584,858 active members*
4,715 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
IndustryArena Forum > Machine Controllers Software and Solutions > Controller & Computer Solutions > "old coot" needs help with motor tuning settings........I think.
Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Posts
    4

    "old coot" needs help with motor tuning settings........I think.

    Picked up a 3020T from inlaws using mach 3. Everything seems to be working fine except z axis movement. Using calibration on axis movement and dial indicator it is usually within .001-.002 on .100" movements. However, when running a program the initial movement in z axis will pause most of the time while the DRO continues to move throwing off my zero setting in the axis. Initial movement towards part in z usually crashes unless caught. Axis hesitates only in positive movement usually about .200" below top home. I've tried screwing around with the motor tuning in this axis (the only axis causing problems) and when manually raising, it will ocassionally go all the way up without hesitation. After it does this 2 or 3 times and I think its straightened out, I'll try to run a program and it usually shows up on the first positioning z move. Do you guys feel like I'm coping with a motor tuning issue or is there a setting I'm overlooking? I really appreciate any attempts at helping, and I'm wishing I had taken up a less mentally demanding hobby at age 70. Thanks.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    4553

    Re: "old coot" needs help with motor tuning settings........I think.

    I sounds like the Z axis stepper is stalling or missing steps, have you checked to see if the axis is binding.

    Misalignment or dirt may be the culprit.

    Jeff...
    Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Posts
    4

    Re: "old coot" needs help with motor tuning settings........I think.

    Thanks Jeff. Yes I have checked and everything seems to be working freely. Nothing loose on the ball screw, no couplings broken or loose.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Posts
    4

    Re: "old coot" needs help with motor tuning settings........I think.

    Quote Originally Posted by jalessi View Post
    I sounds like the Z axis stepper is stalling or missing steps, have you checked to see if the axis is binding.

    Misalignment or dirt may be the culprit.

    Jeff...
    I will re-check alighnment and for any dirt that may be present again. On some programs, if I watch for the hesitation on the initial z move and it doesn't get out of sinc with the DRO, the thing runs real well, but there have been instances when I questioned my touchoff on the part. Cuts seem to try and go a little deeper than in the program seems like.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    4553

    Question Spindle shaft axial movement

    I have seen inexpensive spindle motors like the one equipped on the 3020 with bearings that don't control axial movement.

    Does the spindle shaft shift up and down when idle?

    Jeff...
    Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Posts
    4

    Re: Spindle shaft axial movement

    Quote Originally Posted by jalessi View Post
    I have seen inexpensive spindle motors like the one equipped on the 3020 with bearings that don't control axial movement.

    Does the spindle shaft shift up and down when idle?

    Jeff...
    I've checked for vertical or laterial movement of shaft bearings and there isn't any. I do think I may have found the problem though. I was attempting to run my motor tuning pulse rates (step & dir) set to "1". After changing both of those to "2" and running several calibrations in "settings" it comes withing .001-.002 in 1/2" movements in either direction (+ or -). Guess I'll cross my fingers and try a program or two. Again, I appreciate your help Jeff. You were actually the only one who tried to help this "old coot".

    Dick

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: "old coot" needs help with motor tuning settings........I think.

    Change the pulse width to 5. It should be even more stable than at 2, and it won't have any negative effects.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    4553

    Re: "old coot" needs help with motor tuning settings........I think.

    Gerry,

    Good call.

    If what Gerry suggested helps but does not completely cure the issue try enabling sherline mode.

    Jeff...
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Sherline.jpg  
    Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

Similar Threads

  1. "Breakout board & motor controllers" v "Stepper motor driver controller board"
    By atkinsonp in forum CNC Machine Related Electronics
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 10-21-2013, 09:41 PM
  2. X Axis "Goes Off Pattern", "Awry", "Skewed", "Travels"
    By DaDaDaddio in forum Laser Engraving / Cutting Machine General Topics
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-06-2013, 09:59 AM
  3. "motor steps per resolution" and "driver microstepping" settings
    By margni74 in forum LinuxCNC (formerly EMC2)
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 10-24-2009, 08:33 AM
  4. Calculate "Steps Per" In Motor Tuning
    By Burn in forum Mach Mill
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 05-16-2008, 03:25 AM
  5. Motor Tuning and motor "wake up" ...?
    By matt888 in forum Commercial CNC Wood Routers
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 02-12-2008, 02:54 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •