Description of Issue
The temperature of the Z-truck should stay below 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) at all times. As a rule of thumb, if you cannot hold your hand on the surface of the truck for more than 5 seconds it is too hot. There is a run-in period with a new machine where the temperature will be slightly higher than normal as it wears in it bearings, but even then it should never get above 60C. Certain operations, like cutting or routing with large bits, will also increase the temperature of the Z-Truck over that seen under normal operating conditions.
Possible Causes
If the Z-truck is running hot, it is most likely an issue with the spindle (bearings, tolerance rings, or quick change). A bad or improperly installed flexshaft or a dull or loose bit can also cause the Z-truck to heat up. Adding any sort of lubrication to the flexshaft other than the prescribed Chain Lube with Moly will get into and destroy the bearings.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check to make sure the cutting bit is not dull. This is especially important when using the larger decorative bits.
- Check to see if the flexshaft has been lubricated lately and if so verify that it was Chain Lube with Moly applied in the proper way.
- Verify that the flexshaft is properly seated into the spindle. Please see instructions in the CarveWright Owner’s Manual.
- Check for any play in the spindle by moving it side to side. You should not be able to feel any slop or play in the spindle.
- Check to make sure that the bit is not loose in the spindle or holder.
- If none of the above steps solves the issue consult with CarveWright Service.