When the x axis is moving north and south across y1 and y2 there seems to be some pretty noticeable jerkyness everytime it changes direction. We also have noise on the west side of the table. We haven’t had functionality issues with our machine until now. We made sure the belts when tightened appropriately and adjusted the v wheels. No idea where to go from here and I don’t know how to attach a video on here. Anyone that would be willing to help would be a lifesaver. We are up against some deadlines. Thank you so much!
Triple check your pulleys on the Y-steppers. A loose pulley will cause a jerky noise on direction change. The screw might be free and rotating a bit across the shaft flat, allowing the motor a bit of play before engaging the pulley?
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Let me check! Thank you for you help.
I tried to locate that but I’m not sure. Do you happen to know where I could find a photo for reference?
Check the stepper motors that are attached to the ends of your X rail. The belt drive pulley that is attached to your stepper motor is in suspect.
Power down the machine and roll it slowly until you see the set screws, grab your tiny hex key and see if they’re loose.
I can’t get a picture right now, but if you search, this procedure has been covered in great detail before, should find some pictures on here.
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And do not be afraid to loctite the screws. It prevents them from coming loose again. Blue should suffice, I used red on mine and accepted the fight I might face should I ever need to remove them.
I can see the edge of one screw in the lower hole. They’re tiny and they’re recessed quite a way in that hole. I forget what size hex key, maybe a 2mm, put it in there and give it a shot.
After locating them I was able to tighten them very slightly but honestly they seemed tight already. Ill run a test and see if anything has changed. Thanks a ton for your continued help.
Ok, its about the same. Is there a way to post a video on here? When I try it says that its not an authorized file.
Need to post it to YouTube or the likes, and share the link.
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https://youtu.be/jjrKfKr57zY OK, I think this link should work.
That really looks like your left side pulley is slipping. You need to pull the screws out of the L side, and reattach them. Make sure one is tight against the flat spot of the shaft.
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Yup. Pulley is slipping. Replace the set screws with socket head cap screws if you have them.
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One of the screws has to be on the flat of the stepper motor. Some people buy cap screws and replace those tiny screws. The cap screw threads have to match the existing threads but they are much easier to tighten without stripping those tiny screws. Just make sure you get the long enough.
Additionally put a black mark on the end of the pulley and see if the mark stays aligned after movement. In the future it is a good visual reference so you dont have to get out the allen wrenches. make sure the black mark goes across the pulley and the shaft.
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Any way you could link me to those screws?
Just an M3 socket head cap screw. Pretty sure 10mm would do, but you might want to just get an assortment.
https://www.amazon.com/Fullerkreg-Socket-Stainless-Machine-Quantity/dp/B07CK3RSN3/ref=sr_1_19?dchild=1&keywords=m3+shcs&qid=1607829642&sr=8-19
I’d stick with the socket head as they’re almost impossible to strip.
I can’t thank all of you enough! I was about to have a nervous breakdown. Lol
Do a search for “set screw” on the forum. You’re in good company.