AHH! Did I hurt it? Please Help!

[toyranosaur]

So, here's the deal: Just got my new VF-3 w/10K spindle. I used one for 5 years at the school and never crashed it, so of course right away I crash mine. I don't remember what button I hit during set-up (Was too freaked out) but the spindle seemed to free-fall into the vice. Luckily, I had a tiny 1/8" endmill loaded and Alum. soft jaws on the vise. The tool of course broke on impact, and the tool holder landed on the jaws, making more of a 'Thump' than a dreaded steel-on-steel 'Bang'. Spindle sounds fine & everything seems to work normally, but now I notice a noise coming from the (I assume) top of the machine, like a muted little car horn, whenever the spindle rapids in Z. It'll cost me $500+ for a tech to come down, and while I'd love to just do that & be at ease, I'm just getting started & that would really hurt if it's something I can possibly check myself. Therefore, PUH-LEEZE if anyone has an educated opinion on what may have been damaged or things to check, I'd really be grateful! Tech on the phone said could be a ballscrew or the Z-motor coupling, if that's any help. If you have any thoughts, kindly take a moment to post. Many, many thanks in advance Gentlemen, Chris

[mactec54]

toyranosaur

If your machine is new, then they should come & check it for free, it may not be any thing to do with the crash that is making the noise, was the spindle running when it crashed,were you in MDI mode when you did this, if so when you are getting to know your machine, don't put moves or tool changes in the MDI, untill you get used to the machine, use the handwheel, & toolchange buttons, less chance of you having a crash like you did

[Al_The_Man]

The best and probably only way is to take any covers off close to the source of the noise and get up close and personal to identify where the noise maybe coming from, get someone to rapid it up and down while you check.
Could be a thrust bearing or coupler, if you have trouble pinpointing the source, one of the cheap automotive stethoscope type detectors can be a good tool in pining it down.
Check to see if any backlash exists now to see if there is any damage or movement occurred in the ballscrew itself.
Al.

[haastec]

First off, get used to hitting that 5% or 25% rapid button during setups and first piece run; increase your reaction time. It will save your behind for years to come. LOL At least you have that out of the way now.

Back to your question. Most likely could be the thrust bearing for Z-Axis. Make a program to rapid the Z-Axis or whatever it takes to get the noise you are hearing. Get on a ladder behind the machine and listen to the noise. Does it sound like the noise is stationary of does it move with Z? If it seems stationary, does it sound like it is below the Z motor? If yes to the last question then it is probably the thrust bearing. If it moves with the Z-Axis then you will need to remove more covers to pinpoint.

Let us know what you find and good luck!

[Donkey Hotey]

How new is this machine? Do you mean you just had it installed? Are you sure you're not hearing things? I have had three Haas machines with the same 10K/2-speed spindle that sounded completely different based on the acoustics of the environment they were in. One had a low ceiling, one a high ceiling and one was in a 80 foot tall aircraft hangar. Every one made different noises based on what sounds were being absorbed and reflected.

I don't know what the sound of a 'faint car horn' describes but, it might just be the normal Z-axis noises that you're just not used to in this new environment. Are you sure you're not hearing things or is this a pronounced noise that you're sure wasn't there when you started?

[Vern Smith]

My TM-1P started to make a similar moaning sound with rapid Z moves after about 2 years of sporadic use. I called Haas in CA and they said it was not unusual and was a bearing in the top of the spindle. They recommended I leave it alone until the machine started to have trouble repeating in Z. I had the local tech check it and he said exactly the same thing, even said mine had a mild case. This is not a recommendation but I would not panic yet. I do not have a 10 k spindle however.

Vern

[mniadna]

I crashed the Z on mf VF-0 hard enough already to back the split locking nut off the bearings in the bearing/motor housing. I had sever backlash in the axis after this happen. It also made a thud when changing directions. I just tightened the nut up again, and all was good!

[toyranosaur]

Thanks so much for the input, Gents! I ultimately wussed out & had the tech come look at it ($600, but warranty doesn't cover my error.) I always use the 5 & 25% rapid, etc. After the tech did a vibration test, bearing temp. check, & spindle tram check, he shimmed it up a bit (I had knocked it a bit under a thou off tram,) and said the noise was nothing odd: He said not to worry about it, it's normal, and he allegedly built these things for years so knows 'em pretty well. I'm always very careful and never did that in 5 years at the college, so I had to ask him what did I do? We arrived at the idea that I must have been about to jog Z in .1 with the handwheel, and accidentally hit the 'Jog Lock' button, which is 100 IPM when you have it set on '.1'. I've never used that button, so asked if it could be locked out, but he says that's not possible: Just watch it, which I will (Think I'll glue a thumb tack to that bastard.) He did lock out the 'Tool Release' botton, which I also never used and saw the logic- Touch that accidentally & the tool will just drop out, screw that: I've always used the button on the spindle. So, except for the bill, all is well there: Now I have a water-in-my-air-lines prob that needs addressed. Looks like I'll need a drier, even emptying my tank & filters every day multiple times. Anyone have any opinions on the centrifugal water separators? I do love this thing though, just a couple minor issues to cover. Thanks again Gents! Chris

[Haas__man]

As far as I know the 'JOG LOCK' button cannot be disabled - however the .1 handle jog button can be disabled instead.
Setting 163.

Hope this helps.

[gerald vern]

For what its worth I did the same bobo with a TM3,Gerald

[lkenney]

Go to habor freight and get their air drier, about 4 hundred bucks, sometime they have to have it shipped in.

Compressed Air Dryer
Item # 40211

I have used one for 3 years, still going stong.
fairly quiet.

Lowell

[ltmquik]

Originally Posted by toyranosaur Thanks so much for the input, Gents! I ultimately wussed out & had the tech come look at it ($600, but warranty doesn't cover my error.)

Next time don't tell them that you crashed the machine unless of course you really messed things up. It will save you $600.00. That is what the warranty is for. IMO