X-Axis slop ... need advice

[cyclestart]

Originally Posted by Jay C The outside one is held in place with a clamp collar.

The right side of the screw has a collar? That was a bad design and later kits are threaded at the right (thrust bearing) end. Aside from the difficulty adjusting end play the collar also tended to loosen in use. You may be able to thread it yourself using a die if the shaft diameter works out to a convenient size. Cncfusion can advise.

Edit/ "bad design" was a bit harsh. Let's call it 'less than optimal'. Cncfusion has been very good to me and their support is first rate.

[Jay C]

Actually, I tightened the clamp collar without the stepper in place. This way I could check and test the slide of the table with little to no resistance. The preload is that the shoulder of the ball screw is pressing on the inner thrust bearing while on the outside the shaft clamp is pressing on the other bearing.

Bad news, the Y-axis is worse, and I need more hands to pull the screw, hold the table, and tighten the clamp. I think I know why Michael moved to spanner nuts on his current ball screws.

[Jay C]

Originally Posted by cyclestart The right side of the screw has a collar? That was a bad design and later kits are threaded at the right (thrust bearing) end. Aside from the difficulty adjusting end play the collar also tended to loosen in use. You may be able to thread it yourself using a die if the shaft diameter works out to a convenient size. Cncfusion can advise. Edit/ "bad design" was a bit harsh. Let's call it 'less than optimal'. Cncfusion has been very good to me and their support is first rate.

The shaft is 10mm to match the original thrust bearings. I have thought about threading the shaft as you suggested, but it seems a bit daunting with my limited experience. I will contact Michael to see what my options are.

Jay

On a good note, my Widgitmaster wide-router arrived last night so even if I can't get the X2 where i want it in terms of backlash and slop, I have a replacement. Who knows, maybe I'll take it apart and sell upgrade parts I was just hoping to solve this issue before I put it up for sale.