Help replacing Z motor pinion on PRT Alpha

[aschutsky]

Hi guys,

So I've finally gotten around to replacing the pinions (long overdue) on my PRT Alpha machine recently. The X and Y pinions weren't bad at all to replace, but the Z I haven't a clue as to where to start to dissect it. I checked my manual a few times for a replacement section but no luck. The bottom motor bolt appears to be very difficult to access. Does the whole spindle have to be removed?

Thanks in advance,
Andrew

[Brady Watson]

First, determine if it needs to be replaced. Unless you are doing a lot of 3D cutting, chances are it might be OK - provided it is not 100% dry.

The easiest way is to remove the stop bolt on the back of the Z so that you can drop the Z with spindle attached out the bottom or remove the spring perch at the bottom of the t-rail and pull it out the top. This avoids the need to fiddle with v-rollers and motor placement...although some adjustment may be necessary.

The stop bolt is 3/8" (use 9/16" wrench)

-B

[aschutsky]

Thank you Brady! I will take a hard look at the gear before I go any further. My z has been pretty much on point with depth, etc so I wasn't experiencing any issues. Since I had ordered all 4 gears I figured I'd replace but I can do it a bit later I suppose. The machine gets used at most maybe 3-4 hours a week with hobby use. Most of the time it's just running a small project for a few cuts each weekend. I have yet to do any 3d work.

[Brady Watson]

Turn on the control box and grab the Z - move it up & down (by hand) to check for feel/sound of slop. You can also visually inspect the pinion by standing on the spoilboard and look down the T-rail. Inspection will tell you what you need or need not, to do.

-B

[aschutsky]

Turn on the control box and grab the Z - move it up & down (by hand) to check for feel/sound of slop. You can also visually inspect the pinion by standing on the spoilboard and look down the T-rail. Inspection will tell you what you need or need not, to do.

-B

Thanks Brady. Everything checks out OK, so I will leave it alone for now.