Challenge Champion Cutter Help

[WhatsInaname]

Challenge Champion 305XD Serial 98X270
We have a backgage failure (doesn't move). Reasons explained: mechanical bind, encoder failure, main pcboard, blown fuse. Anyone familiar? Can anyone out there do service calls? Located just outside Orlando, FL.

 

[narseman]

I'm no expert! But... Were you having issues with it before it stopped? Does it make ANY noise, like it's trying.. Does the system start up, and cut? Does it have an aftermarket "Microcut" installed? Have you been maintaining it... Grease - oil - etc. First thing to do is open the right hand door in the front, and look closely at any fuses on the main board. Use a continuity tester with main power off, to test fuses. Any other obvious board component failures, like exploded resistors, scorch marks etc. Take the cover off the backgauge drive, is the drive belt in place? Can you turn it by hand? Is the wire to the motor intact or scorched? A few simple steps to look at. May not help, but then it may narrow down the problem. Good luck.

 

[WhatsInaname]

No issues before. Gate clicks trying to move. Will try the fuses. Thanks for the info.

 

[narseman]

No issues before. Gate clicks trying to move. Will try the fuses. Thanks for the info.

Don't bother with fuses if it's trying to move, it's getting power. When did you last lube the main screw drive rod? Does it look dry? Grease is ok but a 30 weight oil is probably better. I would try to manually move the backgauge by turning the belt drive in the back. See if there's some resistance.

 

[SoggyWinter]

Alaska Printers Supply and Great Western Ink do remote support for Challenge Guillotines if you get stuck. Both companies' staff are good people.

 

[MailGuru]

@WhatsInaname - I'm retired now and have been out of the local print network for a couple of years, but we used to use Graphics IV to fix our cutter (as well as swap out for sharpened blades). Don't know if they are still around, or, still providing those services.

 

[CaptCab]

Reach out to Neal Nagle 516.807.5353. He relocated to Florida recently and a long time cutter guy

 

[Pennypicher]

As others have said lube the backgage rails. Look in the table slot and oil the screw and along the left side smooth area. Go around to the left side and lube the other smooth side rail. then get that backagae to run back n forth over the lubed area. So many people forget to oil up these areas till there is a issue. Then we can look at electrical or check the motor and screw shaft pullies for being tight. Just had one not tight the other day. Guy swears it was a bad motor!!