Brian - Thanks for pointing this out! I was going through the assembly guide this morning looking for points of the process where the XL and XXL instructions differed - this is definitely one of them. I’ll make a note in the guide a get a new version posted.
I downloaded an earlier version of the assembly guide (04/27/2016). Some different assembly pictures and Squaring the gantry was covered in this version.S3XXL_Assembly.pdf (1.9 MB)
My first cut with SO3XXL surprisingly went well, I posted a photo (above) a few days ago. Today I tried to cut a few pieces to used for clamping material down. I ran everything same as before, while X & Y movements go as designed, the Z movement not so much. The cut is either not deep enough or none at all. I tested a few other simple designs, got the same results. I even loaded my first project which worked well, but got the same disappointing result with it today.
What has gone wrong?
My SO3XXL was missing a screw that is needed to push against the bottom z axis pulley to maintain belt tension. I put a screw there (use loctite) and haven’t had any issues since. Remember to calibrate steps/mm each time you change belt tension.
Also, check every screw including guide wheels and motor pulley set screws. Whoever assembles the units at C3D has been doing a terrible job. My guide rollers were missdjusted and there were a bunch of lose screws. Check all of them.
Any update on this section? My XXL arrived yesterday and I’m looking to square it up… never mind, found the answer here – http://carbide3d.com/files/Shapeoko_XXL_Assembly.pdf – which has squaring instructions Still could use some spring help (see below).
I noticed that my Z-axis assembly did not include any springs. Are springs needed? Are they included in the box somewhere (I’m not able to find them). Thanks in advance
Mine was missing springs too. Quick email to support@carbide3d.com and a set are on the way.
Without them, it works fine. But when not powered, the Z axis tends to slide down and fall off the v-groove at the bottom due to the weight of the router. My assumption is that the springs are there to prevent this from happening.