# Yet another Z axis problem **URL:** \ **Category:** Troubleshooting\ **Tags:** calibration, z-axis, motor\ **Created:** [March 13, 2019, 7:34pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124 "2019-03-13T19:34:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![anvil](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/anvil/32/11904_2.png) [@anvil](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/anvil)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 7:34pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/1 "2019-03-13T19:34:08Z")
The problem: Z axis only moves (in either direction) when I support the router. \*Z axis firmware is enabled \*everything else works as it should What I have tried: 1.) silicone spray 2.) bungee cords 3.) separating the router power cord from the z axis power cable 4.) looping the power cord so it doesn’t pull on the router I’m wondering if i need to somehow remove the orange “lock thingy” on the the Z axis screw on the router base. ---
**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:** [March 13, 2019, 7:37pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/2 "2019-03-13T19:37:55Z")
I am assuming you are using the original Rigid router z-axis setup… is the router base clamp loose enough? is there any corrosion on the router or in the base? does the motor sound like it is trying to move when you are not supporting the router? are you using a bungee? does the axis move as expected when the router is not in the base? ---
**Author:** ![anvil](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/anvil/32/11904_2.png) [@anvil](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/anvil)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 8:17pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/3 "2019-03-13T20:17:02Z")
You are correct I am using the recommended Ridgid router _is the router base clamp loose enough?_ **I just loosened it further that helped a little but have to support it** _is there any corrosion on the router or in the base?_ **No the router is new it’s all shiny in there** _does the motor sound like it is trying to move when you are not supporting the router?_ **Yes it is trying and it does move when i assist it manually** _are you using a bungee?_ **Yes i have a bungee on it** _does the axis move as expected when the router is not in the base?_ **it moves with the grace of a Gazelle (yes)** ![IMG_6700](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/2X/e/e4703840f8f38799930bcc33fc465732c342d070.jpeg) ![IMG_6702](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/2X/3/3aa20b446ce867f960a0f82ce5b301eba529f62a.jpeg) ![IMG_6699](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/2X/b/bdc01d9e4aeccc25d3c052bc23583302395a657b.jpeg) ![IMG_6698](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/2X/6/64994bc9419b65c0902ea49175252f3c54eade10.jpeg) ---
**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:** [March 13, 2019, 8:22pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/4 "2019-03-13T20:22:57Z")
My first guess is that the bungee is too strong and is possibly torquing the router to the side and binding it up enough to cause it to not move (and possibly make the orange tab to pop out of the slot on the router). When you say you support the router, do you mean that you are helping guide it out? (this is what I am guessing would alleviate the binding) Does the z-axis plunge but not raise? ---
**Author:** ![Superbender](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/superbender/32/10323_2.png) [@Superbender](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Superbender)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 9:14pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/5 "2019-03-13T21:14:13Z")
Is your router clipped into the engagement thingy? ---
**Author:** ![anvil](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/anvil/32/11904_2.png) [@anvil](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/anvil)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 9:18pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/6 "2019-03-13T21:18:26Z")
_My first guess is that the bungee is too strong and is possibly torquing the router to the side and binding it up enough to cause it to not move (and possibly make the orange tab to pop out of the slot on the router)._ **Ok I re-configured the bungee’s to put less pressure and I made sure the pressure is pulling the router up a bit instead of down. here is what it looks like now** ![IMG_6704](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/2X/6/66542cd69307263302c5c9595596fe6bdb1d5d8f.jpeg) _When you say you support the router, do you mean that you are helping guide it out? (this is what I am guessing would alleviate the binding)_ **Yes, i just try and keep it centered and not pinching anywhere** _Does the z-axis plunge but not raise?_ **It does both, but it’s harder to get it to raise smoothly. However it binds in both directions** **Ok I did some closer looking at the groove inside the base and I think I see the problem. there are small gouges that that little nub rides in.** ![IMG_6703](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/2X/b/ba5fd154c53786a5d959300d7e204e451a2086f7.jpeg) **I really think this is it but I’m not sure how to solve it. lubricant doesn’t seem to work. I guess I could file it and see where that gets me** ---
**Author:** ![Superbender](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/superbender/32/10323_2.png) [@Superbender](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Superbender)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 9:38pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/7 "2019-03-13T21:38:40Z")
To check this, remove the bungee, disengage the engagement thingy and move the router up and down by hand. I should slide very easily. If it doesn’t than the router binds in the base and likely it is related to the spots you are pointing out. ---
