I put together a DIY 3 axis cnc machine and am having trouble getting the lead screws aligned with the motors. I drilled 1/2" rolled steel 3/4"long and tapped the motor end of it for the set screw. I tack welded the lead screw (1/4" all thread) to the coupler. I cant seem to get those things straight. They are causing me wobble problems on all 3 axis. I also need an easy way to measure my backlash so that the software can compensate. Any ideas? This is my own design and my first run, but its been fun so far. I just need to work on accuracy now. I am using pairs of ball bearing drawer slides that I got from work. They are server rack slides, so they are pretty heavy duty I think. The x and y are using 15" slides and the z uses 8" slides. Also, I am using an air powered rotery cutter. Is this sufficient or do I need to mount my 1.5hp router? My current setup cuts mdf fine, but can a light weight like this cut aluminum? All suggestions are much welcomed.
Thanks all!