Carve King: Drag chain installation (X-axis)

[gabe]

Hi,

Section Running Cable into Drag Chains and Electronics Setup of the assembly instructions manual does not show how to install the drag chain for the cables of the X-axis motor and homing switch. It does show two pictures just before the electronics paragraph at the top of page 28 but it just not clear what should be done. Anyone faced this problem?

Thanks,
gabe

[Derek the Admin]

You mount the aluminum angle on the back off the top X rail using drop in T nuts placed into the rail. Then one end of the drag chain mounts to the aluminum angle using M3 hardware to secure it. The other end is free. The wires will easily drag it along.

Hope that helps.

[gabe]

Hi,

There are two chains in the kit. The one going on top of the aluminum angle is for the wires of the Z-axis
motor and homing switch. Its installation is well explained and I had no trouble completing that part.

My question here is about the other drag chain that is for the wires of the X-axis motor and homing switch.
In this image from your Web site, it is the chain making an angle and connected to the electronics box.
I found instructions on page 34 which is probably what I was looking for.

However, this paragraph:

Now devise some system to mark which motor and switch connectors are the X and which is the Z. Use a
piece of tape, a dot of ink, or whatever you think will help. Once you insert them into the other drag
chain, you won’t easily be able to tell the X from the Z if you don’t mark one axis. Run them through this
drag chain, just as before.

suggests that the wires that have been already inserted in the chain that goes on top of the aluminum angle
also need to go through the second chain which I don't understand and is what prompted this post.

UPDATE: This other image from your Web site explains the paragraph I quoted above. I have now what I was
looking for.




Thanks,
gabe

[Derek the Admin]

Okay, sounds good bud.

[garyeb]

My CK has been getting a good workout as I mill parts for yet another tool I am building. A couple days ago I heard a loud snapping sound and discovered the drag chain for the Z-axis motor wires had snapped when it snagged a wheel bolt from the Z assembly that extended into the drag chain area by a few millimeters. The interim fix was relatively easy (I didn't want to disconnect all the wiring) by cutting out the broken link and reconnecting the chain (after breaking another link…). The shortened drag chain works just fine and I am more careful to ensure the chain is far enough away from the rail to avoid another snag.

Given that the drag chain is rigid when flat and long enough, it doesn't take much force to rotate it around the single screw currently used. The long-term fix (also relatively easy) is to replace the 1" aluminum angle with 1-1/2" angle and use two bolts to secure the chain end piece so it sets further out. This will ensure the travel path of the chain can't be pulled in to the bolt.

[ibohan]

Gary,
I ran into the same problem a few times. Luckily I've been able to catch it every time before it does any damage. I adjusted the chain as far away from the bolt as I could. This helped, but I still got a snag last time I ran the machine. I'm still thinking of a good fix.

I think it might be related to how I installed the angled bracket. I couldn't install it as the directions showed because my bolts were too long, so I used jam nuts to get the bracket snug against the extrusion. Should the bracket instead be loose?

[Derek the Admin]

It shouldn't be loose.

[Bruce]

I stuck one of the small clamps that came with the kit between the lower section of drag chain and base of the bed to keep the drag chain from catching on the gantry.

[Hommer Woods]

I think this will take care of it too. Inserted a 1/8 x 1/2 x 4 inch piece of scrap beside the chain where it is attached. Seems to keep the chain from moving toward the bolts.

Attachments:

[Derek the Admin]

Good info guys. Some of this might have to make it into the next revision.

[rcferguson]

I forgot about this in my post on my Carve King build... I too had the problem where the screws are too long to secure the piece of aluminum angle... they bottom out in the V Slot. I had to add a couple 1/4" washers onto the screws in order to get the aluminum angle tight.

[Bruce]

The second picture of the third post above by Gabe shows the back of the machine. The controls should sit on the back left corner of the machine.
You are correct the wires should through the Y axis drag chain and then the drag chain on the X axis gantry. How long are your wires?