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! 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/instr... Optional: Edge Tech Pro Tram System: https://www.edgetechnologyproducts.co... 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. CNC Build Playlist: • Avid CNC Build Ep 1: What CNC To Buy - • CNC Build Ep 1: What is the Best CNC For Y... Ep 2: Welded CNC Table - • CNC Build Ep 2: How to Weld a CNC Base Tab... Ep 3: Making an Avid CNC Precise: • CNC Build Ep 3: How to Make an Avid CNC Ve... Ep 4: How to Tram a CNC: • CNC Build Ep 4: How to Tram a CNC - Cheap ... Ep 5: Automatic Tool Changer: • CNC Build Ep 5: How to Setup an Automatic ... Ep 6: ATC Tool Rack Build - • CNC Build Ep 6: Automatic Tool Changer Rac... Ep 7: ATC Setup in Mach 4 - • CNC Build Ep 7: Custom Mach 4 ATC Tool Sta... Ep 8: ATC Tool Heights - • CNC Build Ep 8: How to Set Tool Heights / ... Ep 9: ATC Post Processor Setup - • CNC Build Ep 9: ATC Post Processor Mods fo... Ep 10: 3D Printed Dust Boot - • CNC Build Ep 10: Print Your Own CNC Dust S... Ep 11: Improving the Avid CNC Table - • CNC Build Ep 11: Improving the Welded Stee... Ep 12: CNC Spoilboard - • CNC Build Ep 12: Make the ULTIMATE CNC Spo... 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
