Spring Loaded Anti-Backlash Nut Update | Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 CNC

Follow along with Andy as he shares the latest update on our Spring Loaded Anti-Backlash Nut.
For more information, check out our blog.
sienci.com/2024/02/02/the-sag...
T8 Spring Loaded Anti-Backlash Nut Now Back In Stock: sienci.com/product/t8-spring-...
T12 Spring Loaded Anti-Backlash Nut Now Available On Our Store: sienci.com/product/t12-spring...
JOIN US
▸ Sienci Community | forum.sienci.com/
▸ Facebook Group | / mill.one
▸ Instagram | / siencilabs
Hashtags:
#cncupdate #siencilabs #longmill #antibacklashtech #precisionmachining #cncmillingupgrade #springloadednut #machineaccuracy #toolinginnovation #digitalfabrication

[@falcongunner33]

The fact that you guys are striving to offer a better nut for the same price is why I’ll always be loyal to sienci labs. It’s so hard to find a consumer first company these days.

[@SienciLabs]

It's comments like yours that keep us motivated to keep doing what we do. Thanks for the support, it's appreciated!

[@joejames3929]

Thanks Andy. These updates are always appreciated. Feels like we are part of the family. Looking forward to final product, I believe that you guys will address it the right way. Thanks for taking the time. Looking forward to where you guys go next.

[@SienciLabs]

Thanks for the support Joe! We certainly try keep everyone in the loop!

[@ChinJazz]

Thanks for this update Andy! Looking forward to when they're ready for full scale production and put them in with my next Sienci Labs order :)

[@SienciLabs]

That's what we like to hear! Thanks for supporting us!

[@JoeLazzara]

Yay!!! This is very exciting and fantastic news. I am really looking forward to when they both come out!! 😃 I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the new ones will be what you're hoping for. 🤞🤞💯 Thank you so much for this great update. You guys are awesome, you guys rock, and I appreciate all the hard work and dedication you all do to make the Longmill the best CNC machine out there!! ❤️🤟

[@SienciLabs]

Dang! That gave us the warm and fuzzies! Thanks for the kind words, it helps keep the pep in our step to continue making great products for our customers!

[@BuckysCustoms]

Thank you, Andy!

[@darrylpococke6401]

I certainly appreciate that you are working on a perfect design for these nuts. I haven't had any real issues with mine yet but I am definitely looking forward to getting a set when you have a version that works out well for the longmill MK2 48×30 Thank you for keeping the quality of the products up and the cost where we can afford to be productive.

[@daveroth422]

Thanks Andy, this is great news. Looking forward to adding these to my 48x30 machine. Not to get ahead of ourselves but if you can engineer a self adjusting V wheel, the Longmill MK2 would be the perfect hobby CNC router! (LOL) But, one step at a time.

[@SienciLabs]

Thanks for the feedback. We're always trying to balance cost vs function to keep our customers happy. Thanks for the support :)

[@daveroth422]

Really? Wow, that's a very interesting business strategy. ;) I was trying to maintain a community mindset and keep it friendly. No need to insult anyone's intelligence. (I have received warmer responses from Bell Canada) I am not complaining and love my Longmill. Actually, today I just ordered a set of new anti-backlash nuts for my machine and am eagerly waiting for my SLB which I pre-ordered in mid December. I have also purchased a LaserBeam along with all my accessories and cutting tools from Sienci. I am a loyal customer. I am only stating that I personally think self tensioning V wheels would be a game changer for the Longmill. I could be wrong about this but I bet if you did a poll you may find many, many others that agree. It is a particular "weak" spot on the Longmill (more so than anti-backlash nuts) and would vastly improve the functionality and accuracy of what is already a great CNC router. Just saying...

[@SienciLabs]

We’re really sorry if you felt insulted, we’re not sure what we said to make you feel that way. We value our customers support and listen to their ideas and suggestions. Thanks again for the kind words about what you already own and for buying your parts from us. We appreciate that you think enough of what we make to spend your hard earned dollars with us! 😀

[@chuckcoughlin3112]

I did not feel insulted and I own a longmill. I do like the idea and agree self adjusting v wheels would be nice. But the backlash is also an issue.

[@chuckcoughlin3112]

Andy I have a lot of respect and find it very very refreshing that you are always striving for better, but also trying to explain in layman terms issues that you have had or having. I get so tired of company trying to advertise they have a perfect machine/car. That is just deceptive lies. Everyone has to understand that there are going to be problems no matter how talented the engineers are. For example can we say NASA. I suspect they have some of the best engineers and look at the issues they had. Great work,👍👍👍 FYI- love my longmill 👍👍

[@SienciLabs]

Thanks Chuck! We appreciate your input. We certainly try our best to make the best quality products we can!

