You built the first 36 inch Blue Chick for me. One of the V-Groove bearings on the X-axis froze. Is there a method of repairing this? Or do I order another and a spare. If so, what is the procedure to repair or order?

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Question #: 3473

Question: You built the first 36 inch Blue Chick for me. One of the V-Groove bearings on the X-axis froze. Is there a method of repairing this? Or do I order another and a spare. If so, what is the procedure to repair or order?

Current Solution

If your bearing does not turn anymore, it is possible to repair the frozen bearing.

You can carefully remove the shield on one side of the bearing. Use a very thin blade to remove the shield.

Once the shield is removed, use WD-40 or kerosene to wash out and clean any debris that exists within the bearing. WD-40 is a cleaner, not a lubrication agent.

You will then need to re-lubricate the bearing. Packing grease into the bearing will provide good protection not allowing too much metal on metal friction. There will be a layer of grease separating the ball bearings from the inner and outer races.

If you have a production environment, you may want to purchase extra bearings so that you will not have any down time.

If you have a rubber shield, just pry it out using any sharp object, like a utility knife. If your bearing has a metal shield, there may be a retaining ring along the outer race keeping the shield in place. Simply remove the retaining ring and the metal shield will fall out easily. If the metal shield does not have a retaining ring, that shield will not be able to be removed and a new bearing will need to be purchased to replace the frozen bearing.

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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

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The leadscrew length for the greenBull long Z-axis is 47 inches.

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BUILDING ONE OF YOUR GREENBULL 6X LONG AND 2.2 KILOWATT SPINDLE DOES NOT FIT. SEEMS LEAD SCREW YOU SENT WITH KIT IS SHORT 42" LOOKS LIKE IT NEEDS TO BE 5 OR 6 INCH LONGER. THIS CORRECT? WHAT THE NEEDED LENGTH FOR UNIT?
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The limitation of our machines lies with the width of our gantry, so extending the blackToe to 2' x 6' will not be a problem. Adding the required aluminum rails and chain is the essentials that we sell on our website(http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCMachineMechanicalParts.aspx). The table extension is something we do not offer. Please contact (customerservice@buildyourcnc.com) for custom requests.
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I have a Black Toe CNC with your optional table, and wish to extend the x-axis to 6' of cutting length. Is is as easy as ordering another section of table, longer x-axis chain, and longer x-axis rails? If so, would you sell these items?
Hello, I have a BlackToe 2 x 4 machine. I was wondering if it could be beneficial, or even possible to install two motors on the x-axis (one one each chain drive sprocket). I am noticing a slight shift in the gantry with each reversal of direction. If so, do you have a kit or schematic for this? Thanks
it is possible to install 2 motors on a single axis but you will require another driver and motor, but wire it directly to the same pins on your breakout board. Also the orientation of your motor since it is opposite side of the original so getting it to move accordingly to the original motor it will need to be orientated correctly. The slight shift could be the cause of the rod not being completely flat where the set screws are suppose to tighten the sprocket to the rod, so sanding it to a flatter surface might fix the shift in directions.
Currently do not have a kit or schematic available.
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Hello, I have a BlackToe 2 x 4 machine. I was wondering if it could be beneficial, or even possible to install two motors on the x-axis (one one each chain drive sprocket). I am noticing a slight shift in the gantry with each reversal of direction. If so, do you have a kit or schematic for this? Thanks
Building one of your greenBull 6X Long and 2.2 kilowatt spindle does not fit. Seems lead screw you sent with kit is short 42" looks like it needs to be 5 or 6 inch longer. Is this correct? What is the needed length of lead screw for this unit?
The leadscrew length for the greenBull long Z-axis is 47 inches.

Additional Information:
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Building one of your greenBull 6X Long and 2.2 kilowatt spindle does not fit. Seems lead screw you sent with kit is short 42" looks like it needs to be 5 or 6 inch longer. Is this correct? What is the needed length of lead screw for this unit?
[59] is it ok to use one pin for all of the limit switches wired NC and another pin for a z probe that is NO, or do all input pins need to be the same (NC or NO)? I would like to use LinuxCNC but will use Mach3 if necessary. a thanks!
It's generally acceptable to use one pin for all of your limit switches wired Normally Closed (NC), and another separate pin for a Z probe that is Normally Open (NO). LinuxCNC is quite flexible and allows for mixed configurations of NC and NO switches.

Just ensure you configure LinuxCNC correctly to recognize each pin's logic (Active low or active high). And perhaps run a few tests before running the machine.

Additional Information:
It's generally acceptable to use one pin for all of your limit switches wired Normally Closed (NC), and another separate pin for a Z probe that is Normally Open (NO). LinuxCNC is quite flexible and allows for mixed configurations of NC and NO switches.

