CNC Build Ep 4: How to Tram a CNC - Cheap and Accurate! About $60 in tools to align the spindle

Hey CNC Woodworkers! This video is how to tram a CNC machine, in particular how to tram the Avid CNC router machine. This is the most accurate and cheapest way to do it, and involves about a $50 dial indicator along with a piece of glass (cheap $10) or granite surface plate (more expensive, ~$100). So for around $50-$60 you get get a lot more precision in your cuts! If you are looking for how to tram your CNC router, then look no further! This is also known as aligning the Z-axis on a CNC.

I don't have fluff in the video; I cover what you need, why we do it, and how to do it. I use basic machinist techniques to tram the router for accurate cuts. I'm using an Avid CNC, but this is applicable to any CNC machine. It works if you are using a spindle or if you are using a router. I am trying to accurately align the spindle and do it with some of the most basic machining tools that I already had: a dial indicator and a granite surface plate. This is one of the most in-expensive ways to do it, but also the most accurate!

CNC Build Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqbMbcTzG1Fcr_NdXjF9GHLV7ZoYsQV7J

In the video I keep calling it a "dial test indicator", but this is just a regular "dial indicator". A dial test indicator is a slightly different tool, which could also be used in a similar way. I use a small granite plate, which is very flat. Alternatively you can use a piece of glass, such as some replacement picture frame glass from Home Depot or Lowes. Glass is fairly flat and smooth for dragging the dial indicator along the surface. I also tested a piece of melamine, but it was not accurate enough.

Tools used:

* Dial Indicators (Amazon): https://amzn.to/3Aoa7Gq
* Granite Surface Plate (Amazon): https://amzn.to/3mWZLdG
* Thickness Feeler Gauge: https://amzn.to/3LnY9mI

*** I also recommend searching on MSC (formerly ENCO) for these products: https://www.mscdirect.com/ ****

Be sure to get a dial indicator with a magnetic base, or purchase a magnetic base separately.

Materials:
* Shims for the spindle: https://amzn.to/40wkuCP
* Or use aluminum foil, or aluminum foil tape (available at Home Depot or Lowes in the HVAC section)
* Paper / Blue tape -- shims for the granite surface plate.

Also read Avid CNC's directions to check the tramming results: https://www.avidcnc.com/support/instructions/machineSetup/levelingSquaringAndTramming/#spindlerouter-tramming

* Optional: Edge Tech Pro Tram System: https://www.edgetechnologyproducts.com/pro-tram-system-01-000-09-000/

The Edge Tech system is essentially two dial indicators so you don't have to sweep them back and forth. This makes it even easier to tram in the head of a machine. However, I have a hard time paying for a single-use tool that is only useful for tramming, when I can use the more versatile and cheaper dial indicator.

Ep 1: Which CNC to Buy? - https://youtu.be/VsXiz4nxAGc
Ep 2: Welded Base - https://youtu.be/0h0Cra8IHaY
Ep 3: Linear Rail Alignment - https://youtu.be/iuii8j_ln1g
Ep 4: You are here!
Ep 5. ATC Spindle Hardware Setup - https://youtu.be/Idkxx6mDVUo
Ep 6: ATC Tool Rack Build - https://youtu.be/ofZPG8ICE_Q
Ep 7: ATC Setup in Mach 4 - https://youtu.be/4q5K2tRYKoE
Ep 8: ATC Tool Heights - https://youtu.be/JNwBuiza2VU
Ep 9: ATC Post Processor Setup - https://youtu.be/Zs_Uf7siOO4

Thanks everyone!
Corbin Dunn
https://www.corbinsworkshop.com // CNC Files (many free) and products
https://www.corbinstreehouse.com // Blog

Chapters / Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:08 Tools needed
1:34 Step 1 - Level Surface
2:47 Step 2a - Prepare for Tramming
4:07 Step 2b - Tram the Y
4:58 Step 2c - Tram the X
5:16 Bonus - Squareness
5:54 Conclusion

Disclaimer: Some links are Amazon affiliate links....feel free to use them or not use them. I've had my dial indicator for a long time and got it from Enco/MSC. I do own the feeler gauge I linked to; it works fine...they are hard to make wrong.

The concepts I talk about work with Avid CNC, Phantom CNC, Laguna, Shop Sabre, Camaster Stinger, ShopBot, X-carve, etc. Tram your CNC fast and easy! Tramming your router will improve the quality of the cuts; eliminate lines left when doing horizontal or lengthwise passes on the machine, in particular when using a large cutter.

#cncwoodworking #cnc #avidcnc

Видео CNC Build Ep 4: How to Tram a CNC - Cheap and Accurate! About $60 in tools to align the spindle канала Corbin Dunn