I have tried:
-Adjusting belts
-tightening and adjusting several parts of the machine
-calibrating x and y
-changing materials, changing feeds and speeds
-different work holding methods
-a variety of end mill sizes, flutes, brands
-running old files that didn’t have this issue (they do now)
I’ve gotten it to the point where I can cut perfect squares, but my circles still come out as ovals/lemons, and my curves distorted. The squares really do come out with the side being the same length. The only thing I can think to blame at this point is the z axis plate which seems to be pushed back and forth (y axis)
If anyone has an idea how I can strengthen my axis (without getting a whole new system) or any other fix to this issue, please help.
That’s backlash. You have a pulley on X or Y that is loose - the axle is turning a little (about the distance of the flat on the axle) before the pulley starts turning. If everything was oblong in the same direction (no points) that would be x/y belt calibration or machine squaring.
When I turn the machine on and let it sit for a while, I can feel the other three motors are warm, one of them is not however. I opened up the back panel and everything seems to be connected just fine. I think my motor is dead.