Just ensure you configure LinuxCNC correctly to recognize each pin's logic (Active low or active high). And perhaps run a few tests before running the machine.
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[59] is it ok to use one pin for all of the limit switches wired NC and another pin for a z probe that is NO, or do all input pins need to be the same (NC or NO)? I would like to use LinuxCNC but will use Mach3 if necessary. a thanks!
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Can you provide the model number of your VFD?

Yes, I have the "YL600 - 2S - 2K20"

It just came with a small booklet that is all in Chinese...
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I WIRED MY VFD (2.2KW VERSION) AND TRIED TEST RUNNING THE SPINDLE. CONFIGURED TO YOUR SPECS ON THIS WEBSITE, ONLY ISSUE IS WE GOT AN ERROR CODE. ERR 02, DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS? OR HAVE A LIST OF CODES? THANK
Hello, I am trying to configure Home and Limit switches using the Pokeyes57cnc and NC switches. I am confused on the procedure of setting this up. wiring to the board and setting up in Mach4. Can you direct me to a tutorial or offer some suggestions? Thanks Dale
NC mechanical switch configuration is supported. You can download the manual from this page (Mach4 plugin and manuals):
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

The pokeys57CNC controller has input terminals and pins for limit switches on each of the 8 axes. There are three separate inputs per axis, two for the actual limits of that axis, and one for the home position.

Connect each switch between the GND terminal and its respective axis limit terminal/pin. For instance, the limit switch will typically have three leads, COM, NC, and NO. In an NC configuration, the NC connects to the terminal/pin, say, Axis 1 lim +, and the COM connects to the GND terminal.

In Mach4, in the new device wizard, make sure to specify the correct option on the home and limit switches that matches the machine configuration.

Additional Information:
can you use one switch per axis for home only?
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Hello, I am trying to configure Home and Limit switches using the Pokeyes57cnc and NC switches. I am confused on the procedure of setting this up. wiring to the board and setting up in Mach4. Can you direct me to a tutorial or offer some suggestions? Thanks Dale
I wired my vfd (2.2kw version) and tried test running the spindle. I configured to your specs on this website, only issue is we got an error code. Err 02, do you know what this is? OR have a list of error codes? Thank you
Can you provide the model number of your VFD?

Yes, I have the "YL600 - 2S - 2K20"

It just came with a small booklet that is all in Chinese...
Click the link to add information to this solution:
I wired my vfd (2.2kw version) and tried test running the spindle. I configured to your specs on this website, only issue is we got an error code. Err 02, do you know what this is? OR have a list of error codes? Thank you
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We can provide a mount for any size router or spindle that you need. Just give us a call.
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What happened to the blue chick v3.0? I have one and I need a Z-Axis Mount for the dewalt dnp 611 router. The colt is nolonger supported by Precise bits.
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Yes, you can connect a THC, Torch Height Controller, with the Mach3 USB controller. The THC uses the inputs to determine if the z axis needs to move up or down according to the arc of the plasma torch. The THC connects its outputs to the inputs of the controller so the controller will be informed of the states of the plasma torch.
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I am interested in using the Mach3 USB interface board. I was wondering if there was a way to run a torch height controller with this board for use with a plasma cutter, and if so do you know of any THCs that will work. Thank you.
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Adding a laser tube and supporting electronics and mirrors to larger milling machines is problematic unless a proper mount is provided, as in the greenBull CNC (https://buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-laser-spindle-combo-head).

The existing larger machines (other than the greenBull CNC machine) are designed to be used as milling machines and the laser will not be able to be easily mounted on these machines. Modifications can be done to accomplish this task, but there is quite a bit of effort needed.

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If a person wanted a larger laser machine than what is offered would they simply mount a laser on one of the larger machines, or is there a problem with doing this?
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We may be able to source those motors. Curious, the 6000 oz-in motor is pretty big. Do you mind explaining the application of the CNC machine and the structure that would require the large motor?

Additional Information:
The largest motors we can offer is 3900 oz-in without any mechanical help. 6000 oz-in can be resolved by mechanical means as an alternative.
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I am converting a 12x36 lathe over to CNC, I am interested in a 2 axis kit. I would love one stepper motor to be no smaller than 1200oz. , and another at 6000z. Is this something that you could offer? I have two other cnc machines but this is my first converstion on my own.
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That depends on a few factors. In most cases, three 3.0 amp motors and drivers will not exceed 8.8 amps of available current. All of the motors would need to be at full torque to reach the 9 amps (3x3). This depends on the mechanical method you are using for each motor, and how you are using the machine. In most cases, only two motors are moving at a time (i.e. 3D carving where the X and Z are moving simultaneously and the y only moves to go to the next row). In traditional cutting profiles, only the x and y are moving simultaneously and the z-axis moves at the location it needs to start cutting the next layer.

