Cannot get X axis to work properly

Hi, I have had this printer since purchasing it from Jameco in early August. AFter about 25 hours of assembly over 2-3 weeks, I have been unable to get the x axis to work properly. And I haven’t’ even attempted to fix the uneven heated board issue yet. It has become extremely frustrating working on this

My first 2 test print jobs had the x axis moving toward the right after each layer

I’ve replaced(at my expense) the controller board for the X axis because I noticed the MOtor vibrated heavily even when the belt wasn’t attached. The issue when away when I swapped with one of the other controller boards. I didnt’ want to wait 2-3 weeks for a part to ship to the US from Belgium for a $10 part

The carriage moves freely over the rods without the belt. I have also lubricated the rods

When I put the belt on as tight as I can, then it becomes a bit jerky when trying to move it jerky
If I loosen it, then it moves freely with the belt on, but the belt will come off. Even IF I try variations of tightness, then I just get variations of fail. Jerky movement or belt comes off

I have tried replacing the pully and belt with GT2 (I saw a suggestion for that ) belt the belt just kep coming off no matter how tight I got it. Smaller teeth don’t seem to work very well in staying on the left pulley

Now I have the problem with the Stepper motor just vibrating , but not moving the carriage even with the belt somewhat tight. If I loosen it to much, then it moves the carriage , but not smoothly and the belt comes off.

How tight is the belt supposed to be? I can’t make it tight like the Y Belt because the Y Belt isn’t as long

If I mail this to you can you finish putting it together(and the heating bed not being flat) Or do I need to send it back to Jameco?

Sorry, I have become extremely frustrated at this printer.

Do you remember the step in the manual where you had to adjust the voltages of the axis to 0.425V? Did you do this for the replacement Pololu?

Don’t replace the Pololu while the board is powered or it will be broken (again).

The belt should be as tight as the belt for which you had to count the number of teeth. Use that belt as a reference.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when in doubt. This printer should be fun to build and use, not frustrating! Take your time to build it, better to do it slowly but correctly than to rush it.

Yes sir I did
Actually, in-fact I think I raised it a little over .425v. Might be at either .435 or .445. Will have to check

Oh definitely. It was replaced while powered off

Thats the issue I can’t get it that tight as the Y belt. The Y belt is shorter and thus will be tighter. The X axis is longer and will have more play in the center. PLus its just really hard to keep belt pulled tight while trying to screw in the screw and hold the nut at the same time.

I have also ordered a replacement NEMA 17 motr (2.5A 1.8 degree) just in case somehow I screwed up the motor or if that motor is bad

I’ve definitely been taking my time with it

Do you have any possibility at all to take pictures or even (preferably) a movie? With your smartphone for example, if you have one? That way we can take a look at the belt, how the motor behaves and maybe also hear any abnormal sounds.

May I ask what country you live in? Massachusetts, US?

Hi, yes I can somehow send you a video I guess

I should mention that the pulley on the motor also does that egg wobble(?) that I’ve seen others mentioned when its rotating in either direction

Yes, that’s correct. I live in Massachusetts

I wouldn’t worry about the wobble of the Y axis, mine does that as well yet prints fine. A video would be fantastic.