Motor Tuning for Keling Motors

[Cartierusm]

Howdy, I just finished my cnc router and everything is working....YEAH. I've watched the setup video from Mach3 and he talks about motor tuning and listening to your motors. I think I've got a good start but want some input from other people running Mach3 and Keling motors. Here's what I have.

Keling NEMA 23 BIPOLAR STEPPER MOTOR 425 oz-in KL23H286-20-8B
with 1/2" acme screw I figured out 10,000 steps per inch because it's a 2 start screw.
I ran it at 100% jog and came up with about 32" per minute, I just timed it with a watch and then measured how far it went...not very scientific.
I have my motor tuning set at the following

Velocity 40 IPM, Acceleration 20

Any input would be great. Thanks

[jhowelb]

I'm running two KL23H2100-30-4B motors with Mach. Both lead screws are 5 tpi ball screws. I'm running them at 140 increments per unit (I assume that's inches per min.) and about 50% of the max accel. with no problems.

I DID have problems with the stock lead screws (much finer thread) that presented itself by the motors screaming like hell and going no where, especially under load.

IMHO, if it ain't giving you fits then leave it alone!!

[Cartierusm]

What voltage are you running? I'm running 24V and are running in inches or MM? At 140 my motors either scream or stall. I'm running a 1/2-10 2 start which is 5 TPI Acme screw.

[jhowelb]

IMHO you shouldn't get too hung up on the numbers entered in Machs "Motor Tuning" loop. Those are like the speed limit signs on a freeway. Start dropping that velocity till the motors run smoothly and don't stall. They are a bit evasive on the accel. setting. It should "sound comfortable", whatever that is!!

The speed you operate will be set by the "F" word setting in the G-code and jog settings. This where you determine whether you muck up the work or break bits. Here you need to pay close attention to the quality of the cut, the sound of the steppers AND the sound of the spindle.

Sounds to me like you just need to toy with your machine enough to get to know it intimately. Just keep body parts clear of cutting surfaces. LOL

Have fun!!