Who to rebuild PracticalCNC Z?

[m2pmd70]

Our trusty (it breaks down like clockwork) Practical machine just performed its annual spindle-trying-to-fall-through-the-table dance.

Seriously, three years - third Z axis disaster. Whatever you call the plastic thing that rides up and down the z shaft is the culprit.

Anyway, since Practical/PAE are no more, who would you recommend I have rebuild our z-axis assembly this time? We're located in north central Arkansas if there's someone (semi-)local. Or is this something we can fix?

Practical blamed it on us using teflon grease (never happened) when it happened before. They acted like it was some NASA-precise piece only they could fix, so we let 'em.

[m2pmd70]

After wasting half the day searching every forum and cnc parts site I can think of it appears that dumpstercnc has the exact anti-backlash nut I need. I dunno if practical bought from him or he just happens to have the same part (http://www.dumpstercnc.com/acme_12102.html part#AC12102-LN, with the .980 flange).



I see he hasn't posted here since Oct. 2008. Does anyone have a phone number or some way to get in touch with him? I sent an email and haven't heard back yet. Otherwise, any other sources for the parts?

I've also called Josh (formerly of Precision Automated aka PracticalCNC) and left a voice mail asking where to get one of those doohickeys. Due to my experiences with his former employers I don't hold much hope of a return call.

Of course the machine is smart enough to only break down when it's crunch time and we've got several big jobs due to be installed like right now. Ugh.

[m2pmd70]

This conversation appears a little one sided...

Anyway, I got in touch with Tim at DumpsterCNC. It's no coincidence his part looks just like the one from Practical/PAE - he was their supplier.

So the good news is we should be back up and running on Friday. The bad news? I'm gonna have to work the weekend to make up for lost time. boo