SLIPPING RACK/PINION:
After building my CNC table which used rack/pinion on the long X and Y axes, I noticed some slipping of the rack and pinion that was affecting the machine accuracy. Found that solution to be (1) slow down the speed and acceleration in Mach3 software in the Motor Tuning, and (2) re-tighten the set screws on the pinion gears. Then, after several days, the slipping came back. Had to re-tighten the set screws on the pinion gear again. Then, after a few more days, the slipping came back again.
SOLUTION:
This time I fixed the problem permanently by drilling a small 7/64" hole through the pinion gear hub and the shaft it was on. Placed a small #4-40 bolt through the hole and put a nut on the other side. Now, there is no slippage, especially with a bolt through the gear, and the speed & acceleration set to reasonable parameters in Mach3.
ATTACHED PHOTOS:
Photo 1: 7/64"Hole drilled through pinion gear and shaft.
Photo 2: #4-40 bolt/nut through 7/64" hole.
Hope this helps someone else.
After building my CNC table which used rack/pinion on the long X and Y axes, I noticed some slipping of the rack and pinion that was affecting the machine accuracy. Found that solution to be (1) slow down the speed and acceleration in Mach3 software in the Motor Tuning, and (2) re-tighten the set screws on the pinion gears. Then, after several days, the slipping came back. Had to re-tighten the set screws on the pinion gear again. Then, after a few more days, the slipping came back again.
SOLUTION:
This time I fixed the problem permanently by drilling a small 7/64" hole through the pinion gear hub and the shaft it was on. Placed a small #4-40 bolt through the hole and put a nut on the other side. Now, there is no slippage, especially with a bolt through the gear, and the speed & acceleration set to reasonable parameters in Mach3.
ATTACHED PHOTOS:
Photo 1: 7/64"Hole drilled through pinion gear and shaft.
Photo 2: #4-40 bolt/nut through 7/64" hole.
Hope this helps someone else.