So here is a $50 piece of modern art (aka scrap). Those with close attention to detail might see that the Tree of Life (lovely design Richard!) looks a little different on the FireControl screen than the actual cut.
I gave up on the THC and detached it and was able to start work. Previously I’d get 1 second of arc and then a fail alert.
The first few cuts were good. Then we started loosing arc after several seconds of cutting. Then we lost Z location.
So good news: I’m at least able to make scrap now. That is better than before.
I’ll go back an re-read all the manuals, forums, check in with the You Tube. Re-install software etc. etc. etc.
Or if anyone wants to take a vacation to the Reno area… we can talk on site Technical Review charges…
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So I did another test with the plasma cutter totally powered down to test to see if Electro Magnetic Interference was an issue.
I mounted a Sharpie pen into the tool head and ran the program on cardboard.
This is GREAT - no I will never need a toddler in my life to make random scribbles…
Again, the Z axis is F’ed up. I’ll check my bearing torque. Without the air on I could hear the motor stalling out.
I’m going to partially dismantle and reassess the work head bearings.
I just reviewed the manual and am not seeing an oil requirement. A nylon bearing surface should be self lubricating . Did I miss something or is this covered in other literature?
Nope no literature just experience. I use 3in1 oil and WD-40. Everything works better with a little oil. I have seen others lose steps before over dry lead screws.
Make sure the red anodized bearing holders are in the correct place. The x and y have different sizes. That can cause binding.
You can also get a sharpie make marks on the motor shafts, couplings, and lead screws. All in a line. Jog the machine around at 300 Ipm the check to make sure they are all still in line. It could also be one of the plugs for the motors not seated good in the control box. Then also could be loose brackets that hold the lead screw nuts but I don’t see that one making that sort of a mess.
Maybe start with something simple like an F bomb bottle opener. That way you’re not wasting a ton of material while making sure the machine works properly and that you know how to operate it.
I am located not to far away in Carson City. I have had my pro table for over a year and have had all of the problems and more that you are going through. I put in many hours tracking down solutions/fixes and after a year I still am, it does not end. That being said you just have to hang in there. If I can help let me know. Most of the answers to my issues have been solved by this forum and its members who have been great.
Now ur just being silly! They know the “Official documents” only get read in case of emergency.
I thought same thing with the nylon bearing being self lubricating. Life and learn. Now a shot of oil and I run both the x and y full limits before I start. And even though it’s time consuming I run program with the plasma cutter shut off to Listen if it’s going to screw up.
My system is before they sold the thc so can’t help u there. But I torqued my lead screws, that have no flats on them, down. But when the first time it bound up it slid off the top of the thread. Another lesson learned. And more of your " modern art"!
Learned the torch cable needs to be straight the hard way to. Had it coiled up one day in a hurry. When the torch fired lots of odd interference
I haven’t made much money off mine, but it has help me make brackets I can’t buy so it’s kinda worth the hassle. Still learning all the time with it!
