Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

Z-Axis Setup

Discussion in 'OpenBuilds Forum Help' started by ricklach, Sep 5, 2019.

  1. ricklach

    ricklach Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2019
    Messages:
    121
    Likes Received:
    17
    I have an OpenBuild 1510 belt-driven that I just assembled and tested after some initial electrical problems. My issue with the Z-axis is that there seems to be an inordinately small amount of travel between the bottom of the Z-axis and the work piece. For example, there is about 1/2" of the lead screw protruding from the bottom of the z-axis carriage that limits the movement of the router assembly. More importantly, at the z-axis highest point it trips the limit switch and there is barely enough room to put a bit into the router. That means that the router bit will not even clear the work when you proceed to the setup phase because the bottom of the z-axis carriage trips the limit switch again. Will switching the direction of movement solve that problem?
     
  2. Alex Chambers

    Alex Chambers Master
    Moderator Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2018
    Messages:
    2,681
    Likes Received:
    1,321
    Can you post pictures of the problem?
    Alex.
     
  3. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    13,751
    Likes Received:
    4,070
    Just double check against the assembly videos/instructions. Shouldnt normally be the case, maybe just loosen stop collars and move it up a bit, or something is assembled wrong. Seconding Alex, some close up pics will help us tell you better

    Is the router mount and router's position inside the router mount at a suitable height: If it hangs too low in the mount it will not work great. Just moving the router up a bit may be needed, but yeah, Pics will help check that too
     
  4. ricklach

    ricklach Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2019
    Messages:
    121
    Likes Received:
    17
    I used the latest build video to set and reset the height. The router collet is set even with the bottom plate of the z-axis. I will post some pictures of the issue.
     
  5. sharmstr

    sharmstr OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2018
    Messages:
    2,030
    Likes Received:
    1,428
    The lead screw, if built correctly, doesnt extend past the bottom plate at all. At the 34 min mark of the build video, they tell you to make sure the lead screw is flush with the plate.


    Here's pics of my workbee Z

    20190905_082455.jpg 20190905_082556.jpg

    Also, if you flip your spoilboard 80x20s 90 degrees to lay on the 80mm side, you'll gain more Z clearance.
     
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.
  6. sharmstr

    sharmstr OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2018
    Messages:
    2,030
    Likes Received:
    1,428
  7. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    13,751
    Likes Received:
    4,070
    Still, do take some pics of your build around the trouble areas
     
  8. ricklach

    ricklach Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2019
    Messages:
    121
    Likes Received:
    17
    Here are some photos of the z-axis gantry as requested. 20190905_100317[1].jpg 20190905_100417[1].jpg 20190905_100452[1].jpg 20190905_101204[1].jpg
    These photos are all taken when the z-axis is at its highest height and tripping the limit switch. The ones showing the router bit indicate how little room there is to insert the bit and when inserted you cannot raise the bit to clear the work-piece. The last one shows the protrusion of the lead screw through the base. It seems to me that all of this could be solved by replacing the outer attachment plates with something a bit higher to achieve the full travel potential of the z-axis C-channel.
     
    #8 ricklach, Sep 5, 2019
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2019
  9. sharmstr

    sharmstr OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2018
    Messages:
    2,030
    Likes Received:
    1,428
    Thanks for the pics.

    So, as mentioned before, you need to fix your Z axis lead screw. It should be flush with the bottom plate. I provided pictures of the top of my Z axis so you can see how far it sticks out the top.

    For your limit switch, you have two options. You can flip it around on the mounting plate, then re-mount it to the c-beam with the screw on the top (instead of the bottom like you have). Or you can move it to the other side, again with the mounting screw at the top. This will give you more clearance before the switch is triggered. I only have a blurry pic, but it should explain what I mean.

    20190905_082528.jpg

    And as mentioned before, flip the 80x20s under your spoilboard for even more clearance.
     
  10. ricklach

    ricklach Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2019
    Messages:
    121
    Likes Received:
    17
    OK, thanks. I did not see the extra spacers at first view. I have flip my support rails as suggested and the limit switch. Did my first job - the eagle has landed!
     
  11. sharmstr

    sharmstr OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2018
    Messages:
    2,030
    Likes Received:
    1,428
    Excellent! :thumbsup:

    So, I'm guessing your "motor syncing" issue in the other thread is also solved?
     
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.
  12. ricklach

    ricklach Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2019
    Messages:
    121
    Likes Received:
    17
    Yes I did post my comments as problem solved.
     
  13. sharmstr

    sharmstr OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2018
    Messages:
    2,030
    Likes Received:
    1,428
    Ah. I see you edited it 4 mins after I responded. We dont get notifications on edits so no way of knowing unless you tell us. Glad you are sorted.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice