1 Topic by dharmanos

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Topic: Solidoodle workbench z-axis binding

I got my workbench last week and got several prints off successfully without too much trouble.

Now I'm having a huge issue with the Z-axis binding.  My bed will move down, but not up unless I give it a manual assist. If I don't help push it up a little, the motor makes a grinding noise.  I greased the rails and the screw with synthetic lithium grease which helped yesterday but today the problem was worse. The motor doesn't seem to have enough power to push the bed up.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks.

2 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Solidoodle workbench z-axis binding

If there isn't any physical or mechanical binding you most likely need to adjust the VREF on the stepper driver.  This is the small POT on the board next to the plug for that motor.  I highly recommend using a non conductive screwdriver to adjust it.  I would guess a very small turn clockwise will solve your problem.  By very small I mean 1/32 to 1/16th of a turn.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

3 Reply by dharmanos

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Re: Solidoodle workbench z-axis binding

Thanks. i think it's mechanical.  How easy should it be to move the bed by hand when it's disconnected from the screw drive?

The brass collars are well lubricated to the rail. Should the brass collars be stiff in the plastic boots or float freely?

4 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Solidoodle workbench z-axis binding

Those bronze bushings should be snug in their mounts.  The bed (if disconnected) should move smoothly with no noticeable binding.  If it doesn't try and locate the source of friction i.e. is one of the rods bent?  Are the bushings too tight?
If you think the bushings are causing the friction you may be able to work them loose.  Just slide the bed up and down and see if you can't free things up.  That motor and screw are capable of applying quite a bit of force.  Your binding would have to be rather severe for it to stall the motor.
Also make sure you have some lube on the threads.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

5 Reply by dharmanos

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Re: Solidoodle workbench z-axis binding

I tried the POT adjustment but it didn't help.

Seems like the bushings are tight. They kind of stick initially then slide.

I read somewhere that 3 in 1 (sewing machine) oil, not grease should be used on the rails. I'll try that next.

6 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Solidoodle workbench z-axis binding

Yes I prefer a thinner oil over grease for everything.  Make sure you get some in the threads of the nut.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

7 Reply by dharmanos

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Re: Solidoodle workbench z-axis binding

Light oil helped a little but not enough. I was actually able to move the axis with the naked bed frame but once I mounted the heated bed I lost all progress.

8 Reply by tbtipgh

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Re: Solidoodle workbench z-axis binding

I had a similar issue with my Workbench after installing a bolt on filament guide. What I noticed is that since the rods no longer pass through the top and bottom of the case itself, but through the aluminum block, it was easy for them to come out of alignment with each other. I was able to solve this by loosening the bolts on top that hold the block in place and move it so everything lined up and the bed traveled easier. Hope this helps.

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9 Reply by userksh14

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Re: Solidoodle workbench z-axis binding

Hi tbtipgh, did you tight the screw again or just leave the loose?  thanks.