Converting a X2 clone to CNC

[Shawn]

Thanks Mike, I was reading the same thing. These are part of the Fusion kit and the backlash is excessive, there is at least half a turn of the lead screw before the nut catches. The other two axis have no backlash that I can feel, haven't bothered to test them yet. I have a feeling the nut is missing the majority of its balls? I haven't removed it to check so that's just an uneducated guess. Good thing I have so many projects on the go having to wait on one is not an issue. Working on getting my little Unimat lathe hooked up to the sewing machine motor I bought over a year ago.

Shawn

[Mayhem]

(12-27-2013, 10:49 PM)Shawn Wrote: ...Good thing I have so many projects on the go having to wait on one is not an issue...

I knew there was a reason why I have so many projects on the go! Thanks for reminding me.

I hope you sort the backlash issue out, as I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

[Hawkeye]

Shawn, when you open up a ballnut, do it (1) intentionally, and (2) over a large cake pan. Ask me how I know.

[dallen]

big ZipLoc bag works also.

[Shawn]

The kit came with a cardboard tube that the nut is transferred onto from the leadscrew. I won't ask Mike but I read enough stories online about losing your balls to be very wary. . I like the ziplock bag trick Dallen, thanks.

I do think the delay was good as it has given me time to read up on wiring up the electronics and I'm pretty sure I have it figured out now. A few days ago I would have done it wrong! I have 8 wires leaving each stepper and they need to be connected to each other in a specific way.

Shawn

[Shawn]

After a few days of head scratching and forum searching I finally got my first movement on my X2 cnc conversion. Now that I think I have the hardware and software sorted the rest of the conversion should be easy. I would however like to know how other folks power down the IO board and drivers? Currently, unless I actually shut down the main 36vdc power supply by unplugging it, the stepper motors are holding the axis firmly. Is there any reason I shouldn't just put the main 36 vdc and 5vdc power supply onto a separate power bar with an on off switch?

Thanks
Shawn

[f350ca]

Its neat to see the first movement under computer control. I became an expert last week so take this with a large grain of salt. Isn't the dc supply switched when you hit a limit, press the E-stop, or on the software Im using a software reset.

[Shawn]

I am probably missing something in mach3 Greg but I have holding power on the stepper as soon as the main power supply is switched on? I'm sure there is a way to get the steppers to relax even though the power is on but haven't found it yet. I haven't installed limit switches or the E STOP switch so maybe that will change things.

Thanks for the reply Greg, I'll take all advice even from crusty old one week veterans.

Cheers
Shawn

[roundrocktom]

(04-01-2014, 01:16 AM)Shawn Wrote: I am probably missing something in mach3 Greg but I have holding power on the stepper as soon as the main power supply is switched on? I'm sure there is a way to get the steppers to relax even though the power is on but haven't found it yet. I haven't installed limit switches or the E STOP switch so maybe that will change things.

Thanks for the reply Greg, I'll take all advice even from crusty old one week veterans.

Cheers
Shawn

Shawn. Can you give us details on your setup?
Are you using the parallel port direct into a G540?

When I first power up, my Gecko G540 is powered up. No power to the steppers UNTIL I hit "reset" on the main screen. Once I do that I hear a a nice clunk for all four steppers engaging.

Take a photo of "diagnostics" page.

Do install your e-stop. Trust me on that one (uh, not that I actually touched of the waste board surface, rather than the work surface. Good thing I had some MDF as waster board)

Tom

[Shawn]

Thanks for the reply Tom, I didn't look to see if the the steppers power up when I power up the C10 controller and KL4030 drivers? I'll take a look tonight. I have definite plans to install the e-stop and limit stop, I have the switches already and will install them prior to trying anything serious with the mill.

Shawn