Sticky Head vertical rails - head cant move
Hi All,
Ive had this printer for just over a year and it has had some use. Fantastic results.
However, what is occuring now, is if I dont use the printer for a while (lets say a month) once the head starts moving the rails become so sticky, it cant even perform a pre-print test. Even if I clean the rails so they are smooth, about 1-2 layers in, they become gummed up again and causes head crashes as it cant zero itself to the left.
The stickyness, at a guess, seems to be the oil/grease on the original bearings get mixed with dust.
Interestingly, the bed rails are fine, and I have not needed to touch them.
Im at a lost end of knowing how to fix this. I thoroughly cleaned the rails the first time this occurred and I was able to do a lot of printing. Just yesterday, I checked the rails before trying to print and they were sticky as, more than ever before, and this by them just sitting there unused. I tried to clean the rails again (with ipa) and it lasted 2 layers before I hear the head slam into the rightside. Felt the rails, and they were sticky as, and the head wouldnt even move (yes, power was off when I tried).
I hope someone can help me get my printing back on track.
Thanks,
Rob
Have I oiled/greased the rails... No, not from the factory.
RE: Sticky Head vertical rails - head cant move
You need to clean the actual bearings out fully and re-grease them. Lubricating the rails will only be a stopgap method.
Unfortunately that means tearing down the printer to physically remove them. Then you can soak them in ipa overnight To clean them out and then using something like superlube or a similar bearing grease re-lubricate them inside then reassemble.
RE: Sticky Head vertical rails - head cant move
@neophyl
Thanks for your reply.. I thought as much after a lot of reading. I just have to wait until the SuperLube turns up now.
I needed to print something, so after I posted, I continually cleaned the rails for 30 minutes, moving the head back and forth, and then added a very light film of "Chainsaw chain oil ", that's all I had, using a paper towel, just wet enough with the oil, and I was able to do a 6 hour print and the rails were perfect.
Definitely though, I will be regreasing the bearings...
Thanks,
Rob