I’d like to do a detail maintenance and cleaning if my 3 year old machine. It looks like some of my wheels should be replaced. Waste of money, or a good practice? They’re still grabbing the rail.
Those do look a little worn down - I would replace them just to make sure it has another 3 trouble free years ahead. When fitting the new ones, make sure to not overtighten the eccentrics - just snug enough to take out free play, should still be able to spin wheel by hand, should just begin to grip. Overtightened eccentrics causes the wear pattern you see on those wheels.
When replacing wheels, must the machine be disassembled and rebuilt with the new wheels? Or can they be replaced “in place”?
I ended up disassembling all of the gantry plates. Replaced the wheels and was able to re-tighten and inspect everything in the process. I figured after 3 years of use, a breakdown and inspection is not a bad idea. Now, it’s like brand new, except my Router11 motor burned up.
I’m assuming lots of use. I’ve had it three years. The last project was (14) 12x14 3D carves with lots of intricate detail. About 9 hours each. I think that put it over the top. The brushes were brand new. I just happened to be in the shop when it burned up in the middle of a significant 3D roughing carve. I was able to pause the toolpath until I can get the router delivered. My challenge will be getting the same router, so I don’t loose up my XYZ, it appears that the Router11 in 110 is no longer available.
That's why I always run my router with a respectable load on it. No "too heavy" cuts that put too much load on the motor - it may take an extra pass or too but I expect my router (from 2018) to go at least another 5 years or more. The more the load on the motor, the more current it sinks, producing excessive heat and ultimate failure.
