Plasma Cam 98-z cut sync problems???

[ziptie007]

Ok guys I'm hoping some one may have a solution for what my machine is doing. I'm cutting a header flange out for a sbf and the machine doesnt seem to be cutting it in sync. What I have the machine do is cut 4 oval holes and then the machine will cut the actual flange out. Well the problem is the holes and the outside pattern are not cutting as my file has them. They are off a little. maybe a 1/4" or so.

I cleaned my tracks and everything is rolling good. I lightly blew every thing off, Checked the belts and all good, Unplugged the encoder and reconnected it. So I think I ran out of ideas besides actually checking the ecoder motors unless some one else has a idea.

[jimcolt]

1. Belts......don't just check them...replace them. I used to keep at least 5 for each axis in stock all the time. They sometimes look good....but the teeth get damaged from one or two collisions. Buy them from SDI....they are about $3 each. The newer DHC and DHC2 machines from PlasmaCam have more robust belts...and don't have this issue.

2. I never had trouble with this...but many users have reported pulleys slipping on motor shafts. Set screws may be loose.

You can make a pen mount...and draw the header flange on a piece of paper with the machine to see if it looks better that way. Have you checked the torch carriage to see if the pivot points (where it flexes to activate the limit switches) are broken? I had to weld mine more than once....again, the newer PlasmaCams don't have this issue.

Jim

[ziptie007]

I'll have to look at the limit switch part. Hummmm. Do you have a website link for sdi so I can order some belts. Where can I find a pert number for the belt also? Sorry so many noob questions but you do seem to be the man with experiance who does share his knowledge. So thanx in advance Jim.

[ziptie007]

Well Jim you called it. I checked the short belt and there was a flat spot with some teeth missing. I was lucky to have a spare one of those with the spare parts that came with the machine. I see a part number on the small belt so I would imagine thats what I'll search for when I find the website out. I also checked the long belt and it did look good and since I don't have a spare for that one I'll run it as is till I get new ones. I can't read the part number on the long belt so if you have the part number that would be great. It got a little to late to make some cuts so I'll do it tomorrow. But thanx again

[jimcolt]

I gave you the wrong name....the company that you can get belts from is Stock Drive Products....here is a link to their site. http://www.sdp-si.com/

I don't have the part numbers form the belts....I think I read the numbers off the old belts and then was able to find matches from their site. If you go to the PlasmaPig yahoo user group and join (you must be a PlasmaCam owner...have your serial number ready) you will be able to post and other owners will be happy to share info on where to get parts for the 98-Z. I sold mine and bought the PlasmaCam DHC2.

Jim

[ziptie007]

Ok thanks very much Jim. I have been meaning to get on that yahoo group for some time now so this gets me to finally do it. Thanx again