With that said, it is ok to add an extra power supply if you feel you need more available current.
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[810] Is this a closed loop motor? What is the recommended driver and power supply for this stepper? Would you recommend using one power supply per motor pair or one power supply per motor?
The plans supplied for Combo #1 for download on the book page is missing some of the measurements. Is this PDF the same plans supplied when you purchase the dvd and plans? Is there a corrected plans file?
The plans supplied with the DVD combo has the measurements and is built to spec. according to the manual. There may be dimensions missing from both of the download version and the physical plans that can be purchased; however, these measurements can be derived from other measurements on the page.
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The plans supplied for Combo #1 for download on the book page is missing some of the measurements. Is this PDF the same plans supplied when you purchase the dvd and plans? Is there a corrected plans file?
For the 1/2'' 5 start ACME leadscrew, what is the length purchased for the $2.00 order? and if you make 2 orders, are you getting two separate rods or 1 rod at twice the length. Thanks.
We sell our ACME screws in total length (overall length you require), but if individual lengths are needed you can contact us via phone (281-815-7701) or email (customerservice@buildyourcnc.com).

A $2.00 order will be a total of 1 inch, but if ordered separately then you will receive 2 of the same length.
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For the 1/2'' 5 start ACME leadscrew, what is the length purchased for the $2.00 order? and if you make 2 orders, are you getting two separate rods or 1 rod at twice the length. Thanks.
Hi, I need the lead screws and bearings for the 4' x-axis, the 2'(?) y-axis and the 1'(?) z-axis as specified in the book 'Build your own cnc'. I am not sure which to order on your website. Thanks
You can find the required components for our scratch build CNC here(https://buildyourcnc.com/cnckitintro.aspx).

Lead Screw needed will be:
X-axis: 52 Inches
Y-axis: 32 Inches
Z-axis: 14 Inches

These will be the bearings that are specified that will be needed:
Bearings 1/2" Inside Diameter - 6
Bearings 5/16" Inside Diameter - 24
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Hi, I need the lead screws and bearings for the 4' x-axis, the 2'(?) y-axis and the 1'(?) z-axis as specified in the book 'Build your own cnc'. I am not sure which to order on your website. Thanks
How thick can the Greenbull cut and what kind of material? Wood, plastic, steel? I was also wondering if there is one anywhere in Nevada, Idaho or Utah that I could possibly see in action. Thanks
The greenBull CNC machine kit can cut as thick as a material as you desire depending on the reach of the end mill that you provide the machine, if it is a straight vertical. The reason for this is that each pass is incremental (multiple passes at a certain depth per pass). For instance, if you need to cut a 2 inch thick piece of wood, you can make, say 3/4" passes until the target depth of 2 inches is met.

The depth per pass, feedrate and RPM will be determined by the material: wood, plastic, metal and will also be determined by the end mill that is used for that material. Selecting the appropriate end mill is very important. Feedrate and RPM is important to make sure the end mill is as cool as it can be during the cutting process.

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How thick can the Greenbull cut and what kind of material? Wood, plastic, steel? I was also wondering if there is one anywhere in Nevada, Idaho or Utah that I could possibly see in action. Thanks
How do I order 3 specific lengths of lead screws in one order? I could only order a single total amount via the shopping process. I require 36", 60" and 14". If I order 110", I will get 79" + 31". Do I have to order 115" and pay for an extra 5" to get around this?
Just specify the full length in the quantity field in the shopping cart and give us a call to inform us of the cut lengths (you can also email customer service - link in the contact us page - link at the footer). We are working on a way to do this at the product page, but won't be finished for a few more days.

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20
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How do I order 3 specific lengths of lead screws in one order? I could only order a single total amount via the shopping process. I require 36", 60" and 14". If I order 110", I will get 79" + 31". Do I have to order 115" and pay for an extra 5" to get around this?
I have a "Based on planet-cnc's diy cnc usb controller", I activated the output signal (mist, coolant or spindle) in the planetcnc software but at the output there is no voltage, what can I do to turn on this elements?
On the Planet-CNC board, the Mist, Spindle and Coolant outputs will require a relay to switch on those devices. Test one of those terminals with a multi-meter (Mist, Coolant, or Spindle). Each of these terminals have a GND next to the terminal for the device.

Test the voltage across the GND to the terminal with the arrow that you want to test. Go to the software and click on the device you want to test (mist, coolant or spindle) and note the voltage. If no voltage is output then check under the board to where the terminals are soldered. Re-test the terminals across the solder joints rather than the terminal block wire inputs. If you get a voltage, then there is a problem with the terminal block. If you don't get a voltage, then the board is not functioning properly.

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I activated the output signal.. I did the tests indicated and I did not get voltage. I heated the welds of the three outputs and now works coolant but no mist or spindle, what should I do?

Additional Information:
There are probably cold joints on the board at the chip or the resistors on the traces for those terminals. You can send the board back to us and we will repair and test the board.
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I have a "Based on planet-cnc's diy cnc usb controller", I activated the output signal (mist, coolant or spindle) in the planetcnc software but at the output there is no voltage, what can I do to turn on this elements?