Status of the CNC Mill
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Eric Wood
Aug 9, 2026, 4:17:44 PM (19 hours ago) Aug 9
to HeatSync Labs
I stopped by the lab today to take a look at the CNC mill in hopes of getting it back in working order. My last info from Darrell indicated that the mill started acting erratically, missing steps, and burned out a gecko drive. Darrell replaced the drive (x-axis) but the erratic behavior continued.
I started up the mill this morning and was going to do some “air cutting” but found that the x-axis was not responding at all. Based on the prior drive failure, I suspect another drive was burnt out by the existing problem. Darrell indicated that he suspected a software issue and tried restoring some old settings in hopes that someone had adjusted things incorrectly. Restoring the old settings did not resolve the issue. Darrell recommended switching out the drivers and servos with ClearPath ‘s Integrated Servo System. I have these at home and am very happy, but they are pricey - currently $346 each from the manufacturer.
I do have some surplus servos and drivers that might be used to replace the Geckos and steppers that we have. I really wish that I could help get this machine back online but do not have the time to design and fabricate new mounting brackets or a new drive cabinet. The drivers I have (MA860H) are significantly larger than the Geckos and will not fit in the old aluminum box. These would also need to be configured correctly in CNC12, the software for the Centroid Acorn controller.
I see a few options if we want to resurrect the CNC mill. The first would be to continue troubleshooting the issue that may be related to two blown drives at around $140 each. A second would be to try and get some of the surplus parts I have laying around as a working replacement. This option would be low-cost but high effort. Third would be to raise the money to replace the X & Y with ClearPath servos. I know that Darrell used to put all the class proceeds back into the metal shop which was fantastic and very generous. Sadly, now that he has moved that funding source is gone.
This message is not a call to action. I just wanted to document things here in case someone wants to jump in now or in the future.
I started up the mill this morning and was going to do some “air cutting” but found that the x-axis was not responding at all. Based on the prior drive failure, I suspect another drive was burnt out by the existing problem. Darrell indicated that he suspected a software issue and tried restoring some old settings in hopes that someone had adjusted things incorrectly. Restoring the old settings did not resolve the issue. Darrell recommended switching out the drivers and servos with ClearPath ‘s Integrated Servo System. I have these at home and am very happy, but they are pricey - currently $346 each from the manufacturer.
I do have some surplus servos and drivers that might be used to replace the Geckos and steppers that we have. I really wish that I could help get this machine back online but do not have the time to design and fabricate new mounting brackets or a new drive cabinet. The drivers I have (MA860H) are significantly larger than the Geckos and will not fit in the old aluminum box. These would also need to be configured correctly in CNC12, the software for the Centroid Acorn controller.
I see a few options if we want to resurrect the CNC mill. The first would be to continue troubleshooting the issue that may be related to two blown drives at around $140 each. A second would be to try and get some of the surplus parts I have laying around as a working replacement. This option would be low-cost but high effort. Third would be to raise the money to replace the X & Y with ClearPath servos. I know that Darrell used to put all the class proceeds back into the metal shop which was fantastic and very generous. Sadly, now that he has moved that funding source is gone.
This message is not a call to action. I just wanted to document things here in case someone wants to jump in now or in the future.
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