Swinging Arms don't swing properly

[RHenry]

A couple of days ago the two arms that swing out to detect the bit before carving stopped swinging properly. It's like they're out of sync with the bit. The machine keeps asking me to install the bit. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what's the fix?

[fwharris]

A couple of days ago the two arms that swing out to detect the bit before carving stopped swinging properly. It's like they're out of sync with the bit. The machine keeps asking me to install the bit. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what's the fix?

RHenry,

The swing arm "bit plate" not coming out is do to a few things.

Dust in the bit plate spring - blow it out with some air and lube the spring with some dry lube. also lube the contact points where the Z truck touches the plate.

Dirty Y rails - clean off with mineral spirits and lube with dry lube.

If you have had the top cover off, check to insure the cut motor wires in the far back corner are not getting in the way of the Z motor. If the wires have a plastic wire guard/cover tube remove it.

Belt tension is to slack, adjust the tension.

Also do a search on "bit plate" using the quotes marks..

[AskBud]

Here is something I posted a while back.
Note that dirt/dust in the track is a possible source as well.
AskBud
http://forum.carvewright.com/showpost.php?p=115843&postcount=14

[RHenry]

I did as you suggested. Now it works like a champ. Thanks again.