4. Drag Chains and Cables

238 September 22, 2026

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Drag Chains and Cables

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Drag Chains and Cables

Sort through your drag chains. You may have two (2) drag chain segments for the same axis, which means they need to be attached together to form one continuous drag chain. In total, you should have two continuous drag chains, one for X-axis and one for Y-axis.

💡 If you forget which drag chains are for what axis, look at the number stamped on the drag chain.
Take off the drag chain end links using a flat head screwdriver. There should be four (4) total, two (2) with studs and two (2) with holes at the tabs.
For the X-axis drag chain, if you have the 30×30, remove 7 links using a flathead screwdriver.
Assemble the drag chain ends with fasteners onto the machine, matching the orientation shown in the images. The fasteners should be hand tight, do not overtighten or the end links could break.

Left side of X-axis:
- Two (2) end links with holes
- Three (3) M5-8mm screws and three (3) M5 T-nuts
- T-nuts should be inserted with the smaller face inside the T-slot
Left Y-axis, front of machine:
- One (1) end link with studs
- Two (2) M5-8mm screws, and two (2) M5 washers under the screw head
Z motor mount, back of Z-axis:
- One (1) end link with studs
- Two (2) M5-8mm screws, and two (2) M5 washers under the screw head
Open all the clips on both drag chains, using a flathead screwdriver.
Grab the motor cables, and notice the labelling – there should be one motor cable for each axis.
Secure the connections for the limit switch, motor power, and motor signal connectors. Repeat for all four (4) motors.
Check that all motor DIP switches are in the correct positions: 1-OFF 2-OFF 3-ON 4-ON 5-ON
Place the X-axis drag chain onto the X rail.
Route the router cables (power and signal for AutoSpin), and the Z motor cable. Attach the drag chain at the Z motor mount, to help stop the drag chain from moving around.
As you run the cables through, close the clips. Then secure the other end of the drag chain at the X-axis.
We will now move onto the Y-axis drag chain.
Route the cables from the X drag chain, and the X motor cable. Attach the drag chain at the X-axis, then continue running the cables. As you do this, close the clips. Then secure the other end of the drag chain at the front left of the machine.
Grab the Y1 and Y2 motor cables. Make note:
- Y2 cable -> Right motor
- Y1 cable -> Left motor
Route the Y1 and Y2 cables through the left Y-axis extrusion, making sure that the green connectors can reach the correct motor. Use needle nose pliers to grab the black connectors from the front.
Grab a motor cover and orient it so the small opening is facing either up or down. Identify the two (2) holes on the motor cover and compare it to the screw location on each motor – these holes will be used to mount the motor cover onto the motor.
On the motors, remove the two (2) screws using an Allen key.

Then place the motor covers on all four (4) motors. Route the wires through the opening, to prevent damage. Then secure motors covers with two (2) M3-40mm screws.
Place the SLB-LITE onto the table, at the front-left corner. You may need to push the machine closer to the right side to do this.
Connect the motor cable connectors for each axis as indicated on the SLB-EXT.
Plug the USB cable into the SLB-LITE, at the USB port.
Plug the power supply into the SLB-LITE, at the POWER port. Then plug the power supply into wall power (120V). We recommend putting your router into a separate circuit from the controller and computer.
On the AutoSpin, untwist the cable with the green connector.
Grab the adapter cable with the ethernet connector, and twist it onto the AutoSpin Plug the ethernet connector end into the SLB-LITE, at the SPINDLE port. Then connect the power plug end into wall power, and plug the USB cable into your computer.