# Counter weight on chain slack sprocket **URL:** \ **Category:** Hardware\ **Created:** [December 23, 2017, 3:40pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638 "2017-12-23T15:40:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![HydronCollider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@HydronCollider](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/HydronCollider)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 3:40pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/1 "2017-12-23T15:40:11Z")
Hey folks, I have an ongoing chain skipping problem. Mainly near the top of the sheet. Its very consistent, if I loop back to the same few lines of gcode it will happen in the same spot everytime. Im sure alot of my problems will be solved by modifying my frame (extending top beam outwards & making a better chain guide) and upgrading to v 1.00 of software and firmware. I would like to finish my current cut project before doing more mods/updates. I added a counterweight to the chain slack sprocket which I think causes more tension on the motor sprocket, and that has resolved 80% of my chain skipping, I can loop back to the same gcode spots and it will no longer skip. Has anyone experimented with this before? I haven’t been able to find anything in the forum. Happy holidays! ---
**Author:** ![bar](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/bar/32/10_2.png) [@bar](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/bar)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 4:12pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/2 "2017-12-23T16:12:05Z")
Sorry for the trouble! I did play around with a counter weights system early on and it worked well. It got removed from the design because it added cost and complexity, but it always worked well. I found that to keep the chain aligned with the sprocket (because the sprocket is tilted and the weight wants to hang straight up and down) I had to give the weight a guide so that it would move parallel to the sheet instead of vertically. Overall I think it is a great solution! ---
**Author:** ![HydronCollider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@HydronCollider](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/HydronCollider)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 4:30pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/3 "2017-12-23T16:30:34Z")
Hey Bar, thanks for the info. I will set something up like that when I do my next round of mods! I may cut a pvc pipe length-wize to crate a travel channel/gutter. ---
**Author:** ![mrfugu](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/mrfugu/32/22_2.png) [@mrfugu](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/mrfugu)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 5:24pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/4 "2017-12-23T17:24:40Z")
It might not be suitable based on your frame design, but I’ve been successful in preventing any chain jump using the kit-included materials by mounting the motors and chain guide in the manner seen in this link: > [@UniStrut Frame designs](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/unistrut-frame-designs/1267/28): > > Some minor improvements and initial calibration. First, some shots of the perfectly good chain guides, using the included Delrin roller, trimmed ~1/4" to fit 1.5" screws. The screw is kept loose enough for the roller to spin freely. Note: This position (mounted directly to the motor face) places enough pressure to keep chain on at least 180deg of the sprocket, and keeps the exit chain aligned entering the sprocket. This is important because as you’ll see I have the l… The ‘chain guide’ is just loose enough to allow the plastic (which i trimmed to length) to spin freely. The angle maintained by the chain to the sprocket is tight enough to force the chain onto the sprocket at no higher than 225 degrees (ie: SXSW, or ~7 o’clock). it acts like a chain tensioner andalignment guide immediately prior to the sprocket. ---
**Author:** ![blurfl](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/blurfl/32/9_2.png) [@blurfl](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/blurfl)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 6:44pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/5 "2017-12-23T18:44:29Z")
Your approach to attaching the motor bracket that way is a good idea - easier access to the adjustment slots and this approach to a chain guide! ---
**Author:** ![dlang](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/dlang/32/859_2.png) [@dlang](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/dlang)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 9:30pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/6 "2017-12-23T21:30:32Z")
is it skipping as the sled is moving towards the motor or away from the motor? if it’s skipping as it moves towards the motor, you don’t have the chain parallel to the workpiece, move the motors in or out to make them parallel. If it’s skipping as it moves away from the motor, look at the plywood chain guide that was posted recently, that keeps the chain wrapped around the sprocket and keeps gravity from pulling it too far back ---
**Author:** ![HydronCollider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@HydronCollider](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/HydronCollider)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 11:26pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/7 "2017-12-23T23:26:02Z")
Thanks, primarily skipping while moving away from the motor on the top opposite side of the skippy motor. Ill give that a shot. ---
**Author:** ![HydronCollider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@HydronCollider](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/HydronCollider)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 11:39pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/8 "2017-12-23T23:39:44Z")
I like the look of that. It cant skip if it cant lift. But how do you calibrate chain length without being abe to attach the chain? ---
**Author:** ![mrfugu](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/mrfugu/32/22_2.png) [@mrfugu](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/mrfugu)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2017, 6:00am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/9 "2017-12-24T06:00:55Z")
huh? When I calibrate it, I loosen the roller/screw and put the chain on, hand tighten the screw and go. it’s no hassle. ---
