[MajorTendonitis]

@Whitewolf , it certainly looks like there's better contact on the gear rack now . The pinion looks as though it's awfully close to the frame

[WhiteWolf]

Is the pinion rubbing against the frame (last photo)? Ours is about 1/8" away from the frame. I think Nate is working on spacers to retrofit the first Saturn machines or deeper racks for the newer models but I'm not aware of a release date - thought it was in effect for the machines going out the door now, though.

David

Nate will have to comment on that, there is about 1/8" on one side and even less on the other, there does not feel like there is any play in the pinion or pulley system.

[FineLineAuto]

Is the pinion rubbing against the frame (last photo)? Ours is about 1/8" away from the frame. I think Nate is working on spacers to retrofit the first Saturn machines or deeper racks for the newer models but I'm not aware of a release date - thought it was in effect for the machines going out the door now, though.

David

David,

We swapped out the washer under the pinion for a split lock washer. That moved the pinion inward a bit. It's about 3/64 from the edge.

[FineLineAuto]

@Whitewolf , it certainly looks like there's better contact on the gear rack now . The pinion looks as though it's awfully close to the frame

During testing we determined we could move it inward slightly because we dramatically reduced the in-out flex in the pinion plate.

[difalkner]

During testing we determined we could move it inward slightly because we dramatically reduced the in-out flex in the pinion plate.

That makes sense... can't do that with mine.

David

[DDgitfiddle]

Good to hear that the drives seem solid. I'm looking forward to reading about the build!

[beltramidave]

David,

We swapped out the washer under the pinion for a split lock washer. That moved the pinion inward a bit. It's about 3/64 from the edge.

Nate,

So is that supposed to be our solution? Still seems like a wider rack would be be better...

[ericclinedinst]

The ideal solution would be to space the rack out with some flat stock like cncrouterparts does vs the spacing the pinion gear out more. It's basic engineering 101. The flat bar would have much more contact area than the washer behind the pinion gear.

This wouldn't be a fix to me.

Nate,

So is that supposed to be our solution? Still seems like a wider rack would be be better...

[FineLineAuto]

Nate,

So is that supposed to be our solution? Still seems like a wider rack would be be better...

We are still planning on moving to a wider rack. We have 3/4in wide rack being manufactured, which should give you more contact area than just using a spacer.

Right now though, the current 1/2in wide racks function fine. I am also still planning on offering the spacer to those that want it. The spacers are in transit and should be available in about 2 weeks. We have sized the screws on the Saturn machines long enough that you should just be able to unscrew the screws part way, drop in the spacers, and tighten back up.

[FineLineAuto]

The ideal solution would be to space the rack out with some flat stock like cncrouterparts does vs the spacing the pinion gear out more. It's basic engineering 101. The flat bar would have much more contact area than the washer behind the pinion gear.

This wouldn't be a fix to me.

Also, note that the split lock washer was not designed to move the pinion closer. It was designed to replace a flat washer to reduce the contact area of the washer to just the inner race. The flat washer extended out one the bearing cover and in some instances caused binding.

In this case, the split washer just happens to be thicker and moved the pinion inward slightly.

[DDgitfiddle]

Nate,

With the new steel gantry, how are the wires routed from the main cable chain to the second gantry drive motor? I did not see any pass-through holes through the gantry beam, and previously I would have routed them through them middle of the aluminum extrusion.

Thanks,
Robert

[beltramidave]

Nate,

With the new steel gantry, how are the wires routed from the main cable chain to the second gantry drive motor? I did not see any pass-through holes through the gantry beam, and previously I would have routed them through them middle of the aluminum extrusion.

Thanks,
Robert

Robert,
I just ran along side the cable chain that is for the Z axis. Worked just fine.
Dave

[FineLineAuto]

Nate,

With the new steel gantry, how are the wires routed from the main cable chain to the second gantry drive motor? I did not see any pass-through holes through the gantry beam, and previously I would have routed them through them middle of the aluminum extrusion.

Thanks,
Robert

Robert,

The gantry has a cable tray that runs the entire way across the back of the gantry. It has room for both the cable chain and routing cables across the gantry.

[coherent]

The spacers are in transit and should be available in about 2 weeks. We have sized the screws on the Saturn machines long enough that you should just be able to unscrew the screws part way, drop in the spacers, and tighten back up.

Looking forward to getting and installing the spacers. I'm not having any problems since I replaced the R&P drives, but improving the rack contact has been on my list of needed improvements. Thanks for the update.
Marc

[beltramidave]

We are still planning on moving to a wider rack. We have 3/4in wide rack being manufactured, which should give you more contact area than just using a spacer.

Right now though, the current 1/2in wide racks function fine. I am also still planning on offering the spacer to those that want it. The spacers are in transit and should be available in about 2 weeks. We have sized the screws on the Saturn machines long enough that you should just be able to unscrew the screws part way, drop in the spacers, and tighten back up.

I too would like the spacers when they become available. Thanks Nate.

[difalkner]

I too would like the spacers when they become available. Thanks Nate.

Ditto!

David

[yachtlover]

Ditto!! ( X 2)

[sybilsurf]

Me too on the spacers.

Ward in San Diego

[JeremyFXDWG]

Same here. Or better yet the wider rack.

[WhiteWolf]

Not much to update at the moment, Just finished my 3D printer build now to program the firmware then its back to the CNC build