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

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.

check the coupling between the x axis motor and the ball screw.  If it is loose, then tighten and test.

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.

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

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

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

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?

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

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?