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X Axis Homing Position Accuracy

Hi, I have a part that I need to machine from both sides so I have cut dowel holes into my spoil board to ensure accurate positioning and used the machine position to set the origin.

This works accurately for a time, however after I home the axes a few times I find the machine position has changed and no longer aligns with the dowel positions. The axis remains consistently offset by the same amount after multiple homings.

I have tried the following:

1) Making sure the microswitches are firmly positioned with no play.

2) Keeping the microswitches free of dust / chips.

3) Ensuring there's no excessive play in either axis.

4) Ensuring the spoilboard isn't moving.

I've only noticed the error on the x axis and it's usually around 1mm. Any ideas how I can improve the accuracy of the end stop?

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Hi Simon,

Thanks for your email.

Sounds like there could be some play in the lever. Can you compare it to the Y-Axis?

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Thanks for the reply... the lever seems fine to me and the same as the y axis. I did detect a tiny amount of movement in the x axis (a fraction of a mm) so I'll check the tension of the lead screw when I get a chance. Other than that I can't find a mechanical reason for the discrepancy.

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Hi Simon,

To test if it is mechanical, it is best to do this test:

- Home the machine
- Press 'Go To Work Zero'
- Mark this position
- Jog the machine a significant distance away from this position. (Do not home the machine)
- Press 'Go To Work Zero'
- Does it go back to the same position or is it a few mm off?
- Repeat the above multiple times, do not home the machine in-between

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Thanks for the suggestion, the problem only occurs after homing so I guess it must be mechanical. Strange thing is once it goes out of position it stays offset by the same amount even after homing multiple times.

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Hi Simon,

If it only ever occurs after homing, it is due to the limit switch. Is your machine still in warranty, we can replace that switch

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It's outside of warranty but I've got a few microswitches knocking about so will try that. Thanks.

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Author avatar Simon will be eternally grateful.
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