Z20 axis Issues

[IGotYourWoodCrafts (Robert Stuart)]

So I recently upgraded to the Z20 and an 80mm Huanyang spindle. Since doing so, I have not been able to complete a job without the Z axis messing up. During cutting the Z axis will try to retract and fail. This will cause the next z plunge to be deeper than it should be. Alot deeper. Is anyone else having this issue or can anyone give me a tip on how to stop it from happening?

X50 Journeyman
V1.2.1 Firmware
Z20 Configuration selected

[Aiph5u (Aiph5u (not affiliated with Onefinity))]

Hey Robert,

have you adjusted stall homing to reflect the new weight after switching to a spindle?

• Installing the Z-20 Heavy Duty Z Slider (configuring the software)

[IGotYourWoodCrafts (Robert Stuart)]

I have adjusted the stall settings to reflect the heavier spindle. Machine homes out with no issues. But once again while finishing a 14 hour carve, the machine messed up in the Z axis. Everything worked fine me before upgrading the to the Z20 and spindle. I am at a loss and very disappointed

[IGotYourWoodCrafts (Robert Stuart)]

So I have discovered that the standard max velocity for the Z20 slide is 7m/min as set by the configuration screen. However, 7m/min causes my Z axis motor to stall. At 6m/ min I cannot get it to stall. If I set it to a Buildbotics recommended 80% factor, I am at 4.8m/min. This is 1.8m/min over the standard Z16 slider. Not impressed at all at $375 for the upgrade. And just ruined a $60 piece of wood with about 14 hours of time into it.

[Aiph5u (Aiph5u (not affiliated with Onefinity))]

Hey Robert,

did you try that:

@Aiph5u

Additionally when using a heavier milling motor, you can adjust (increase) the ‘drive-current’ and ‘idle-current’ settings the “Motor → Power " section of motor 3 on the MOTORs page.

@Aiph5u

Also the Z stepper wire can fail due to invisible cable break as it lacks strain relief.

I would check all the points in the help document “Troubleshooting: Rail is getting hung, stuck, or out of alignment” one by one.

Also note that cables not only fail on their connectors. A multimeter can help. Also be aware that neither Onefinity cable is made for permanent motion in a CNC. Sometimes replacing the curly Z cable, that can break internally, or retrofitting strain relief on the machine can help (or better retrofitting a drag chain system that runs cables specifically made for permanent motion).

@Aiph5u

To check the cable, I would unplug it on the controller side and on the other end and check all four wires one by one for conductivity between both ends, by using a multimeter set to resistance (ohms). But it could be that you measure that everything is okay because the fault my appear only in certain moments, in certain positions of the cable, when you move it, etc. Usually it’s the motion on a cable that is not made for permanent motion that can make problems after a while, mostly where the individual wire is crimped into the contact, or between the contacts which unfortunately are only tin-plated which means movement and/or corrosion can wear the plating leaving the bare copper open to air which is even more prone to corrosion. In this case, a little amount of KONTAKT 60 and then KONTAKT 61 can help.

You need to load the correct configuration:

• Installing the Z-20 Heavy Duty Z Slider (configuring the software) .

This applies to firmware 1.2.1 and later.

@OnefinityCNC

Should you be on firmware 1.0.9 or earlier, after installing Z-20 assembly, you need to set these values of Motor 3 on its MOTOR page manually instead:

• “travel-per-rev” to “10”
• “min-soft-limit” to “-160”, and
• “max-velocity” to “7”

This is what the “Pick your Z Slider Type” choice sets (as shown in the image) above when choosing “Z-20 Heavy Duty”. The Z-20 assembly will work correctly if you set it manually this way.

The standard configurations apply to the weight of the Makita Router.

[IGotYourWoodCrafts (Robert Stuart)]

I have followed all the proper installation steps. I am on version 1.2.1. I have loaded the configuration file for the Z20 slider upgrade. I have read all this and done all this. But when I jog my Z axis up and down manually, it stalls out and then loses position. I can only assume that when doing a 3d relief carve and having to transition between Z+ and Z- movements pretty rapidly at times, that it also stalls. I have now decreased my max velocity on the Z axis to 4.8 and am running the toolpath even though my project is already junk. I do many 3d carves and thought the spindle and Z20 would be a good improvement but it has proven to be nothing but a problem. I have lost all faith in this machine.

[IGotYourWoodCrafts (Robert Stuart)]

I do not feel comfortable increasing the drive current above the 2.8 amps as the motor is only rated for 2.8 amps according to the sticker on the top of the stepper motor. If this repeat carve fails, I will be returning the Z20 slider as well as my spindle. Possibly the entire machine. I am not happy at all.

[Aiph5u (Aiph5u (not affiliated with Onefinity))]

Hey Robert,

what did support@onefinitycnc.com say to your issue?

[IGotYourWoodCrafts (Robert Stuart)]

The carve is still running and has made it past where it messed up last time. Looks like the velocity change may be the answer. I am sure this is due to the added weight of the spindle. But if the Z20 is sold with an 80mm spindle option, why would I have to slow it down in order to be able to use it.

[IGotYourWoodCrafts (Robert Stuart)]

Oh, and did I mention that it was originally a 14 hour carve and is now well over 21 hours. Doesn’t sound like an upgrade to me

[IGotYourWoodCrafts (Robert Stuart)]

Okay, I have been doing some research and thought possibly EMI could be causing my issue. I have noticed my screen flickering from time to time. I have rerouted some cables and changed the way things were plugged in. I have changed all my settings back to factory settings and am going to try rerunning my toolpath with no material. With no dust collection running, I will be able to easily hear if it loses position. I could hear it while the dust collection was running. Will respond with my findings.

[IGotYourWoodCrafts (Robert Stuart)]

It was indeed related to EMI. Machine is running much much better now.

[mwaddellus (Michael Waddell)]

After all that, would you kindly detail what you did to fix this problem entirely? Many thanks.

[IGotYourWoodCrafts (Robert Stuart)]

I found what worked was to only have the controller and the screen plugged in to one power strip and all my other things plugged into another powerstrip on another outlet. Machine is running way different than i was used to seeing. Much much better. I believe ibwas robbing it of the required amps. Simple but frustrating. I should have known better.