Hello, I'm having problems with a Sherline CNC mill that our department purchased a couple years ago and which has pretty much sat unused during that time. I started playing with it this afternoon and found out that Z axis is not responding to keyboard commands. Both the X and Y motors are working fine, but when I try jogging the z axis it makes a grinding/humming sound. The wheel jerks, but will not turn fully. If I switch connections with one of the other axis it works fine however. I've tried the Z axis connection on both the X and Y axis with the same result (it won't work). I'm guessing there is a problem with the card, but I'm hoping it is something simpler. Since nobody played with this thing since purchasing it (annoying I know) I'm guessing the problem might have existed all along. There is the other 4th axis port, how hard would it be to configure this port to run the z axis? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Alex Johnson

clean and lube the machine. manually run the axis up and down by turning the motor. My guess is that stuff is sticking. The gibs are a probably dried and stuck to the column. Or maybe WAY TO TIGHT!

After you make sure everything can be moved manually with the stepper motors off you can easily reconfigure the 4th axis to run the z.
My guess is you have a bad z chip, this happened to us, easy to replace. I think they were about $80.00 back a few years ago.
If your handy with a screwdriver you can replace it easy.
Good luck

Thanks for the replies. Everything is free moving and well oiled. The Z axis moves fine when I plug one of the other connections into it. I talked to Sherline today and they thought it was likely a chip problem also. I guess it is either try and repair it myself or send the whole controller back to them. Thanks again.

Alex