Gamma x-st, Gripper jaw adjustment screw makes no difference

[alexmcnab]

Hi
I have the Gamma x-st machine. I am having some ghosting on the string in the gripper when using Head Velocity. Cleaned the clamps and gripper then tried to adjust the gripper jaw adjustment screw and checked it several times with some scrap string. Whichever way I turned it, even completely in and out, it make no difference to the gap. it's like the screw had no resistance on it.

I did come across a tiny grub screw (smaller than 1.5mm allen key that came with the machine) a while back but couldn't see where it had come from. I don't know if this is relevant or not.

Not yet taken it apart, seems a little daunting, and couldn't find another example of this happening online.

Appreciate any help as to what is going. Alex

Edit - it is a 3mm grub screw

 

[Wes]

Hi
I have the Gamma x-st machine. I am having some ghosting on the string in the gripper when using Head Velocity. Cleaned the clamps and gripper then tried to adjust the gripper jaw adjustment screw and checked it several times with some scrap string. Whichever way I turned it, even completely in and out, it make no difference to the gap. it's like the screw had no resistance on it.

Appreciate any help as to what is going. Alex

@alexmcnab,

Something must be awry, since what you've described is not the normal behavior on an X-ST.

By chance, is your linear gripper adjustment screw missing either/both of the little springs that are ordinarily encircling it?

Send me a PM/"Conversation" and I'll help you troubleshoot what's going on.

Cheers, Wes

 

[mikeler]

I have an X-ST as well but sounds like @Wes has an idea what you are having issues with. If you two can't figure it out, @Gamma Tech should be able to help. Good luck!

 

[alexmcnab]

Hi Wes, the two springs are intact. I've PM'd you.

 

[alexmcnab]

Update - Wes has kindly sorted it for me. By removing the shorter of the 2 springs on the adjustment screw it stops the gripper mechanism travelling as far. This keeps the jaws a little wider and reduces ghosting.

I don't know if others have this problem with this machine (or similar) or what caused it. Increasing the length of the screw may have fixed it but losing the short spring fixed it first!

Thanks again Wes!

 

[diredesire]

Update - Wes has kindly sorted it for me. By removing the shorter of the 2 springs on the adjustment screw it stops the gripper mechanism travelling as far. This keeps the jaws a little wider and reduces ghosting.

I don't know if others have this problem with this machine (or similar) or what caused it. Increasing the length of the screw may have fixed it but losing the short spring fixed it first!

Thanks again Wes!

If you're able/willing, posting an annotated pic would help others in the future

 

[alexmcnab]

Top image is original adjustment screw.
Bottom image is after short spring is removed.

 

[mikeler]

Glad @diredesire asked, much easier for me to understand with the pics. Thanks to @Wes for sharing his knowledge with the rest of us!