588,656 active members*
6,028 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    9

    Compensating for an unlevel table

    I've noticed on fine detail work, the table on my fixed gantry mill is slightly uneven. For most parts this isn't a problem, but one thing I'd like to use it for is PCB etching, and so the vertical tolerances need to be pretty tight. Since I can fairly easily measure the amount I need to displace the Z position just by jogging and touching around, is there any way in Mach3 to compensate for this? I was going to make a script which automatically transforms the coordinates in the gcode, but I'm hoping for a more general solution.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Posts
    122
    There are some threads on touch probing, but if it were me I'd make a pcb fixture and make it level by surfacing.
    Just remount the fixture in the same spot every time you use it.
    Or I would work at leveling the table.
    01000111011011110111010000100000010011010110100101 1000110110010100111111
    Maxx

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    9
    The fixture is a great idea, I think that will be the easiest way for me to go. This is my first attempt at a home made CNC mill, and since everything is held together with wood and screws at the moment, fine-tuning the table level would probably be difficult to do with any accuracy. Thanks for the quick reply!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Posts
    122
    There is a thread here somewhere that someone made a nice fixture with a recessed area the pcb fits in to. He also had a spot along the edge that you could get at the side of the pcb for removal.
    01000111011011110111010000100000010011010110100101 1000110110010100111111
    Maxx

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    Surface your table flat with the machine.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

Similar Threads

  1. Compensating for Tool Wear
    By nfrees114 in forum BobCad-Cam
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 02-26-2010, 12:59 AM
  2. Compensating for non-perpendicular axis
    By lsteele in forum DIY CNC Router Table Machines
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 09-07-2008, 09:29 PM
  3. XY table design basics, linear ways to table size ratio?
    By Konstantin in forum Mechanical Calculations/Engineering Design
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 03-13-2007, 06:21 PM
  4. Compensating for ball screw lead error?
    By Noah in forum Uncategorised MetalWorking Machines
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 08-13-2004, 02:51 AM
  5. Compensating after stopping a move
    By wjbzone in forum CNC (Mill / Lathe) Control Software (NC)
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-18-2003, 04:45 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •