z-axis resonance

[that1guy]

Another option you may not have considered is to join a 'Maker Space' etc and 'rent' time on a ShopBot or Tormach and try before you buy. At the very least, I recommend contacting ShopBot and ask them who in your area can demonstrate their ShopBot to you so that you can really see one in person & get answers to all of your questions.

-B

Thanks for the perspective. Actually I was looking into the local techshop a few weeks ago to see if they have a shopbot - they do, but not a desktop.

I was at the maker faire in San Mateo a few weeks and missed shopbot
Their booth was not near all the other cnc and 3d printers - it was setup outside somewhere else. Grrr.

[AndyPitts]

I'm the guy who posted the YouTube video that started this thread. Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to hear a brand new desktop machine and was amazed how quiet it was. So, I called SB and talked with Scott, who told me how to fix that problem. While the electronics enclosure was off for the 5.5" z mod, I removed the control board and reset the potentiometers on the drivers (phillips screw with a flat on it in the lower right corner of each driver) fully clockwise to the "5:30 o'clock" stop then backed off to "5 o'clock" positions. SB had found the sweet spot for these pots and that is where I set them before carefully putting everything back together (the control board must be gingerly aligned with all the pins on the drivers). What a difference it made! My machine now is nice and smooth, and the steppers run much cooler than they had.

Andy

[scottp55]

Thanks for posting Andy, Just forwarded to OZ to a friend who has been frustrated with noisy and hot steppers(we thought it might have been Australian power difference). May cure his and he's also doing the Z-Mod soon so thanks there too.
scott

[Coogara]

The boy from OZ (me) has just completed the Z-axis upgrade - also applied the suggested potentiometer changes to make it quieter.

WOW. Can I say that loudly enough? WOW.

I had resigned myself to the Desktop being somewhat noisy, especially making fine movements. The improvement is positively stunning. Great improvement.

Thanks, Andy (and ShopBot).

Oh, and the Z-axis upgrade is pretty damned sweet as well

Cheers

Graeme

[scottp55]

Graeme, did your steppers cool down as well?

[Coogara]

I expect that they will be cooler, but I'm yet to do a cut since the upgrade. Of course now I'll have to install a heater in the shed for Winter. The untoucably hot steppers were keeping me warm

Cheers

Graeme

[scottp55]

Graeme, So sorry you won't be able to cook your breakfast on the steppers anymore, but VERY glad you're going to be running more like a regular Desktopper (Cool and quiet)
You'll still have the heat from the Ridgid Vac exhaust though
Enjoy your Z.
scott

[Coogara]

Steppers remain pleasantly warm now - good enough to warm my hands but insufficient to fry eggs. Just delighted to have lost that nasty stepper resonance that penetrated the walls of the house and could be heard 30 metres away on the street.

Graeme