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Post by germanguitars on Sept 27, 2017 10:08:54 GMT -5
I had this happen once before at the end of a file as the machine returned to the origin. It happened again yesterday when I turned the machine on and went to 'home all' at startup. The cutter had been left at the far end of the y-axis, and as it jogged back towards y=0, the drag chain (articulated wiring harness) caught on the cross support and stopped the y-travel causing a loud racket as the stepper motor clutch slipped. I stopped it and took a photo of the sagging drag chain and how it snagged on the cross support:  There is just a bit of play in the attachment at the end of the chain, but not much. Any suggestions on how to avoid this in the future? |
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Post by smokediver576 on Sept 27, 2017 10:33:28 GMT -5
I am having the same issue with my brand new machine. Right now I am doing smaller work so I just adjust so it does not come back until the end. I then reach up under neath and "lift" the Echain up to keep it from hitting.
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Post by germanguitars on Oct 18, 2017 10:18:15 GMT -5
I have pinpointed the reason for the problem. I don't have a solution yet. The moving end of the drag chain has a bracket with metal pegs that insert into the final link in the chain. The top peg is under a lot of stress in order to keep the arc of the chain looping above horizontal as designed. Mine (and likely yours) has apparently slipped off that top peg allowing the drag chain to sag well below horizontal which causes it to catch on the cross bar when jogging back to home. I can get the plastic link to go back onto the peg using pliers, but it will not stay there. I need a better solution. Suggestions?   |
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Post by germanguitars on Oct 18, 2017 14:15:21 GMT -5
Okay. I think I fixed it. I used a 3/16 machine bolt through the hollow pin with a lock washer and nut . Now the top of the chain link cannot pop off the pin and the drag chain no longer sags. So far, so good.  |
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Post by techtonix on Dec 29, 2017 23:23:55 GMT -5
Possibly allowing it to sag, but inserting some sheet metal, as a smooth surface to drag on will fix it?
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Post by germanguitars on Dec 30, 2017 7:56:54 GMT -5
When I first discovered the problem I tried a thin piece of hardboard (0.080") and it did not work. It bound up. The plastic joints on the chain are designed to slide over things as long as the angle doesn't get too severe. No problems since I re-attached the end securely.
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dalev
New Member
Posts: 3 
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Post by dalev on Jan 4, 2018 13:26:06 GMT -5
I noticed the drag chain riding on the cross support a few days ago when I oiled the Y ball-rod and thought to myself, 'Huh! this could become a problem'. And now I see it can. Perhaps a narrow piece of acrylic down the center of the bed for it to ride on attached on top of the supports would still allow reaching the ball-rod for oiling. Thanks for the heads-up!
Dale
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