SX3 Z axis won't move (4/20 Problem solved-Coupler)

[metalworkz]

Hi guys,
This morning when I lubed the Z axis I had jogged it down and then back up a little and now the Z does not want to move. I tried powering down and restarting and the only response I notice is I see the movement indicated in Mach3 for the Z axis but no movement on the machine, and I can hear something moving but the Z axis stepper seems like it is not getting power. I guess I need to check fuses etc. but thought I would post the probelm and see if someone else can help me out. I see nothing abnormal on the diagnostics page and the X and Y axis seem to work fine. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions!
Regards,

[neilw20]

Has it gone past the soft limits?
If so turn off softlimits from screen 1 an move it back into the real world.

[metalworkz]

Thanks for the reply Neil, and what you suggested sounds like the first simple explanation for what may have happened. I will check into it today and hopefully I will be making chips right away! Thanks again!
Best regards,

[neilw20]

Cheers

[metalworkz]

Hi Neil,
I tried the turning off soft limits but the Z still does not move when I try to job it. I can hear something at the top of the Z axis that sounds like a small motor turning but the stepper motor is not powering on when I try to jog or home the Z. Both X and Y axis work fine, so maybe I will have to look for a lose wire/connection connecting the Z axis?
Crisjh had suggested maybe a connector ferrule had come lose etc? I was real hopeful that the soft limits would do the trick but not so lucky. Any other ideas?

Regards,

[metalworkz]

Hi Neil,
I found the problem, after checking all the bootstrap ferrules and recrimping a lot of them the machine still did not work. I looked at all the wiring and tried to check connections and all looked good but still no movement of the Z axis. I decided I would need to pull the main component box off the machine to check the ballscrew and stepper area and there I found the problem. The stepper shaft coupler had come lose and slid off the end of the ballscrew. I was hearing the motor turning but it sounded strange because it was turning freely with no load as compared to when it drives the Z axis. I'm glad to find it was something this simple, but feel sort or dumb for not being able to deduce this from the symptoms. I have some hinge on hand but decided not to add hinge to the cover today. Thanks for the help and suggestions. Now I need to get back to the machine and make some chips.
Best regards,

[tranbell]

I'm glad that your X3 is working. Hello Wes and Neil.

[Crevice Reamer]

Sounds like a good place to use blue LocTite.

CR.

[neilw20]

When I got my machine the coupler on Z was loose.
This gave some backlash for free.
Factory installation used wrong size key to tighten (not even on the flat) the coupling screws.
I am going to make a proper split coupling when I get the time.
I will post the drawing and the code for it, but don't expect it before Christmas.
I intend to tilt the head to the correct helix angle and use the 4th axis as a rotary table to make a proper coupling using a slitting saw.
It will probably infringe someone's patent, but I am no going to sell them.

[Crevice Reamer]

Wow! How easy that sounds to make such a relatively expensive part. I'll be waiting to hear about it Neil!

CR.

[metalworkz]

Hello Xuan,
Have not heard from you for a while.

Neil, I had noticed some variation in Z depths lately so the lose set screw helps explain several things. I have made the Gingery metal lathe, metal shaper and milling machine so if needed I would be able to utilize one of the Gingery machines for couplers etc. I don't have the 4th axis for my SX3 yet but hopefully I will be able to add one someday soon.
Will probably do some engraving in Stainless Steel tonight or tomorrow and I'll post some pictures if I get it done.
Regards,