This Microstepping Tweak Changed My CNC Upgrade Plan

I’ve been running my DIY CNC router for over 15 years — it’s accurate, reliable, and has more than proven itself. But lately… my CNC Fever has been flaring up. And you know what that means: time for some upgrades.

🔗 Explore more at CNCFever.com

Plans, parts, and shop updates — plus some cool CNC Fever t-shirts, hats, and mugs coming soon!

In this video, I adjust my microstepping settings to smooth out axis motion… and that small configuration tweak revealed a bigger issue than I expected.

👀 What started as a software-based improvement quickly exposed a persistent Z-axis vibration, which I can no longer ignore — especially with a heavier, water-cooled spindle on the way.

This video is Part 1 in a short CNC upgrade series where I tackle performance, usability, and reliability improvements that real DIY CNC users care about — nothing sponsored, nothing done just for show.

🔧 In this episode:

What microstepping actually affects on your CNC

Why I changed from ¼ to ¹⁄₁₆ microstepping

What happened after the change — and what didn’t

The unexpected side effect that changed my upgrade roadmap

👉 Next Up: Fixing Z-axis vibration with a hydraulic dampener.
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⚙️ Related Upgrades Coming Soon:

Water-cooled spindle install

Limit switch replacement

Automated dust collection

Mach3-controlled spindle cooling pump

🧠 CNC Fever is real.
DIY is only a symptom. CNC is the cure.

🛠️ Follow along as I turn a solid DIY CNC machine into something even more capable.