Backlash Nut: Assembly

The backlash nut assembly has three parts. The base, the main nut mount and the tensioner. The main nut mount and the tensioner are matched. There is small mark on the bottom of the main nut mount and the tensioner. These should be kept down and on the same side. Not following this will result in loss of performance.

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Backlash Nut: Adjusting

The first time you adjsut the backlash nut do it with the without a motor attached and with the leadscrew bearing tensioner loose. This gives you a feel for how sensitive it is. The tighter it is the harder your motors have to work to turn the leadscrew. Tighten the tensioner until it is difficult to turn the leadscrew and the back off a little. Tension on the leadscrew should only be enough to prevent backlash. After tightening the tensioner bolts you need to tighten the nuts on them. Tighten these nuts to the tensioner, not the main nut assembly. When you tighten this nut it will cause the tensioner to move some so you have to adjust in small increments. It's a touch thing so be patient the first few times.

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Z PDF Instructions

Z Assembly:

Usually the best method to assemble anything is to get as many bolts in the right place as possible and then tighten them each over a couple of passes. Same applies here.

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Z Assembly: Adjusting:

1. Leave the motor mount bolts, backlash tensioner and backlash mount bolts loose for a while.
2. Leave the Bolts out that hold the backlash nut assembly to the Z attaching plate.
3. Use the motor to run the backlash nut assembly down so you can adjust it.
4. Once the backlash nut is adjusted use your motor to run the backlash nut assembly up as far a you can and still get to the allen screws that tighten the main nut mount to the assmbly base. Everything should be loose except the backlash adjustment. Moving all the way to the top aligns the center of the backlash nuts to the center of the leadscrew. Once this is done you can tighten the two bolts that hold the main nut mount to the assembly base.
5. Now move the assembly until the base holes align with the holes in the attaching plate. Add and tighten bolts to attach the backlash nut assembly to the Z attaching plate.
6. Now adjsut the Z Gib. Support the head until it is about weight nuetral. The Z attaching plate is held tight to the head mount with four nuts on the gib bolts. Tighten all the attaching bolts all the way down and then back them off about 1/4 turn. How tight you run it depends on your motor size and the condition of your Z gib. Now tighten the bolts down to hold the plate to the head support.

Leadscrew / Motor Mounts:

Adjusting the Leadscrew / Motor Mounts:

Foundation / Y Rails:

Table / X Rails:

Stock X2 Column To Base:

Head Spacer:

Alignment:

What to expect:

Maintenance: