re:Re: 5th axis/3rd z

Carl,

You DON'T cut power to the stepper! You simply change/"switch" the
drive SIGNALS from one Stepper DRIVER to the one powering the "3rd
Z". You will need one more stepper driver than if you switched the
DRIVER from stepper to stepper, BUT you will avoid many other
possible problems; first of which is that you DON'T need a brake!

Adding a spring or air cylinder to balance a heavy axis is a good
idea in any case...

Hope this helps.

Ballendo

>The z axis are rather heavy and will "backdrive" or fall when I cut
>power to the stepper,
>My current machine has a Perske motor @55#,10mm pitch screw
>Other option is add a small air cylinder or spring to counter
>balance the weight
>Carl