Hi everyone, Steven here.
This is my first post. I am very new to the world of CNC and machining in general and had purchased my first budget friendly desktop CNC kit from ZenCNC.
I am currently at the mercy of my own ignorance and also the company I had purchased the CNC Kit from (ZenCNC) does not seem to have any customer service so I am just lost and need some help. Any help is deeply appreciated.
I currently have a 12 x 12 ZenCNC desktop kit that took me 4 weeks on and off to assemble when I have time. I am a slow learn when it comes to technology.
My issue right now is with its spindle motor, which is not turning upon initial testing.
It's a DC spindle, 5000-8000 RPM - ER11.
Turning the spindle by hand seems very smooth. No jittery, or weird physical motion. Feels like smooth machine rotation. Feels like butter.
The instructions recommended a raw power test of the spindle first before connecting it to a microboard (Variable speed controller) than I think to the arduino. It also recommended soldering extension cables (Minimum 14 AWG) to the spindle cables because the spindle cables (1 black, 1 red, 4 inches long) are too short to reach the power supply units and other boards. There were also 6 limit switches which I have also soldered extension cables to but have not yet mounted or tested.
Should I have not gone with the minimum 14 AWG and maybe gone with something higher? I see some people use 18 or even 20 AWG for my machine but the instructions said 14 AWG.
So, having attempted my first ever soldering, I used a handy man tool to help hold my 2 ends together, keeping my hands free for soldering. The soldered joints are a little thick but strong.
After having followed all the instructions to the T, which were pretty straight forward as it was only 4 wired connections (Power plug's 2 wire - live and neutral - and 2 wires from the motor) into the power supply, I plugged the plug in and tried to see if the spindle would turn. The power plug was plueed into a surge protector first. This was just a direct power feed from outlet to surge protector to power supply unit to spindle.
The power supply LED came on, but its cooling fan and the spindle did not turn at all.
I am wondering of these possibilities but am not sure.
1. Bad solder? But than shouldn't the PSU fan turn on?
2. Bad power supply, but than why did its LED turn on?
3. Broken Spindle? But than shouldn't the fan turn on anyways?
There was also this little white plastic screw like dial near the power supply backend connectors area. I assume it controlled the voltages. It was turned all the way counter clockwise so I turned it clockwise towards the + side but still nothing happened. So I reversed it. Setting on the PSU is at 115V, not 230V as per their instructions (For North American outlet standards).
I have also attached some simple images to show my CNC. It's boards, power supply and the soldered connection area. I used electrical tape to cover it.
Thanks to all who read this lengthy post. I look forward to any suggestions and help. Truly, reached rock bottom as that company provides very little help after purchase. Their forum is dead.
- Steven