**Author:** ![anvil](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/anvil/32/11904_2.png) [@anvil](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/anvil)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 9:58pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/8 "2019-03-13T21:58:13Z")
Just made a short video showing the problem as it happens. ---
**Author:** ![gersus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3d9bf3/32.png) [@gersus](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/gersus)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 10:54pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/9 "2019-03-13T22:54:11Z")
FWIW, and possibly not related to your problem, I use a similar bungee and I place the hooks in the bolt holes where the handles use to be. It works well and is more balanced potentially than using the ring. ---
**Author:** ![clintloggins](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/clintloggins/32/56_2.png) [@clintloggins](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/clintloggins)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 11:07pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/10 "2019-03-13T23:07:21Z")
Did you check that both hex screws were tightened at the collet/zmotor shaft. In the video is sounds like something is slipping. ---
**Author:** ![clintloggins](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/clintloggins/32/56_2.png) [@clintloggins](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/clintloggins)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 11:19pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/11 "2019-03-13T23:19:50Z")
Take the z axis motor off and check if you can turn the collet by hand to move the router up and down. If you can, it has to be coming from the z axis. If you cant, I would take or send the router back to get a new one. Also, the router seems almost too loose in the base to me. ---
**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:** [March 14, 2019, 1:12am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/12 "2019-03-14T01:12:29Z")
> [@clintloggins](#): > > the router seems almost too loose in the base to me I think that this may be contributing to the binding > [@clintloggins](#): > > Did you check that both hex screws were tightened at the collet/zmotor shaft Good thinking! Also, make sure that the set screws are located on the flats of the shafts, and not on the rounded part. ---
**Author:** ![TheMerryYeoman](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/themerryyeoman/32/8009_2.png) [@TheMerryYeoman](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/TheMerryYeoman)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2019, 4:43pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/13 "2019-03-14T16:43:54Z")
I believe @clintloggins has a great point. that’s the first thing I thought of and as watching your video it seems to confirm it. I believe you need to tighten your set screws on the adapter that is on the motor because it stops moving when you can still hear the motor moving. ---
**Author:** ![anvil](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/anvil/32/11904_2.png) [@anvil](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/anvil)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2019, 6:05am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/14 "2019-03-15T06:05:30Z")
ALRIGHT!! So it works now!! Here’s what happened: @clintloggins pretty much nailed it. Here’s what it looked like: ![IMG_6713](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/2X/1/164d15e6cb6828f07b55ab1bf9cb02fe44905e4c.jpeg) I was too high up and the set screw was resting on the round part instead of the flat section. This is what it looks like corrected: ![IMG_6714](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/2X/0/0c79b93c5ebe99ac83f73493668a5823eab190bf.jpeg) Here’s a quick video of it working. Thanks again for helping me think through the problem! Hopefully this thread will help more people. ---
**Author:** ![clintloggins](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/clintloggins/32/56_2.png) [@clintloggins](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/clintloggins)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2019, 12:29pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/15 "2019-03-15T12:29:13Z")
I’m so glad everything worked out! Happy cutting!! ---
**Author:** ![TheMerryYeoman](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/themerryyeoman/32/8009_2.png) [@TheMerryYeoman](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/TheMerryYeoman)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2019, 11:43pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/16 "2019-03-17T23:43:46Z")
Wow. Hadn’t even noticed that it had a round portion. Thanks for pointing that out! ---
**Author:** ![Lucas333](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/977dab/32.png) [@Lucas333](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Lucas333)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2019, 9:02am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/17 "2019-12-30T09:02:50Z")
Finally it worked out… Now enjoy your cuttings. ---
**Author:** ![embeddedprogrammer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecb155/32.png) [@embeddedprogrammer](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/embeddedprogrammer)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2020, 11:12pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/yet-another-z-axis-problem/9124/18 "2020-05-19T23:12:26Z")
Thanks! It helped me over a year later!