my motors start clicking/stepping one step at a time and if I run a toolpath, the motors run runan inch or so them stop and make a lot of noise. Scretching almost. Any ideas.

Question #: 965

Question: my motors start clicking/stepping one step at a time and if I run a toolpath, the motors run runan inch or so them stop and make a lot of noise. Scretching almost. Any ideas.

Current Solution

If your motors are making a strange noise as it begins a motion, or as it ramps up to the desired speed, then it is hitting it's maximum torque. First, make sure that your motor tuning (steps/inch, velocity and acceleration) are set correctly. The steps per inch should be set according to the microstepping set on the driver, and for the specific mechanics that is being used on that axis. Step/inch = (200 * microstepping) / (number of inches for one complete revolution). Second, make sure the correct current and microstepping is set on the driver for the motor that is having issues.

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When I start my spindle I get a emergency stop in Mach 3. I have run shielded cable and it is grounded at the VFD it is wired per you site instructions. any idea what to check
You will definitely want to adjust your debounce setting in mach3 if your emergency or limit switch is engaging.

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Did you ever fix this issue? I am having the same problem.

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Did you ever fix this issue? I am having the same problem.

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Did you ever fix this issue? I am having the same problem.

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Did you ever fix this issue? I am having the same problem.

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Did you ever fix this issue? I am having the same problem.

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Did you ever fix this issue? I am having the same problem.

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Did you ever fix this issue? I am having the same problem.

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Did you ever fix this issue? I am having the same problem.

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Did you try changing the denounce setting?

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Meant to say denounce.
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When I start my spindle I get a emergency stop in Mach 3. I have run shielded cable and it is grounded at the VFD it is wired per you site instructions. any idea what to check
I HAVE ONE OF YOUR SMALLER STEPPER MOTORS RUNNING MY X AXIS BRIDGE CRANE AND IF IT IS MOVED TO FAST THE MOTOR SOUNDS LIKE SKIPPING STEPS WILL 651OZ REQUIRE A DIFFERENT POWER SUPPLY CONTROLER?
Yes, the 651 oz/in motor requires a driver that is compatible to the motors (the motor will draw 6 amps max and the driver paired with this motor will be able to allow for a 6 amp draw). I would also recommend a 36 volt power supply for better high velocity performance.
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I HAVE ONE OF YOUR SMALLER STEPPER MOTORS RUNNING MY X AXIS BRIDGE CRANE AND IF IT IS MOVED TO FAST THE MOTOR SOUNDS LIKE SKIPPING STEPS WILL 651OZ REQUIRE A DIFFERENT POWER SUPPLY CONTROLER?
Do you guys have any videos showing how to connect limit switches to a redleaf? If not, could you please make one? I looked at the diagrams on the limit switch page but I don't understand them.
Connecting the limit switches on the redLeaf use the input pins on the parallel breakout board. Here is a link to the wiring diagram for that parallel breakout board.

https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay#prettyPhoto/2/

The connection is simple. Just create a circuit from ground to the pin. When the pin is engaged, the circuit is closed (using normally open on the switch). Use mach3's autoset to automatically set the pin for the limit or home setting.
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Do you guys have any videos showing how to connect limit switches to a redleaf? If not, could you please make one? I looked at the diagrams on the limit switch page but I don't understand them.
I am almost done with the book build Cnc machine, but when I run the motors from mach 3, the 1/2" coupling comes out of the middle spider (the joiner which connects 1/4 and 1/2" coupling. How do I prevent this?
The lead screw must be held in position axially. In other words, you don't want your lead screw to move back and forth at all. This is the only way the coupling hub that is attached to the end of the lead screw could be moving away from its coupling assembly. Depending on the lead screw that you are using, the combination of bearings and collars/nut keep the lead screw in place.
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I am almost done with the book build Cnc machine, but when I run the motors from mach 3, the 1/2" coupling comes out of the middle spider (the joiner which connects 1/4 and 1/2" coupling. How do I prevent this?
IS THE "#25 ROLLER CHAIN" ADJUSTABLE TO ANY LENGTH? LIKE IF I ORDERED TEN FEET OF IT, CAN MAKE TWO 3-FOOT LOOPS AND ONE 4-FOOT LOOP USING SOME SORT CHAIN JOINER?
Roller chain in general is adjustable by using "master links", which are links which have horseshoe clip holding the pin and thus allow connections to be made or broken. The #25 is a designation of the type of roller chain. ANSI codes designate that the first digit(s) specify the pitch in eights of an inch, and the last digit is 0 for standard chain, 1 for lightweight chain, and 5 for bushed chain with no rollers. So #25 is 2/8 = 1/4 inch pitch bushed chain with no rollers.
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IS THE "#25 ROLLER CHAIN" ADJUSTABLE TO ANY LENGTH? LIKE IF I ORDERED TEN FEET OF IT, CAN MAKE TWO 3-FOOT LOOPS AND ONE 4-FOOT LOOP USING SOME SORT CHAIN JOINER?
Follow up to the last question. I can just make a couple new pieces of acrylic but I just wanted to know if you had any other ideas. Thank you.
See initial question.

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Initial question is: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/FAQ/14009
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Follow up to the last question. I can just make a couple new pieces of acrylic but I just wanted to know if you had any other ideas. Thank you.
Is the "#25 Roller Chain" adjustable to any length? Like if I ordered ten feet of it, can I make two 3-foot loops and one 4-foot loop using some sort of chain joiner?
Roller chain in general is adjustable by using "master links", which are links which have horseshoe clip holding the pin and thus allow connections to be made or broken. The #25 is a designation of the type of roller chain. ANSI codes designate that the first digit(s) specify the pitch in eights of an inch, and the last digit is 0 for standard chain, 1 for lightweight chain, and 5 for bushed chain with no rollers. So #25 is 2/8 = 1/4 inch pitch bushed chain with no rollers.
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Is the "#25 Roller Chain" adjustable to any length? Like if I ordered ten feet of it, can I make two 3-foot loops and one 4-foot loop using some sort of chain joiner?
First time here. I would like to know if you guys sell a 8 start nut thats a 1/2 inch diameter. I hope this makes sense, any questions let me know. Thanx
Yes, our porter cable collets and nuts will fit the porter cable 7518.

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First time here. I would like to know if you guys sell a 8 start nut thats a 1/2 inch diameter. I hope this makes sense, any questions let me know. Thanx
I HAVE FOLLOWED ALL THE "CNC ELECTRONICS 1 - 9" VIDEOS AND I'M USING ALMOST EXACT SAME COMPONENTS (MOTORS RUN SOUND GOOD) BUT MOTORS ARE RUNING VERY HOT IN JUST 15MIN WITH NO LOAD DONE SOMETHING WRONG OR DO STEPPERS HOT?
If your motors are hot to the touch, this is normal. Current is being drawn by the motor coils as the motor moves and as the motor stays at a position. If the motor is not using the current in the coils to move (holding it's position), the energy will be translated as heat (rather than motion, sound or light). Even while moving, some of the energy will be lost as heat. Remember that energy cannot be created nor destroyed.

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I HAVE FOLLOWED ALL THE "CNC ELECTRONICS 1 - 9" VIDEOS AND I'M USING ALMOST EXACT SAME COMPONENTS (MOTORS RUN SOUND GOOD) BUT MOTORS ARE RUNING VERY HOT IN JUST 15MIN WITH NO LOAD DONE SOMETHING WRONG OR DO STEPPERS HOT?
[596] I have my motors and limit switches working correctly but I am unable to get any movement from the 'jog step' so that I can set 0,0,0. What should I check
Are you trying to use the MPG (tab), or the keyboard for jogging the motors? You mention 0,0,0, are you trying to home the machine with the "ref all home"?

