I am getting a certain amount of offset on my 2nd machining pass on my blackfoot. I am preparing to go back and make sure everything is tight, however is it possible to overtighten the chains and sprockets. Is there a general rule of thumb to increase rigidity?

Question #: 1138

Question: I am getting a certain amount of offset on my 2nd machining pass on my blackfoot. I am preparing to go back and make sure everything is tight, however is it possible to overtighten the chains and sprockets. Is there a general rule of thumb to increase rigidity?

Current Solution

The chain should be tensioned the same on both sides, and you should have some slack and not have it too tight. The bearings should be tightly secured as well. There is another probable cause, which is the rod, where the sprocket is tighten to. Since the rod is circular the sprocket screws, cannot securely tighten the rod, which you can file where the 2 screws rest to have a flat surface or if you have a welder you can tack weld the sprocket to the rod.

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I'm having trouble getting Mach3 to recognize my limit switches. I've eliminated everything back to the breakout board. I can directly connect Input 10 to GND on the breakout board while Mach3 is in autorecognize mode and Mach3 doesn't acknowledge anything.
Have you tried a different input pin?

Customer response:
I've tried all pins: 10, 11, 12, and 13. I get the same non-response in each case.

Recommended action
There may be a problem with the board. If you are using our parallel breakout board, we can ship you a replacement (call us), otherwise, you will need to determine the problem with the vendor of the breakout board you are using.

Additional Information:
I have tried 3 different breakout boards from 3 different providers and they all do the same thing My limit switches are microswitches wired NC with each axis wired to the BO Board. I have checked each circuit and all is OK to the BO board. each circuit has continuity at the board and when any switch is pressed the circuit breaks. Mach 3 does not recognise that the switches are even there. They are configured as active low Do you have a suggestion.

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I'm having trouble getting Mach3 to recognize my limit switches. I've eliminated everything back to the breakout board. I can directly connect Input 10 to GND on the breakout board while Mach3 is in autorecognize mode and Mach3 doesn't acknowledge anything.
I am designing/building a cnc plasma cutter and I would like some info on some of your parts. Would it be possible to get dimension and/or drawings (or models) of the #40 drive and idle sprockets?
The dimensions for the #40 drive sprockets will be 1.835" radius tooth to tooth , .575" from teeth to teeth, 0.600" / 3/5 ID, 1.249" OD.
Now the idler sprocket dimensions (same format):
Radius ttt: 2.963"
Fttt: 0.535"
ID: 0.600" / 3/5
OD: 0.825"
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I am designing/building a cnc plasma cutter and I would like some info on some of your parts. Would it be possible to get dimension and/or drawings (or models) of the #40 drive and idle sprockets?
When I first hooked up my redFly and was manually testing all the axes, everything was going well, then my Y axis stopped working all together, and now my X and Z have stopped also and my redFly has a nasty smell coming from it and none of the stepper motors seem to be getting power.
Since you mentioned there is a nasty smell, I'm wondering if there might have been a issue with the power supply. Can you email us your name for the order and specific voltage you are using for the redFly? at techsupport@buildyourcnc.com. Also I want to mention if you have the USB cord plugged in to the redFly if it has the parallel interface board?
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When I first hooked up my redFly and was manually testing all the axes, everything was going well, then my Y axis stopped working all together, and now my X and Z have stopped also and my redFly has a nasty smell coming from it and none of the stepper motors seem to be getting power.
Would you be able to supply solidworks files for the laser nozzle, mirror mounts, & laser tube? I plan to build a laser engraver and would like to model everything up before i start building to make sure it all fits.
We only have these models in SketchUp. Is that a format that will be acceptable?

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Anything with basic profile dimensions will work just fine.
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Would you be able to supply solidworks files for the laser nozzle, mirror mounts, & laser tube? I plan to build a laser engraver and would like to model everything up before i start building to make sure it all fits.
I AM PUTTING TOGETHER THE BLACKFOOT AND USING A PORTER CABLE ROUTER. CONFUSED ON HOW TO RELAY ROUTETR WITH USB BOARD. IS THERE ANOTHER SWITCH THAT GOES BETWEEN BOARD ROUTER SO PLANET CNC CAN TURN PERHAPS VACUUM OFF?
We are currently working on a relay board that will connect to USB breakout board, and the router/spindle for both the on/off function. Unfortunately we still do not have it completed or ready to be placed on our website, but it is in the final stages of testing. Please check back regularly for updated stock!

