I only got a small session on the CNC machine today.
When I left it, both X and Y axes had locked up. I have several suspects, not the least of them being non-linearity of the various bearings and holes, etc.
However, I also knew that I needed to lube the leadscrews, so that was the first order of business. Only a little lube dripped onto the wood parts. I hope this makes the axes run smoother and quieter.
Then I started tearing into the axes themselves. It turns out that the problem in X was that the end of the coupling attached to the leadscrew had come loose. I reattached, and cranked on the setscrews a little more. An aside.
I picked up some Loctite to keep the various screws from rattling loose, and some 8-32×1-1/4″ screws to hold on the router. The screws went in fine, and the longer 8-32 screws can go back to motor mount duty.
The Loctite did not get installed, but it seems that the setscrews on the motor couplings could use some. Back to the show.
I had loosened the X-transmission nut while testing out the axis, and so I didn’t get a full test of the X-axis. But, with the setscrew re-tightened, the X-axis now moves smoothly, at least to the point I tested it.
I moved on to the Y-axis. I pulled the motor and checked the coupling. It is secure. I turned the axis by hand. No problem. Now I am starting to worry. I jogged the motor (disconnected and with no load) manually, and it makes a godawful noise and doesn’t turn much. Yikes. I did a quick check of settings and everything looked OK. I was just about to start tearing into the problem (testing the motor against a different driver, etc) when I had to quit for the day.
I really hope I haven’t done anything destructive to my electronics. 🙁