical system of the machine. Its well over 10 years old, and over the years there have been some great advancements like close looped stepper controls. I bought one to experiment with, but I dont think its compatible with my old break out board so its looking like it may be time to swop out everything.

I am considering starting with this break out board:
https://www.cnc4pc.com/shop/c25xp-c-...ted-board-4725

Or a warp 9 ethernet board:
https://warp9td.com/index.php