I need a psychic

[hotpop]

Below is an e-mail I sent to LHR with a new machine problem. I waited two business days now for a response. Meantime, while I'm waiting I thought I'd throw it out to the forum for review. Movement of truck Y & Z axis is smooth. I'm 99% sure it is not a mechanical problem. Perhaps we have a psychic out there that can give me a solution.

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To Tech Support

I have a new problem with my machine. I ran three Mermaid projects yesterday. Each one has random lines going across at various depths on the "Y" axis.

Today, I checked out the machine thoroughly and there is no looseness in "Y" "Z" truck. I checked the carving bit and the set screws are tight.

In Designer I changed the depth of cut from .550" to .625" deep. My plan was to recut the pattern and eliminate the lines.

Approximately 2/3 the way through the project the cutter started cutting deeper and went through the board and cut into the machine. See photos.

Please advise!

[twehr]

... it looks somewhat like a problem I had. Here is what I determined to be the cause for me.

If dust gets between the drive belt (in this case, on the Z axis, it can cause the bet to slip a notch or two as it goes around the toothed pulley. I eliminated it by cleaning thoroughly, then stopping the cuts every 15 minutes or so and cleaning again. Sometimes, I think it could easily go longer, but I really hate getting nearly done with a 3 hour cut and having to start over.

Mel, you probably are keeping everything clean while you cut, but wanted to offer these thoughts for anyone else that may read this.

[Digitalwoodshop]

My guess is the Z Motor Encoder. So you need a new Z Motor. Do you have the new Z Bundle or the older 16 pin version?

Look familiar..... Same problem.... Bad Z Motor.

AL

If you have the old Z then you need a new Z Pack

If you have the new Z Pack then you need a new Z Motor.

[hotpop]

Thanks Al and Silvia,

LHR has had the machine three times for other reasons. I suspect the Z pack was replaced one of those times. I'll go out and check it out tomorrow morning.

[Digitalwoodshop]

With that Fish Carving I did have the new Z Bundle and first thought it was the cable so I pulled it from my backup machine to see. Same problem.... Replaced the Z Motor and it is running today... When I talked to LHR I knew what to ask for..... No playing around sending parts and waiting to see if it fixed it.... I knew.... That helped.

Being your machine went in then I am 99% sure you DO have the new Z Bundle.... Can I buy your bad motor? After they send you a replacement and you are running. Taking apart broken parts is a learning experience for me. I broke the Cut Motor Magnet Story here first with the CCM then the NEW round magnet fix. Inquiring minds want to know..... Do they have a deposit on the Z motor? I don't think so.... Just the cut motor and the board detectors I think..


AL

[liquidguitars]

z pack yes.. and you need a bit more end wood to keep the work from moving or lifting as i only see about 2.5"
on the end cut.

try a sled with extra 4" on the ends.

LG

[hotpop]

I talked with LHR Tech Support today. They agree my problem is probably the Z motor. They are sending me a new Z motor.