Z axis problem

Hello everyone,

This is a strange one. Our z axis moves fine on large moves and jogs but when running a ski core profile it will not rise up to make the thicker part in the middle of the ski. The Gcode is correct. The motor vibrates and makes noise but does not move. The light for the z axis on the bladerunner box does not flash. The z axis does move down for each deeper pass but does not make its moves in the middle of the pass. The router accurately returns to zero after attempting to cut the profile so it is not losing position and is not mechanically jambed.

Thanks,

Morgan

Hey Morgan,

Not trying to be dumb in asking; but are you using Cut 3D to program you're profiling cut pathes?

Yep, I am using cut 3d and we ran the same path the day before with no problems. Tested other profile paths and got the same problem.

tested it the day before prior to setting up the metric Mach profile? Or after you did that?

We ran it with the metric set up, no problems. When we first got our machine and it was having z axis friction problems it would lose its zero but now it will fail to make moves and still have its zero at the end. DRO numbers are changing in mach3 but no pulse lights on bladerunner box and no movement of the motor. Could it be a problem with our computers parallel port?

yes I remember the issues you encountered with your Z at the start, however you had mentioned that was no longer happening?

Robert suggested slowing down the motor speed; What is the Z motor speed setting right now in metric.?

I assume you can physically jog the z up and down rapidly with out any problems, and as Tom [CandCNC] once told me;" if you can move the motors then all is working properly.", so I wouldn't expect it to be in the wiring or the port plugs. That is of course if they are all plugged in tightly. [have you double checked the motor plug?]

With computer restart problem solved.

Wow really?

Hey how did you make out with the waist measurments on your cores being off?

Pulley set screw was loose also so I think that may have been it, not restarting the computer. These are hard machines to trouble shoot so many variables with software, electronics, mechanical. Our sidecut accuracy problem ended up being how different bits cut in each material we got it worked out though. We needed to climb cut the aluminum.

Thanks for all the help.
Morgan

No, thank you Morgan. There is a huge learning curve to CNC not just these machines. Information like this is exactly what I would like to see here to make it that much easier for all users.

With most certainty I can attest to most issues being small or easiy rectified, but small issues can translate into large mistakes if gone unattended. Whenever we start a new cut program we run the code on scrap first [as you know by now] just to check everything out before the money shot happens.

I am very interested to learn your insights as to machining aluminum with your machine. And I am sure other users would like to read about your Z plate automatic setting modification too.

MC

You may want to upgrade your pulleys Morgan. You mentioned machining aluminum for your cassets, it wouldn't hurt to consider the option of beefier pulleys.......

15 tooth [small] pulley;

https://sdp-si.com/eStore/PartDetail.asp?Opener=Group&PartID=58597&GroupID=217

36 tooth [large] pulley;

https://sdp-si.com/eStore/PartDetail.asp?Opener=Group&PartID=58639&GroupID=217

I am very interested in this modification. please share...
thanks