I’ve been using my machine for a long time, but total hours are not that high… personal hobby projects only.
On my last project, while using a V bit to cut text, the x axis seemed to shift in the middle of a job, so the vertical lines on the letter “M” did not line up with the serif on the bottom… then the next letter came out fine.
I tightened the x belt a bit and it seemed to get better. but it would still not let me cut a word without some of the lines in the letters being mis-aligned, Same wood, same letters. a few cuts earlier worked fine!
After the last failed project, I shut the machine down. When I power up now, the intitalizing process runs as usual with the Y axis returning to the back, but the x axis is “stuck” in the middle of the machine, so as the y is headed to the back, the machine vibrates and the router never leaves the middle (left to right) of the machine. So it won’t initialize and I can’t try other options to determine the issue.
When it is powered off, the head can be manually moved from front to back, but the head will not let me move it more than about 1" from left to right before hitting an “imaginary stop” where it will not move at all.
I read a number of troubleshooting tips but most do not address the inability to move the head left to right (even with power off and trying by hand!)
Please, any suggestions as to how to resolve this would be appreciated! I’ve had the Shapeoko for 5 or 6 years with no issues, so this one has me stumped, and seems the have just “happened”.
The SO3 runs on v-wheels and belts. If your v-wheels are damaged or seized it could cause your issue. To adjust your v-wheels you insert an allen wrench and slightly loosen it. Then use a wrench to adjust the eccentric the v-wheels rides on. When you get the v-wheel adjusted snug hold the eccentric with the wrench as you tighten the allen bolt. If you do not hold the eccentric in place while tightening it will change the adjustment.
The SO3 also runs on belts with pulleys. Not likely but the belt could be damaged. Remove your belt and examine it closely. Depending on what size SO3 you have tighten the belt where your finger fits under the belt in the middle. With the belt off turn the stepper motors and make sure they turn freely. The pulleys have two set screws. Make sure one of the set screws is over the flat on the stepper motor.
The lower v-wheels are adjustable. The top v-wheels are not adjustable but could be frozen. So check them as well. With the belt removed you should be able to move the Z axis easily back and forth. If the belt is removed and the Z wont move it is likely a v-wheel issue.
The configuration hasn’t changed since I got it, and the software is CM (a few versions back, but I have used it for the past year or two with no issues, so I don’t think the software is involved.
Also, the head won’t move even with the power off so it’s likely not software related.
It feels like someone threw a monkey wrench in the drive chain behind the Zplus… but there’s nothing loose, missing or in the wrong place!
Since the post, I did check the pulley screws and one was a bit loose… tightened it but no change.I also adjusted 2 lower v wheels on the left side, but no impact.
I will check all the belts next. Hard to understand how a loose or bad belt would prohibit the head from moving along the x rail.
For the record, there’s gotta be a better way to secure the belts! installing and tightening them just right is a major production!