I just completed my build and trying to calibrate my machine by cutting circles. Having issues (see photos). I have tightened my belts and pulleys and it made it better but the circles are still out of round and ends don't meet. I also performed the X and Y calibrations and they are dead on. I have the Blackbox processor, using VCarvePro, exporting using GRBL inch. Use Openbuilds Control to send to Blackbox.
As it's not a consistently repeated error the first thing I would check is to make sure the wheels aren't binding. Do they glide effortlessly or not? Are the eccentrics over tightened?
Rick 2.0, That what it was!! The circles are almost perfect. A little more tweaking and I should be good. You guys are the best!! mm
I am having a similar problem with my circle . 1510 workbe . Belt driven with black box. The same problem is in the same spot everytim . Even when change speed, depth. I have calibrated and look for loose things. Haven't found much but they are better but not perfect. any ideas?
Hi @Matt Riberich, the difference between your issue and the first post is that @mbkmorgan's problem wasn't always in the same place and his circles didn't line up at the ends - indicating that the machine was missing steps because something too tight was briefly stopping the motors turning. In your case the machine is getting back to the starting point for each circle - meaning that the motors are turning, but the machine isn't moving. That must be something loose somewhere. What have you found so far, and what result do you get with a really shallow cut - say 0.2~0.5 mm? Alex.
Which axis is which in your pic? If X is left-right then the most likely axes are Z and X. I usually recommend starting at the bit and gradually working away, but you could also check drive pulley fixing to motor - switch power on to lock motor and see if pulley can be moved. Check belt tension. Only someone standing at the machine and wiggling things is going to be able to see what's wrong. Good luck, Alex.
What is the best way to check the belt tensio . How do you know if you have enough or to much tension
Alex. Thank you so much for the help. I think it was several thing that was messing with the circles but I think the biggest thing was belt tension on the y axis. I dont think I can pin point one thing due to the fact I took a good part of the machine apart to check things and lower the supports for the spoil board. Just got it back up and running tonight and things seem good so far. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge
Well I guess my problems continue Now the left belt brook on the y axis. not sure why. It was after 6 hours of running. Is this topical for belt machines. I'm starting to get very frustrated. are screws that much better and where can I find the upgrade and cost.
Matt, I had similar problem but it ended up being my pulley was loose on the X axis. But I can't get it to tighten up now. The teeny tiny set screws are loose in the aluminum. The torque the pulley experienced widened the set screw holes on the pulleys. On inspection all of my pulleys are loose now with the same fatigue signature. These pulleys frankly seem on the week side considering the size and power of the machine, 1.5mm set screws for a 1000mm gantry? Am I the only one? Did I just get a bad batch? Are there alternate parts or practical fixes others have had luck with?
That sucks @Matt Riberich. I can only comment on what I have learnt from others here, but no, that shouldn't happen. Which part of the world are you in? If Europe Ooznest do a leadscrew upgrade and I am sure there are others available. Alex.
One solution @Jared Hulbert would be to drill out and re-tap for a larger grub screw. Some people have a similar problem with the flexible couplers used with the leadscrew machines. Alex.
