So, for the CNC build I'm making, I'd like to be able to disengage the gantry drive to essentially "free-hand" in XY axis. The gantry could definitely moved somewhat without power to steppers, but there is still resistance - the movement isn't quite smooth. Is there a simple clutch idea for steppers?
Sorry, can't help with your main question, but can I advise you not to move your gantry by hand if that results in turning stepper motors while they are still connected to your control electronics. Motors turned by hand become generators and could destroy your stepper drivers. Alex.
Yeah, agreed! If you move it slowly enough, the current shouldn't be high enough to damage anything, but that's something I don't to worry about, thus the disengage question
Slow is very subjective, depends on the inductance of the motors, etc. Avoid at all costs. Powering off the electronics, and THEN disconnecting the motor, is the only safe way to spin the motor shaft. I can't think of a method to disengage the pulley though
If the rack and pinion gears are disengaged, the motors should not spin. Are the gears forced against the rack by a spring like many are? If so, may be you could find a way to disengage and put a pin through two matching holes to hold them.
Was thinking about using OpenBuilds belt pulleys. But, are there v-slot compatible rack&pinion systems?
what about closed belt and something like "clutch" on main plate? disengaging belt on carriage, moving, engaging belt
