Tramming the head on a X4+
I was getting poor results while surfacing some stock cutting in along the Y axis, so I checked the alignment. The head is off side-to-side around .008" over a 9" distance, and that's after loosing the screws to try to rotated the head a bit. I'm fairly new to this, but that seems like a lot. The head looks to be pinned in place so it can't be rotated.
Has anyone come up with a way to adjust the head on the X4?
How close is "good enough"?
Widgit, thanks for the idea. If I still need more precision, I will give that a try.
So here's how I got the head trammed a little closer.....
After getting a new adjusting screw (bent the old one), I tried adjusting the Z-gibb again. First I pulled the gibb out to take a look. None of the 4 faces of the gibb were even close to being smooth. I tried to use some fine emery cloth to smooth the faces a bit. They were certainly not perfect, but MUCH smoother than before. Cleaned things up and reinstalled the Z-gibb. I tightened the gibb up until the Z-axis motor just started complaining on a rapid movement, then backed off just a bit. Then tightened the bottom "stop" screw for the Z-gibb.
Ok, time to take some measurements......
- two 1-2-3 blocks, 9 inches apart
- I took 3 measurements, between each measurement I moved all axises of the mill returning back to the same position.
- The 3 measurements were..... .0025, .002 and .002
So, over a 9" (228.6mm) span the average variation was .00216" (.054864mm)
HOW DOES THIS COMPARE TO OTHER MILLS? Should I be content that it's this close or should it be better?
NOTE TO SELF.......... In the future, do not buy mills that can not be adjusted for wear and manufacturing flaws!!!....(chair)