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Troubleshooting Spindle Start Issues

  • Issue: The spindle won't start.
  • Cause: There may be loose wires, faulty switches, or open doors.
  • Solution: Gather the required tools and perform the following steps.

Required Tools

Some troubleshooting procedures require the following tools. Make sure you have them available for possible use.

  • Fine abrasive pad
  • Flashlight to identify correct wires and terminals
  • Flat-blade screwdriver
  • Multimeter
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Short wire to use as a jumper cable

Initial Troubleshooting

WARNING! Automatic Start Hazard: The machine could start at any time and injure you. To prevent injury, you must thoroughly read all instructions before you try to complete any procedure.

  1. Power on the machine and the PathPilot® controller.

    1. Turn the Main Disconnect switch to ON on the right side of the electrical cabinet.
    2. Twist out the Emergency Stop button on the operator panel, which enables movement to the machine axes and the spindle.
    3. Press the Start button on the operator panel.
    4. Bring the machine out of reset and reference it.
  2. Make sure there is no tool in the spindle.
  3. (If applicable) Turn the spindle lockout key to unlocked ("I" position) on the operator panel.
  4. Make sure the spindle door is closed and latched.
  5. (If applicable) Set the spindle mode switch to auto on the operator panel.

  6. Open the electrical cabinet door.

    WARNING! Electrocution Hazard: When servicing the machine from inside the electrical cabinet, always use caution. Points in the electrical cabinet have high voltages that can electrocute or shock you. Even after you've powered off the machine, electronic devices in the electrical cabinet may retain dangerous electrical voltages. Only qualified electrical machinery technicians should perform maintenance or troubleshooting procedures inside the electrical cabinet while power is still on.

  7. Locate the variable frequency drive (VFD).

  8. From the PathPilot® interface, in the RPM DRO field, type 1000 and press ENTER on the keyboard.

  9. Click FWD.

  10. On the VFD, examine the VFD readout, as shown in the following example:

Do you see any entries in the VFD readout?