Keep Cables from tangling

[Mr.Chips]

What are the plastic guides called that keep the X and Y axis cable from tangeling? They curl up and uncurl when the axis moves.

What do the individual segments look like?

Any homemade ones out there?

Thanks
Hager

[Weldtutor]

There is a thread HERE for the Igus energy chains (cable carrier)

[Mr.Chips]

Originally Posted by Weldtutor There is a thread HERE for the Igus energy chains (cable carrier)

That's it.

Thanks
Hager

[jcc3inc]

Sir,
Sometimes they are called "powertrack". Several co's make them; they are usually plastic and they snap together. Some have removable caps to ease the process of placing the cable in them.

If you want to keep costs down, consider a heavy spring which is tied to a fixed part of your machine and is also attached to your moving member. The spring can be a flat steel spring material like the device which electricians use to run wire thru conduit. I bought a "drain de-clogger" for a low price, cut off the length needed, and tied my wires to it.

Regards,
Jack C.

[planekrazie]

This Sounds interesting. Could you post a pic o link of some sort for this.
Much thanks Steve

Originally Posted by jcc3inc Sir, Sometimes they are called "powertrack". Several co's make them; they are usually plastic and they snap together. Some have removable caps to ease the process of placing the cable in them. If you want to keep costs down, consider a heavy spring which is tied to a fixed part of your machine and is also attached to your moving member. The spring can be a flat steel spring material like the device which electricians use to run wire thru conduit. I bought a "drain de-clogger" for a low price, cut off the length needed, and tied my wires to it. Regards, Jack C.

[Al_The_Man]

Originally Posted by jcc3inc The spring can be a flat steel spring material like the device which electricians use to run wire thru conduit. .

It's known as a 'Fish Tape' Home Depot have them in the Elec. section.
Al.

[jcc3inc]

Planekrazie,

I will attempt to add 2 pix to show what I did.

Regards,
Jack C.

[Mr.Chips]

Originally Posted by jcc3inc Planekrazie, I will attempt to add 2 pix to show what I did. Regards, Jack C.

This is a good and simple idea. And I like simple.

Hager

[CNCRob]

I seen someone on here even use the tape part (the part with the numbers on it) of an old tape measure to make one. I can't remember which thread it was now though.

[CNCRob]

Originally Posted by jcc3inc Planekrazie, I will attempt to add 2 pix to show what I did. Regards, Jack C.

Very nice, I like the way that looks.

[Madclicker]

WOW, never thought of fish tape. It will work perfectly for me. My fish tape is on a reel and I don't want to wreck it. If I remember right it is only $6 or so for a wind of it. Might try harborfreight.

[Rance]

Neat idea Jack. Others looking for material to use might consider 1/4" pvc tubing or similar. Maybe tubing you use to hook up icemaker for a refrigerator. It's flexible but somewhat stiff, can bend in a 'U', and gives you something to zip tie your cables to.