My Cheapo Chineese 3020t mini CNC Build (more like improvements) leanring all the way

[ravihotwok]

Thanks very much Andy, very very helpful, Ive got the limit switches to try and sort tonight as well, im trying to run them as far away from the power cables as poss, but in some areas they will be very close especially the limit and power cables on the z-axis. Will have to see how I get on. Buying some MDF this weekend to make a sturdy table top and enclosure with a blow/extraction system, once thats done i can route the cables properly, when the cables come in close contact with each other I will try and think of some sort of extra shielding to help reduce interference (if thats the correct word).
Cheers for the positive comments :-) Helps keep my chin up with the build.

[Neale]

It's not a recommendation, but this works for me:

From the top, spindle power (screened CY) runs in the same cable guide as the Z limit proximity switch (unscreened 3-core) and Z stepper power (screened CY). Next level down they are joined by Y motor power and Y limit/home switches. These run together in about 2m of cable guide before splitting to go to various places (junction boxes, sockets on control box). Where screened cable is used, screens eventually go to star point in control box but screens are only connected at one end. Each cable guide also contains an earth wire which connects to the metalwork at each end of the cable guide to make sure that there is a reliable earth connection right from the spindle to the control box so I never rely on electrical connections via the linear bearings. As much as anything, this is to make sure that the touchplate connection is reliable.

I have had a couple of problems with the proximity switches but these are switch issues which I have been able to fix (and possibly due to using some of the cheapest switches available on eBay) and I have had absolutely no noise issues whatsoever from day one. Maybe it's luck although apart from ignoring advice to run power and switch cables separately, I have generally followed good wiring practice. I do also use 24V for the proximity switches (which my motion controller is happy to accept) and that also helps noise issues.