If you cannot move the motors with the keyboard, check if the jog is enabled.
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[596] I have my motors and limit switches working correctly but I am unable to get any movement from the 'jog step' so that I can set 0,0,0. What should I check
Will the redleaf package allow me to run a torch height controller and 2 nema 34 motors for my gantry? I would prefer to have motors on both sides of the machine with a heavy gantry
Yes, the redLeaf plug-and-play CNC electronics can include a THC (Torch Height Controller) and motors of any size. The limit of the number of motors that this package can include is 8 motors in total.
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Will the redleaf package allow me to run a torch height controller and 2 nema 34 motors for my gantry? I would prefer to have motors on both sides of the machine with a heavy gantry
I'm using Mach3 and I tuning the motors. As is they all seem to jog nicely, smooth and quiet. However when I make moves using gcode they bind and don't move or jerk violently when they do move. What step did I miss?
Your g-code probably has the feed rate too high. You set the velocity and acceleration in your motor tuning, but g-code may be able to override these values.

Try lowering the feed rate in either your CAM program or in the g-code manually. The feedrate code has an “F” then a number after representing the velocity.
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I'm using Mach3 and I tuning the motors. As is they all seem to jog nicely, smooth and quiet. However when I make moves using gcode they bind and don't move or jerk violently when they do move. What step did I miss?
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.
I have one of your smaller stepper motors running my X AXIS bridge crane and if it is moved to fast the stepper motor sounds like it is skipping steps will the 651oz stepper motor require a different power supply and controler?
Yes, the 651 oz/in motor requires a driver that is compatible to the motors (the motor will draw 6 amps max and the driver paired with this motor will be able to allow for a 6 amp draw). I would also recommend a 36 volt power supply for better high velocity performance.
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I have one of your smaller stepper motors running my X AXIS bridge crane and if it is moved to fast the stepper motor sounds like it is skipping steps will the 651oz stepper motor require a different power supply and controler?
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 got the plans and hardware from you guys and im almost ready for the stepper motor part of this build. what size motors are good to use for this build? the size of cnc will be 2x4 when finish or what size will not work? thanks
We recommend our electronics combo for the scratch build kit, which you can find on our site here: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-3axis-425-elcombo. This is our standard general purpose 3 axis electronics system, and includes (3) NEMA 24 425 oz-in stepping motors, (3) Drivers (3.0Amp 24-40 Volts, with 1-1/64 microstepping), (1) 36v 8.8a Power Supply, (1) Interface Board either USB or Parallel. (The USB version requires PlanetCNC software; the parallel interface board gives you a variety of options, Mach3 being one popular choice.)
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I got the plans and hardware from you guys and im almost ready for the stepper motor part of this build. what size motors are good to use for this build? the size of cnc will be 2x4 when finish or what size will not work? thanks
I have followed all the "CNC Electronics 1 - 9" videos and I'm using almost the exact same components (motors run and sound good) but the motors are runing very hot in just 15min with no load - have I done something wrong or do steppers run very hot?
If your motors are hot to the touch, this is normal. Current is being drawn by the motor coils as the motor moves and as the motor stays at a position. If the motor is not using the current in the coils to move (holding it's position), the energy will be translated as heat (rather than motion, sound or light). Even while moving, some of the energy will be lost as heat. Remember that energy cannot be created nor destroyed.

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I have followed all the "CNC Electronics 1 - 9" videos and I'm using almost the exact same components (motors run and sound good) but the motors are runing very hot in just 15min with no load - have I done something wrong or do steppers run very hot?
Mach 3 stalls in the middle of a file and the dwell button is flashes randomly. Can't control motors and have to re-start Mach 3. Any help?
Is this a licensed version of Mach 3? If not and you are currently running the demo version, mach 3 will have only 500 lines of G-code available for cutting. Which will not allow you to cut or move the machine after the first 500 lines.

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Yes, It is a licensed version of Mach 3.
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Mach 3 stalls in the middle of a file and the dwell button is flashes randomly. Can't control motors and have to re-start Mach 3. Any help?