Here is a link to a tutorial for a DIY relay circuit:

There is no vacuum control on the Planet-CNC program, however you could use the same concept of the router/spindle on/off using the relay circuit. Although you will have to use either the flood or mist function for the vacuum.
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I AM PUTTING TOGETHER THE BLACKFOOT AND USING A PORTER CABLE ROUTER. CONFUSED ON HOW TO RELAY ROUTETR WITH USB BOARD. IS THERE ANOTHER SWITCH THAT GOES BETWEEN BOARD ROUTER SO PLANET CNC CAN TURN PERHAPS VACUUM OFF?
hello there, i am using servo motor for my X and Y Axis but i dont know how to calculate steps/mm for that, the lead screw i am using is have pitch of .5 mm. please helpme on this i have done everything only this point is pending.
The formula for finding the steps per mm is found in the units itself. First, you mentioned that the motor is a servo. This needs to be clarified as a servo is different than a stepper motor. Some servos behave similar to a stepper motor, so I will continue with this in mind.

The formula is (steps/mm):

You need to find the steps. The stepper motor has a natural number of steps per a full revolution. This is typically 200 steps per revolution.

The driver for the stepper motor allows you to increase the number of steps per revolution by adding a specified number of steps between each step. For instance, if you set the driver to 1/4 microstepping, then instead of having 200 steps per revolution, you would have 200 x 4 = 800 steps per revolution.

So now we have the first part of the formula:

Steps / mm = (200 x 4) / mm

Lets determine the mm side of the formula:

You mention that the pitch is 0.5 mm. Check to insure that the lead is also 0.5 mm. This could be a multiple start lead screw where the pitch is different than the turns per mm. If in this case, that the 0.5 mm is the travel for one full revolution, then you can simply plug this into the formula as:

mm = .5 mm

Otherwise, determine how fat the travel is for one complete revolution.

Therefor, with what we know and the driver is set at 1/4 microstepping and the stepper motor has a natural step count per revolution at 200:

steps / mm = (200 steps x 4) / 0.5 mm = 800 steps / 0.5 mm = 1600 steps / mm

If your travel for one revolution is not 0.5 mm, then plug in your travel distance instead.

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i know about steps/mm calculation for stepper motor, because i am using servo motor that why i asked about that. please tell for servo motor.

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because its my first time with servo motor i have no idea about calculation of parameter with servo.

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Have you attempted to contact the manufacturer or seller of the servo? We typically respond to customers of our products on this customer service area, unless we have extensive knowledge of the subject and can answer the question efficiently.

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hello there, i am using servo motor for my X and Y Axis but i dont know how to calculate steps/mm for that, the lead screw i am using is have pitch of .5 mm. please helpme on this i have done everything only this point is pending.
Is it possible to buy just the electronics and hardware for the bigfoot along with the plans for the timber components so that I could have them cut here in the UK and reduce the amount of material that needs to be shipped?
The files and hardware option for our machines has been removed from the site due to the following reasons:
Difficulty for the end use of the files and the challenges (and time/money) on our side to assist in using these files.
The abuse of these files over the internet.
Ultimately may reduce the sales of machines keeping us in business.
Sadly, this is what has come out of our company attempting to be open; however, the machines sold on this site is still far lower in price than the competition for the quality that we provide as we have a great desire to engender the cottage industry to fulfill their need for low end manufacturing. My sincere apologies if this causes any inconvenience.

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NO, is not possible, I can help with the shipping cost

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Is it possible to buy just the electronics and hardware for the bigfoot along with the plans for the timber components so that I could have them cut here in the UK and reduce the amount of material that needs to be shipped?
Hello, I am a student working on a CO2 laser. We recently ordered two 40watt CO2 laser tubes and two 40 Watt CO2 Laser Tube Power Supply at 220V. However, our school is unable to use them due to being 220v. Is it possible to exchange these for the 110v supply, or is there a way we can go about connecting it at 110v instead of 220v? Thank you.
Yes, if the power supplies were supplied by us, we will exchange them with 110v equivalent power supplies.