**Author:** ![Dag83](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/dag83/32/2603_2.png) [@Dag83](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Dag83)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2017, 8:38am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/10 "2017-12-24T08:38:39Z")
i was planning to put a counterweight on mine too instead of the stretchy string, just makes sense to keep the tension equal at all times, i thought to just let a piece of rope take the path of the stretchy string now, and add a pulley at the top so the weight can freefall, that way you don’t need to guide the weights, and the chain stays alligned with the motor. ---
**Author:** ![Keith](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/keith/32/1332_2.png) [@Keith](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Keith)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2017, 8:42pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/11 "2017-12-26T20:42:37Z")
this sounds like a great idea. I am hoping to have some more time to work on my build this weekend, so may give it a try ---
**Author:** ![George\_Mallard](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/george_mallard/32/14246_2.png) [@George\_Mallard](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/George_Mallard)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2018, 5:10pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/12 "2018-01-08T17:10:08Z")
Here is my solution, dirty and quick, fender washers… ![IMG_20180107_135643](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/2X/b/b4615dd31928003326c3fa46d5d24c822f9b6ddb.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![bar](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/bar/32/10_2.png) [@bar](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/bar)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2018, 7:00pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/13 "2018-01-08T19:00:24Z")
That is fantastic! I love it. ---
**Author:** ![George\_Lehaf](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/george_lehaf/32/12839_2.png) [@George\_Lehaf](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/George_Lehaf)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 12:06am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/14 "2018-02-01T00:06:23Z")
Is anyone else having an issue with the chain continually wrapping around the sprocket on the actual motor? I’m finding that for some reason my chain isn’t loosening up from the sprocket, which causes two issues: 1. sometimes its stuck on the sprocket for just a little while, which causes it to pull up the router passed it’s desired cut, and then the weight of the router will pull the chain from the sprocket, causing it to sink back into where its supposed to be 2. sometimes it gets stuck to the point where the chain will continually wrap around the motor sprocket, which can lead to damaging the machine. I’m think I need some type of guide for the chain after the motor sprocket to keep this from happening, but wanted to see if anyone else had to deal with this? ---
**Author:** ![bar](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/bar/32/10_2.png) [@bar](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/bar)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 12:10am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/15 "2018-02-01T00:10:44Z")
The classic reason for that to happen is if the chain is not feeding directly in line with the sprocket, does it look like the plane of the sprockets is in line with where the chain is feeding onto the sprocket? ---
**Author:** ![George\_Lehaf](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/george_lehaf/32/12839_2.png) [@George\_Lehaf](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/George_Lehaf)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 12:31am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/16 "2018-02-01T00:31:10Z")
I think it looks pretty in line, but I’ll move it around a bit and see if that solves it. I think this plane keeps based on how I’m leaning the Maslow with the temp frame, since the legs are just the 2x4’s with the pulley, so I’m thinking that the contact of this bottom piece with the ground might have shift. I’ll double check to see if moving it fixed the problem ---
**Author:** ![George\_Lehaf](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/george_lehaf/32/12839_2.png) [@George\_Lehaf](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/George_Lehaf)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 1:38am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/18 "2018-02-01T01:38:44Z")
@bar I tried leveling the plane of the sprockets and I’m pretty sure it’s pretty in line. However, still seeing the issue =/ i took a video to show an example of what I’m seeing [video of sprocket issue](https://www.dropbox.com/s/hbmrixlthxfgq7f/IMG_7972.MOV?dl=0) ---
**Author:** ![dlang](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/dlang/32/859_2.png) [@dlang](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/dlang)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 1:39am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/19 "2018-02-01T01:39:21Z")
Just an FYI for everyone on this thread. In the “new stock frame” thread, it looks like we are going to end up with the chain moving horizontally across the top bar. That will go a long way towards eliminating this problem ---
**Author:** ![dlang](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/dlang/32/859_2.png) [@dlang](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/dlang)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 1:41am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/20 "2018-02-01T01:41:23Z")
can you do a video from the edge so we can see the chain alignment? it would probably also be good to have your chain output not hitting the input. But I doubt that’s the cause of the skipping. ---
**Author:** ![George\_Lehaf](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/george_lehaf/32/12839_2.png) [@George\_Lehaf](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/George_Lehaf)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 1:47am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638/21 "2018-02-01T01:47:13Z")
will do - i’ll have to take it tomorrow after work though, thanks for all the quick responses [Next page](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/counter-weight-on-chain-slack-sprocket/1638.md?page=2)