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Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Evanrigs on March 06, 2014, 05:37:00 PM

Title: Axis Drifting To one side
Post by: Evanrigs on March 06, 2014, 05:37:00 PM
Hi,

I’m having a very frustrating problem with my CNC 3020.

I’m trying to make a circular pocket, but the X axis keeps drifting off to the left.

When I start the operation, which has a .125” depth increment, the pocket will not be centered, going layer to layer.
It seems like this is happening on one particular side of the piece of wood I’m using.
I’m using an 1/8” cutting bit on bamboo.

I’ve re calibrated all axis in mach 3 multiple times to make sure that its traveling the correct distance before hand.

But when I start the operation, it doesn’t cut the hole precisely, and when I hit “Go To Zero, the zero is always off on the x axis.

Any ideas?

Thanks
Title: Re: Axis Drifting To one side
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 07, 2014, 02:21:45 AM
Check out this topic as some of the information / suggestions may apply in your case http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,26681.0.html

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Axis Drifting To one side
Post by: glue on March 07, 2014, 11:38:25 AM
check the coupling between the x axis motor and the ball screw.  If it is loose, then tighten and test.
Title: Re: Axis Drifting To one side
Post by: Evanrigs on March 07, 2014, 03:57:23 PM
I've checked the coupling for the ball screw, it seems to be pretty tight. Is there anything special I need to do when checking it?

I switched the X & Y cables on the back of the controller, and the Y axis drifted after I let a program run.
Title: Re: Axis Drifting To one side
Post by: Eli on March 07, 2014, 05:13:04 PM
Can anyone tell me why when I start the roadrunner or any other program, the first thing that happens, is that the router bit rises 1/8"  Eli
Title: Re: Axis Drifting To one side
Post by: Hood on March 08, 2014, 02:54:08 AM
I've checked the coupling for the ball screw, it seems to be pretty tight. Is there anything special I need to do when checking it?

I switched the X & Y cables on the back of the controller, and the Y axis drifted after I let a program run.

Sounds like it may be hardware issues then, best to try and isolate it down to a specific piece of hardware. You have proved the motor to be ok, if I am understanding. Now if possible physically swap the drives over and see if it follows the drive.
Hood
Title: Re: Axis Drifting To one side
Post by: Hood on March 08, 2014, 02:55:16 AM
Can anyone tell me why when I start the roadrunner or any other program, the first thing that happens, is that the router bit rises 1/8"  Eli

Please start your own thread if the questions are unrelated.

Hood
Title: Re: Axis Drifting To one side
Post by: Evanrigs on March 11, 2014, 01:05:34 AM
Okay, so we swapped the drives, and once we did, it was the Y axis that was drifting, so I'm under the impression that it has to be the drive.

Why would it drift to one side always? Like clockwork.

So I guess I'm going to replace the drives. Is there anything else I can check before to make sure?
Title: Re: Axis Drifting To one side
Post by: Hood on March 11, 2014, 03:47:37 AM
I am not sure what drive you have but if they have adjustable microstepping you may want to check they are set correctly. It does however seem like the drive is at fault though.
Hood
Title: Re: Axis Drifting To one side
Post by: Evanrigs on March 13, 2014, 04:14:39 PM
I don't think I have adjustables. Its a cheap 3020 machine from eBay. I'm looking at new drivers. Any recommendations for quality 3 axis?
Title: Re: Axis Drifting To one side
Post by: Hood on March 13, 2014, 06:57:32 PM
I assume your control has the drivers and breakout board combined, and is likely one of the TB variants?

If wanting something similar but of good quality then Gecko G540 is likely the one to look at.
Hood
Title: Re: Axis Drifting To one side
Post by: Evanrigs on March 13, 2014, 09:45:16 PM
The one we have looks exactly like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/CNC-3020-3040T-DJ-Engraver-Machine-Router-220V-control-box-/190811808851?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6d452453

If I get a gecko G540 control in the box, and ready to go, will that work with our machine??
Title: Re: Axis Drifting To one side
Post by: Evanrigs on March 13, 2014, 10:43:39 PM
Okay, think I figured some stuff out.

Have a new 3 axis controller, and a VFD inverter on the way.