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Hello, I am a student working on a CO2 laser. We recently ordered two 40watt CO2 laser tubes and two 40 Watt CO2 Laser Tube Power Supply at 220V. However, our school is unable to use them due to being 220v. Is it possible to exchange these for the 110v supply, or is there a way we can go about connecting it at 110v instead of 220v? Thank you.
Would like to purchase variation of Blackfoot 4'x8' , I would like to leave out the structure, add two 1/2"-1/4" couplers and switch to 1/4" drive sprockets for the X axis, and finally use two 3/8" drive screws instead of one 1/2". How should I proceed?
For a special request that entails modifying the components of a kit and replace with specific components, you should call the office at 281-815-7701
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Would like to purchase variation of Blackfoot 4'x8' , I would like to leave out the structure, add two 1/2"-1/4" couplers and switch to 1/4" drive sprockets for the X axis, and finally use two 3/8" drive screws instead of one 1/2". How should I proceed?
Where do I wire the ground of my "th" and "power 0v - 5v" command on the power supply ? Is it possible to have a detailed blueprint of the electrical wiring (not for the blacktooth but in general) ? Many thanks :)
I just posted the "enhanced" Blacktooth wiring diagram I developed. Check it out here.

http://www.buildyourtools.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=4872
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Where do I wire the ground of my "th" and "power 0v - 5v" command on the power supply ? Is it possible to have a detailed blueprint of the electrical wiring (not for the blacktooth but in general) ? Many thanks :)
I am trying to program my 220 volt VFD and it has locked me out. It keeps flashing and the only parameter I can change is P009. I also keep getting a Er 3 code which means input voltage out of parameters but the input voltage is correct. How can I get back to being able to adjust the parameters?
Can you tell me the model number for that VFD. Use the "Additional Information" for this FAQ to continue add this information and continue the dialog.

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Actually, it's the "submit response" button.

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It is the XSY-AT1. AT1-2200S

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Ok, let me check

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You purchased this VFD and spindle combo in April. Have you been using the VFD until now and it just failed? Or is this the first time you are trying to use the VFD? This will allow me to determine if this is a configuration problem or an electrical issue.

Additional Information:
According to the manual, P09 is the parameter needed to unlock the VFD if a value has been entered into P08, the password parameter. If the password value is entered into P08, you will need to enter the same password into P09 to see the value in P08 and access the other parameters.

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SOLUTION: If you do not remember the password that was entered into P08, then you can enter the value of 55555 into the P09 parameter and P08 will show the password. Take that value presented in P08 and you will be able to enter it into the P09 parameter and the VFD will be unlocked.

This customer tried the above instruction and he was able to unlock his VFD.
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I am trying to program my 220 volt VFD and it has locked me out. It keeps flashing and the only parameter I can change is P009. I also keep getting a Er 3 code which means input voltage out of parameters but the input voltage is correct. How can I get back to being able to adjust the parameters?
I am putting together the Blackfoot and I am using a porter cable router. I am confused on how to relay the routetr with the USB board. is there another relay switch that goes between the USB board and the router so that planet CNC can turn the router and perhaps the vacuum on and off?
We are currently working on a relay board that will connect to USB breakout board, and the router/spindle for both the on/off function. Unfortunately we still do not have it completed or ready to be placed on our website, but it is in the final stages of testing. Please check back regularly for updated stock!

Here is a link to a tutorial for a DIY relay circuit:

There is no vacuum control on the Planet-CNC program, however you could use the same concept of the router/spindle on/off using the relay circuit. Although you will have to use either the flood or mist function for the vacuum.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
I am putting together the Blackfoot and I am using a porter cable router. I am confused on how to relay the routetr with the USB board. is there another relay switch that goes between the USB board and the router so that planet CNC can turn the router and perhaps the vacuum on and off?
I bought a blacktooth laser from you about a year ago.. I am finally getting around to installing the laser tube and I noticed that my tube does't have the metal end on it like all the pictures I've seen. is this a focus lense and can I purchase one?
As shown in the instructions the laser tube that was used was a different model which had the metal end, compared to our full glass tube models we currently ship with the machines.
So there is no difference besides appearance between the two tubes.
The focus lens should be placed in the laser nozzle assembly and not on the laser tube itself.

