Another post about grooves on X and Y-Axis Shafts

[laax]

I was recently cleaning my machine after the first long job that I have run (around 8 hours total) when I noticed grooves had formed in the x-axis shafts. I recalled seeing posts from other Nomad owners about a similar issue on their machines. Since other owners had also reported grooves forming in the Y-axis shafts I figured I would check those as well… and sure enough one of the y-axis shafts on my machine has a groove that runs ~80% of it’s length. The embedded images show the groove on my machine’s shafts. It’s difficult to capture in photos, but the grooves are fairly deep - a fingernail easily catches on them. Also, there are grooves on the underside and back side of the x-axis shafts that I can feel, but are impossible to see without disassembling the machine.

I have run my machine well under 100 hours total (probably more like 50 hours) since I don’t get nearly enough time to spend on this hobby. I use a dust collection boot, clean the machine after each use and lubricate with the proper recommended oils (super lube for the x and y axes, vactra for the z). I Have cut mostly wood and acrylic, with the exception of one job that I did in thin aluminum sheet.

Since this is an issue that has been reported by others ( in one case someone had this happen to their first machine and a replacement machine - link below) I am wondering if a cause has been determined since this clearly seems like a premature failure on a critical component. My machine is probably one of the earlier ones produced - is anyone aware if there was a manufacturing defect (perhaps racking of the carriages or bearing issues?) in batches of machines that could cause this?

Lastly, what are recommended steps to fix this issue or if that is not possible make sure it doesn’t get any worse?

X-Axis grooves:

Y-axis grooves:

Here are the other posts on the same problem for reference/completeness:

Grooves in x-axis guide rails

What material are you cutting? Are you using dust collection? Have you been lubricating per: Could you please send photos of the grooves in to support@carbide3d.com?

Deeper grooves on Y rod

I will contact Carbide 3d support. What will be the consequence of this wear on the linear rod? I assume and fear that I have not done enough maintenance, but what is there to do other than clean? Should the bearings not be sealed and pre packed with grease? Maybe something has gotten onto it… [R0010015-01]

[avetrano (ANTHONY VETRANO)]

Looks like contamination in the bearing. Things that can cause this is blowing your machine off with compressed air. It usually happens on sliding miter saws too. It looks like the wiper on your bearing has a lot of sawdust on it too. Damage is already done but you could clean the bearings and turn the shaft 180 degrees. This fix wont last long the wipers and bearings are already damaged. Or just replace them. Its hard to check drag on the parts when its assembled but if you clean or replace the parts you can check drag after removal. Check the end of travel on both sides and make sure there is not a buildup of sawdust that pushes against the wiper. If it can last until you get replacement parts I would leave it alone till then and fix it right the first time.

Anthony

Anthony