E-Chain along the X-Axis

[kenkelsey]

Hi, Ken K here, new to the forum. Just began assembling an Alpha 48 96 machine. Have the table built and xy car mounted and starting the wirie routing. In my kit I received pat of the parts necessary for a second e-chain that mounts on the back of the machine along the x axis, but I do not see any wring the that goes in this e-chain. It seems like I received part of an assembly that I don't need. Can anyone advise?

[Brady Watson]

You need it & want it. There is a section in the assembly manual that shows how it goes together & how to route the wires. ALL of the wires coming off of the gantry go into that X axis E-chain and then from there they get zip tied up on the center 3x5 crossmember over to the control box.

For both X&Y chains, the wires should be secured at the ends and left to do whatever they want in between the ends. Care taken now with the wiring will go a long way towards trouble free ownership.

If you want to post pics, we'll help you get it sorted. Welcome to the SBF.

-B

[dlcw]

I put an x E-chain on my machine shortly after I got the machine up and running. Brady is right, you want it and need it. NO wear and tear on the cables at all. Been running since 2009 with no cabling problems on X or Y because of the E-chains.

The only problem I had was that the E-chain kit I purchased from Shopbot - for my machine - had all kinds of problems. None of the mounting holes lined up, parts were the wrong size, etc. If you are patient and have a good metal drill, and the ability to cut some metal parts, this is overcome - although very inconvenient. I figured paying the price I did from Shopbot, at least the holes would line up.

[kenkelsey]

Thanks guys. I called Frank at Shopbot tech support and he confirmed what you have said: I need it and he is shipping me the missing brackets.