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I bought a blacktooth laser from you about a year ago.. I am finally getting around to installing the laser tube and I noticed that my tube does't have the metal end on it like all the pictures I've seen. is this a focus lense and can I purchase one?
I am getting ready (within a week) to purchase your lug in play controller kits... The software I want to use is Vectric. I notice you talk about Mach software and sketch up. Be fore I purchase I want to make sure I can use what ever software I want... Thank you for your time. Pam
Our electronics and plug and play systems can be used with any industry standard software, including but definitely not limited to the Vectric line of software.
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I am getting ready (within a week) to purchase your lug in play controller kits... The software I want to use is Vectric. I notice you talk about Mach software and sketch up. Be fore I purchase I want to make sure I can use what ever software I want... Thank you for your time. Pam
Is it possible to order the mechanics, motors and electronics, in other words, order the kit without the wood? Reason being is I have aluminum and steel to make a machine out of.
We do offer all of the parts; but it is best to purchase them a la carte. You will probably not want the hardware since this would not conform to a design in metal.

All of the mechanical parts are available here:
https://buildyourcnc.com/CNCMachineMechanicalParts.aspx

All of the electronics you would need is available here:
https://buildyourcnc.com/electronicscombo.aspx

All of the laser components are available here:
https://buildyourcnc.com/LaserComponents.aspx

And the spindles and VFDs are available here:
https://buildyourcnc.com/SpindlesAndAccessories.aspx

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Is it possible to order the mechanics, motors and electronics, in other words, order the kit without the wood? Reason being is I have aluminum and steel to make a machine out of.
Is it possible to order the mechanics, motors and electronics, in other words, order the kit without the wood? Reason being is I have aluminum and steel to make a machine out of.
If you are wanting to purchase all of the parts for a machine excluding the structural parts, you will need to order the parts a la carte.

Electronics packages can be found here:
https://buildyourcnc.com/category/elcombo

Mechanical components can be found here:
https://buildyourcnc.com/CNCMachineMechanicalParts.aspx

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Is it possible to order the mechanics, motors and electronics, in other words, order the kit without the wood? Reason being is I have aluminum and steel to make a machine out of.
I am having trouble connecting the cambam program with my Mach3 to my 4X8 Blackfoot CNC machine. Where can I get help on this issue. Have had my machine since 2015 and have not been able to use it. Thank you
CamBam specifically creates the g-code (machining operations) instructions to be loaded into Mach3. Make sure in your CamBam g-code file parameters, you are using the Mach3 post processor. If you have already done this, let me know. If you are not sure how to do this, let me know.
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I am having trouble connecting the cambam program with my Mach3 to my 4X8 Blackfoot CNC machine. Where can I get help on this issue. Have had my machine since 2015 and have not been able to use it. Thank you
I am having a significant amount of trouble getting the 1/2" ID bearing to fit over the 1/2" 5 start lead screw. I can only get it about half an inch onto the rod. Any tips to get it to slide further?
There should be no problem with getting the 1/2" ID bearing on the lead screw, unless there is a bent in the lead screw or it has a piece of debris that is causing a issue.

Unless one of these items were purchased from a 3rd party, then there might be tolerance issues from the original manufacture which might cause this issue.
If possible please send photos to customerservice@buildyourcnc.com
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I am having a significant amount of trouble getting the 1/2" ID bearing to fit over the 1/2" 5 start lead screw. I can only get it about half an inch onto the rod. Any tips to get it to slide further?
hi, I atacched a laser system to my modified book machine. it worked fine for a few trials but for some reason has lost power and is not cutting through any more, it does engrave thou. what can I check for? I´ve tried everything I can think of.
Make sure to check your supply lines. Air flow is especially important.
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hi, I atacched a laser system to my modified book machine. it worked fine for a few trials but for some reason has lost power and is not cutting through any more, it does engrave thou. what can I check for? I´ve tried everything I can think of.