[@joker7025]

Love it Thank you guys.

[@samspade2519]

Good explanation of the pro n cons of each system. Tks

[@ron0126]

Looking forward to these improvements for my MK2. I’m keeping the page open on my browser and checking it every couple of hours. And I’ll be buying the AltMill as soon as it’s available…like…THAT day.

[@SienciLabs]

We're workin' hard on it! As soon as there's more to share, we'll let everyone know. Thanks for the support!

[@shughes599]

Very good content. Choppy for edits but great insight to decision making.

[@SienciLabs]

We're glad the info was helpful! Thanks for the feedback and support!

[@ryancrume]

great update, are there any images to reference that show the effects of backlash? just setup my machine a few months ago and not sure if these are needed just yet. will probably upgrade if need be down stream a few projects. 👍🏽

[@SienciLabs]

There are lots of customers who have been using the "old style" for years without any issues. These are just an improvement. So if you want them, it won't hurt, but if you want to continue using the ones that came with your MK2, they work just fine and dandy as well!

[@Townie001]

Did I understand correctly-ball nuts are available for the mk1? Source? I think most of us are willing to spend extra for greater accuracy.

[@grantlewis8053]

I received my new backlash nuts for my MK1. Was not sure about installation (needs installation instructions with delivery package). Searched for and found Jason's KZbin and installed nuts. Ran one small job to check operation. No issues. Next day sent X rail to back of Y rail in order to square machine. Attempting to bring x rail back to front of machine. Could not do it. Rail began shuddering and screw was not spinning. I assumed that I had not installed nuts correctly. Installed as outlined in Jason's KZbin with screws on nuts on the y rail screws should face the motors (back). Checked my install and searched for additional installation instructions. Found IDC Woodcraft KZbin where it was recommended to install backlash nuts differently, Please let us know how to correctly install on the MK1 machine.

[@SienciLabs]

Great question! Chatting with the CS team, our recommendation is to lightly spray with the wet WD-40 and run the gantry back and forth as part of the break in period. If the T12 spring-loaded backlash nut is binding, we recommend lubricating the leadscrew with a light coating of WD-40 or a similar lubricant. Then run the gantry back and forth along the leadscrew to break them in. Jog on normal speed, increasing to rapid after a few passes. If the T12 binds on rapid, reduce the speed to normal and re-run a few more passes. Wipe the lead screw after to prevent buildup of dust on the lead screws. Hope this helps!

[@snyderhaus]

What about for the larger size with the 48? Are those going to be available?

[@SienciLabs]

They should be available now. Thanks for asking!

[@johnolz1886]

Sorry to ask a stupid question but being new to all this what exactly is “backlash?” Is this my my X axis goes out of whack and one side moves forward while the other side freezes up?

[@SienciLabs]

You've got it more or less. If you'd like a great read on backlash/nuts, check out the link on our page! sienci.com/2023/08/16/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-spring-loaded-anti-backlash-nut/

[@ApexWoodworks]

Andy, when will the AltMill be ready?

[@SienciLabs]

Tentatively end of March for pre-order! Thanks for asking :)

[@user-fy5dj2bx1m]

Are the March delivered machines going to include the new backlash nuts?

[@SienciLabs]

If you're asking about March delivered MK2's, no they won't. We're still working out the kinks for the nuts so they aren't standard issue yet. Thanks for asking

[@user-xr1rx6gl7r]

so when are you going yo ship new design? Are they still on backorder?

[@SienciLabs]

They should be ready to order now.

[@PaulSchuster-yj4zb]

@@SienciLabs Does that mean you can ship right away? We are ready to set up new 48 x30 mkii and would rather use them now but if there is a delay we will setup old ones

[@user-qs3jl8uk5f]

I was one of the early adopters of the first version of the anti-backlash nut. They work well for me, but I don't run my machine enough to have noticed any wear. Will those of us who purchased the first version get a discount and early delivery of the final version?

[@SienciLabs]

Thanks for being one of the early testers. Unfortunately, there won't be a discount/early delivery for the final versions, but thanks for asking. Happy carving!

[@Townie001]

Altmill progress❓️

[@SienciLabs]

Tentatively end of March for pre-order!

[@kevinbaxter1571]

how about release files and let people machine their own?

[@SienciLabs]

We have a schematic of them on our website. sienci.com/product/t8-spring-loaded-anti-backlash-nut/

[@billysmether6237]

You should update to a "Ball Screw" drive. They are low cost now. The threaded rod drive just plain stinks! Backlash and inaccurate. Not a problem with the "Ball Screw" drive.

[@SienciLabs]

That's why we're creating the ALTMill. Check it out if you haven't already!