I created a file to cut out some folding wine tables that I make. Before using my good hardwoods, I wanted to test it out on some MDF, to make sure I got all the measurements right. Twice, I got about half way through the milling and my machine starts flaking out.
The X-axis seems to be the only one affected. But it’s as if something momentarily obstructs the x-axis and it “skips”. This then throws the entire thing off. The second time, it seemed to be locked in one spot while trying to continue moving. Both times I stopped the machine, turned it off so I could free move it, and then worked it out of whatever was going on. Once I had it moving as it should, I turned it back on and initialized. It only did this with this file. Both times at different spots in the milling.
Milling MDF throws a LOT of dust. Could the dust be causing an issue? (I don’t use a vacuum - although maybe I should). Or is something wrong with my file?
MDF will suck the oil off of a linear rail, and worse still, can migrate through the wipers and into the linear blocks — the X-axis is the most vulnerable to this — do your machine (and yourself!) a favour and set up dust collection, clean everything off, and lubricate. See:
Oof. This is good to know. I have made a few small things for my French cleat wall (a screwdriver holder and a chisel holder) and the two attempts at my wine table tops (both are 16" x 12"). All were 3/4" MDF. Given this, are you suggesting I should go through maintenance you suggested before milling anything else?
Thanks for the reply and video btw.
