I noticed my pockets were running a little short in the X axis, so today I decided to re-tensioned the X and Y belts, as I could get a finger under them pretty easily. i was having a hard time getting them tight. Then it dawned on me to try a longer screw. So I grabbed a long screw and now my belts are finally tight. I started calculating for belt stretch to make adjustments, but after cutting several circles and square pockets of various sizes I was already within .002" using the the default 40mm per step setting. So I decided that is close enough for what I use the machine for. Next I measured a piece of MDF using calipers, and it was .26". So I set up a test to cut a .26: deep pocket. I think my Z is off by a couple thousandths as well, as I could just feel the edge of my MDF gauge with my fingernail when I put it in te pocket. I have a new Z belt, but I finally have the Dewault trammed and pockets are cutting beautifully, so I decided to leave it for a while while I decide whether or not to convert to a linear Z slider from CMC4NEWBIESon eBay.
Oh yeah, before cutting anything I jogged the machine over to each end to make sure the longer tension screws will not interfere with anything, and it is all good.
The linear slider from CNC4NEWBIES is being used by quite a few over on the Inventables forum, and so far I haven’t seen a bad review. Just go over their and search it, there are several threads. It looks like the latest offering offers 6-7" of Z travel (some people are lifting the gantry via the X plates or via the Y plates) and they are now offering a fast pitch screw. The company is pre-drilling for the X-Carves, so it is a simple installation. I have a picture of the Shapeoko 3 X axis plate with dimensions, but not the actua dimensional drawing PDF file. So I need to send them specs for the holes I need drilled to match holes already on the plate. I emailed them about providing a pre-drilled version for Shapeoko 3 users, but have not heard back. I need to try to contact them again.
Incredibly interesting. I have never played with the GBRL setting since getting my steppers. I found a dead link on the calc to work out the micro steps per MM.
How did you contact them? I filled out the contact us form on their website and have not heard back, but I see lots of posts where people say they messaged back and forth with them. So I must be doing it wrong. Thanks
Thanks. I got ahold of Joe. Ordered my Z Slider today. It comes with an adapter plate drilled to fit on the Shapeoko and he is drilling holes so I can use the spindle mount. It should arrive early next week. I hope to get it installed soon after. I will post pics and a review.
