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