Hand adjusting Z

[mjohn]

I can jog all day, but I've been contemplating a simple wheel on top of the Z stepper to fine tune bit height by hand. It would be nothing to create such a beast, but I'd much rather toss a few bucks to something that might be readily available than put yet another job in the 'inbox'.

Has anyone done this? Recommend something online? 5mm shaft diameter on the Nema 17's.

-John

[edwardrford]

Hi John,

A couple of options:

1.) if you have access to a 3D printer, the reprapers have you covered: http://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=z+axis+crank&sa=
2.) someone made this for shapeoko: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:42466
3.) Design your own!
4.) Look for either a "hand crank" or "thumb wheel" with a M5 bore (and set screw).

Sorry, that's not 100% helpful, but it might get you going in the right direction.

-Edward

[roberlin]

I just hand adjust by sort of dragging my finger against the coupler to make it spin.
Works great.

I do like the wheel idea, but I only have motor shaft on one side

[madmanmoe]

Depending on what you have lying around, lots of stock knobs can be made to fit.

For example I found a spare volume knob from an electric guitar fits nicely.
But basically any knob meant to fit a standard pot is worth a try, dimmer switch etc.
(I think pot shafts are 1/4" so a set screw / some bodging may be needed)

Not a permanent solution, but it'll keep you going for a while.

[jhllt67]

I use the tap handle for the M5 tap used when building the Shapeoko. I got the idea from someone on these forums, can't remember who. Works really well and chances are you already have one.

[mjohn]

Thanks Edward, Roberlin, Moe and Jhllt!

The correct terminology helped a lot! I picked up some acrylic over the weekend that should work nicely. Glad to see others doing it, never liked moving those steppers by hand any more than I had to.

-John

[edwardrford]

The tap handle is a GREAT idea! I must have missed that post. Thanks for bringing it back up.

-Edward

[kerrycorcoran]

I just did this on my new build - excellent idea!!