Z Axis Coupler Issue - Mega V XL

[sonornut]

Hello everyone,

I have not used my machine in about 6 months, I dusted it off and started running a job and it dug into the project board and my spoil board.    Previous to storing the machine, it was working just fine.

After troubleshooting I found the the Coupler - up top between the motor and the Z Lead/drive screw - is in multiple pieces.   The top metal/aluminum part is firmly attached to the motor shaft and the bottom part (with the red plastic like part) is firmly attached to the lead screw.   I can push it back together and do very light cuts, but it comes apart again after little use.


Is the coupler bad?    Do I need to take things apart and re-assemble?   Do I purchase a new/different coupler?


Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[bLouChip]

check this post and thread, sounds like the same problem/fix.

millrightcnc.proboards.com/post/25563/thread

[sonornut]

Thanks for the reply bLouChip -

I looked at the post you sent me and many others - and they all seem to have a resolution around the Z motor, coupler and lead screw. So I took off my router, Z motor and coupler. I verified that my lead screw was seated at the bottom correctly. Added the coupler back on the screw and reinstalled my motor. Had to adjust the position of the coupler as the set screw would hit the back plate, so I moved the coupler up a bit so it passed thru the hole in the plate. Put the motor back on and tightened the coupler to the motor shaft. Spent time verifying that I could turn everything up and down by had without binding. Finally added my router back in and did my best to make sure it was square and level to my spoil board (probably the most time out of all the steps).

So in 15 to 20 minutes I was able to take apart and reassemble the Z assembly. I thought it would have taken longer.


I ran some test circles and squares and it looked to keep the Z position!!!!


Tomorrow I will run a real job and verify this has resolved my issue.

[sonornut]

I ran two 6 inch rosettes today - they both came out looking good.

So I guess I would say if you have Z issues and can't see an obvious issue, take apart and reassemble your Z axis.

Disclaimer - it worked for me your mileage may vary!?!