So I've had my machine for a year now, and after some time away from it, I recently got back to it and am using it quite a bit more... With that I have had 3 crashes over last few days that knocked my X gantry out of wack. Each time I immediatly re-square it I am quite good at getting it straight, but think this last one stripped the nut block on the right side...Actually I am pretty sure I have it goofed up .. This last crash while not bad, has me down and out even after re-squaring the gantry... It seems if I move gantry up and down Y axis once or twice it might go just fine, but then randomly on the second or third, fourth at most try it grinds on the right side like something is jammed and goes outta wack..I do hear a grind right before it happens..So is that indicative of the nut blocks failing. Looking to order parts to get up and running so any suggestions appreciated... Also suggestions for what other spare parts to have on hand. And suggestions on what is the easiest or best way to pull the gantry off to get a look at the nut blocks? If that is what it is, maybe I am barking up wrong tree.... Any help appreciated. Thanks, Scott
Will double check that tomorrow. I did some searching as I was posting and saw that mentioned..... I'll do a visual, then I also saw a link to how to test with multimeter... But could I also pull that stepper off the lead screw, pulll the connector off the other y axis stepper then jog the stepper not connected to see if noise appears again? Just thinking out loud.... Thanks!
See docs:blackbox:faq-identify-motor-coils [OpenBuilds Documentation] - wiring to that motor may be damaged or have loose terminals
Well guys, Our power is out from a storm, so I am moving a bit slow here... Generator running... I did check the wire connections from stepper to end that plugs into blackbox with a continuity tester. They look and seem ok... But will have to play with movement more as it did seem to be happening more often at one spot of travel along Y.... I may pull that stepper and disconnect other side of Y and run it for a while to see if it does the same or stops while running without actually moving the gantry. Seems the easiest next step, only having to remove 4 bolts holding the stepper and disconnecting the coupling to the lead screw..... Is there a symptom that WOULD be indicative of the nut blocks failing? as I think about it I would think they would strip and not move at all... So maybe the fact that I can travel up and down Y axis at all means it is not nut blocks... And likely vibration or lash movement from lead screw vibrates a wire funny? Thanks again fellas. Scott
Big shards of plastic falling out? - in all my years with Team OpenBuilds I have yet to see a leadnut fail - so if this is the case - I want pictures Wires breaking off from repeated bending on a tight strain point - happens often though (often enough we wrote a FAQ page for it) Breaking off inside the insulation, going loose under movement (replace cable)
Just going to pull wire and replace... I have no doubt you are correct.... What kills me is to me it looks like those wires NEVER move... So in my mind I am like how can they fail or come loose.... But having seen **** happen, I know it does... Thanks again.. And thanks for putting my nut block fears to bed. Back down with a flashlight. I have to get this machine up ASAP... You know murphys law, it sat for months.... And when I finally make real progress and have things to get done, I break it....LOL Scott
If you’re worried about the nut blocks and maybe them having too much friction I suggest spraying the lead screws with a dry silicone or dry PTFE lubricant.
OK... Is not the wires or steppers.... I finally pulled both steppers off back and they run perfectly, no hangups or glitches...However if I turn lead screws by hand the right side hits a point and gets stiff and grinding...I see nothing evident, nothing evident on carriage wheels, just nothing jumps out at me... So it "seems" like binding on the nut block... Not sure how, no obvious broken plastic, etc....What really had me sold on a wire was it being intermittent...Now I can run the steppers out of the machine, holding the shaft with a glove to put pressure on it, and they will both run, stop, reverse for 1000's of inches with no issue... But twisting that right lead screw I feel something... I really cannot see how something could have got in there, it is on a table... All I can guess at this point is maybe a thread broke off and is jammed in there? It literally looks and feels like someone throwing a rock under a skateboard wheel....Or a rock under a rolling jack wheel and it stops dead..... Now I am trying to see what is the best way to pull that lead screw.. I think I can just pull it, then unscrew the nut blocks and pull it all out..... Again thanks, Scott
Yeah grinding noises are also usually only 3 of the 4 motor wires making good contact. Teardown of that axis is up next then - if you can loose the leadnuts from the plate, remove C-Beam endcaps and slide the screw out with the leadnuts Also check for packed cut dust in slots under the wheels - causing a bump it tries to roll over
OK fellas.... I "THINK" I may have it..... And now after seeing it, if it is this, it's easy.... I pulled the right lead screw... There was just something binding... The intermittent nature had me also thinking wire after it was pointed out... So I pulled the rear nut block.... Quick look OK... Go to pull the front block and the bottom screw holding it is loose... This all may wind up being a loose screw on a nut block... I think the looseness was allowing it to tip funny and bind against the lead screw.... Oh and FWIW I had recently used a dry wd40 ptfe spray as the screws seemed a bit squeaky......... So I'll button this back up and see what happens... Will of course report back as maybe a loose screw on a nut block may help another person...... Thanks to all, fingers crossed... Scott
Oh and Peter, although it is not dust on where wheels ride, you mentioning that is good... I actually have duct tape on that side holding my wires in the c channel. My 1515 did not come with the plastic strip to do this... I actually just ordered one... But I can see where the tape hangs down and could start to get under the wheels.... So I will trim that little extra off while I'm in there.... My point is real good thinking and valuable experience you have... It is noticed and appreciated. Scott
Back up... and made a few passes back and forth and this is the first time I can go more than twice so this may be fixed..... Again power is out here so cannot go crazy testing... Thanks guys... Will keep you all posted and update in case it helps someone else
To put this to a close.... I ran a job today that took maybe an hour and used a large portion of my machine bed... It went perfectly so I do believe that one loose screw on a nut block was the culprit....Thanks everyone.
