Post by bLouChip on Jan 27, 2019 17:21:22 GMT
Can someone please comment on the sufficient pre-load when adjusting each of the 3 axes V-wheel to rail tension via the eccentric spacers ? I had no discernible wobble or play in the plate assemblies and gantry (trucks) when I mounted each to the rails, and nice smooth rolling action. But in anticipation of wobble or play from the loads of actually routing a work piece, I adjusted the eccentric spacers just a tad anyway to "snug" up the wheels. As expected, I noticed that the force necessary to move the "truck" or axis (without lead screw installed) down the rails had increased. Wanting to know how much force it takes to move, I came up with a repeatable and perhaps universal method which uses a light coil spring approx. 3 inches long, 3/4 inch dia, and made from 0.030 steel spring wire, 3 wraps/inch. Any similar spring should work also. I "calibrated" my spring on a digital kitchen scale, it takes 20 oz. of force to compress 1 inch. I then used the spring to push each truck and measure the force it takes to get it moving. I adjusted each truck / axis to 25 oz., a purely arbitrary force which happens to be a "tad" adjustment of the eccentric spacers and resulting in "snug" V-wheel to rail relationship.
I'm hoping someone can measure their system and comment on this force. Or is this a moot point given the wheels are a cushioned material, bearings and rails are stout, and other forces on the axes can far exceed a mere 25 oz. ?
In the meantime, I'm waiting on some back order parts to complete my Carve King assembly. Chomping at the bit
Thanks,
CNC newbie
Lou