1 Topic by Morganism

  • Morganism
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  • Registered: 2015-01-19
  • Posts: 133

Topic: Y-axis binding in one direction

I just received my Solidoodle 4 yesterday. I was able to set-up and install everything without any problems. However, once I got Repetier host installed I tried to move all the axis. My X and Z are fine. My y-axis binds going backwards (towards the back of the machine). I thought initially it might be a belt-tightening issue. I went through the instructions to tighten belts, but problem only exists when the y-axis moves backward. When it moves foward there no skipping or grinding noises.

Any ideas? I am at a loss.

Solidoodle 4-Mostly stock running off headless Raspberry Pi with Octoprint

2 Reply by Morganism

  • Morganism
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Re: Y-axis binding in one direction

After further investigation, I was not able to unscrew the set screws on the y carriage because they are not the 1.5mm as described in the instructions. I was able to find a small screwdriver and loosen them. When I do, I can move the carriage back and forth. The instructions state that when the y-motor is off and these two screws are loose, you can move the carriage back and forth and the pulleys will center themselves. When I attempt this, the right pulley remains in the same place, but the left pulley wobbles back and forth and never finds a stable center.

Solidoodle 4-Mostly stock running off headless Raspberry Pi with Octoprint

3 Reply by grob

  • grob
  • grob
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  • From: Sydney, Australia
  • Registered: 2014-01-02
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Re: Y-axis binding in one direction

Ok, sounds like the belts were a little misaligned, so the bushings bind. Being directional doesn't seem unusual. This is pretty common after shipping (things seem to loosen up in the truck!).

Even if the left pulley moves back and forth, once you've run the carriage with them all loose a few times, settle the axis in a nice neutral position in the centre of its motion, and tighten the pulleys up.

It might take a bit of mucking around, but you should be able to get it to run pretty smooth under it's own power. Keep playing! wink

SD3. Mk2b + glass, heated enclosure, GT2 belts, direct drive y shaft, linear bearings, bowden-feed E3D v5 w/ 0.9° stepper
Smoothieboard via Octoprint on RPi