Nice job. I have used this method since I got my 4x8 CNC a couple of years ago. After I check my X, Y and Z, I also check the diagonal using the 3,4,5 method. I found my gantry was out. I think this is very important if you want to get square cuts.
Your calibration hinges on how acurate the tape measure is , try this with 3 or 4 different tape measures you may be suprised ! Dial gauge over 1 inch VS tape measure over 90 inch
To set the steps per unit on our stacker cranes (a 18m tall crane that runs between 2 racks and stores/picks boxes into/from these racks automatically), we do exactly the same. We don't move it forward 1 meter and measure to calibrate it, we take the full 78 meter long aisle to calibrate the encoder pulses. We start from the zero-point on the rail and take a note about the current encoder pulses. Then we move it 78m further and check how far off we are from the 78m mark on the rail. We also note those encoder pulses, then move it by hand until it's exactly on the 78m line. Then recalculate the encoder pulses. I still gotta do this calibration of my cnc as I have a deviation of 2-3mm over the course of the total 80cm my machine can move. But for some simple signs, it wasn't really required to have those accurate to the millimeter.
Hello TLAR, Thanks for responding to my question this quick. I really appreciate you. I guess I was getting confused with the pulse Equivalent and how to get it if you happened to get a CNC from China and nothing worked when received. I spent about 2 yrs. troubleshooting this machine. I have also flown a tech to help me to fix this machine. To be honest, I have learned more and I believe I have done more than what the tech did.
I have this same issue. When I use a 1" dial indicator I can dial in the Steps Per Inch perfectly in using the calibrator in Mach 3 but by the time its at the other end of 8' bed its way off like an inch or so. If I use the tape I get good results but the dial indicator is usually off around .005" I have tried multiple indicators even bought brand new one and they are all off the same so I know its not the indicator. So the tape works better for me too but I have had tapes that are off as well. So you have to make sure you have a good tape.
Sorry for being nosy, but I have to ask: What do you do for a living? Does it involve that great big CNC router in your video? I think that I am a bit envious :-). My CNC has a 6" x 6" x 6" volume. I use it for engraving PCB and machining small aluminum parts. Sorry if my questions are too personal, please ignore me if that is the case. B.T.W.: Excellent video. I'm a subscriber now!
great vid was wondering if I could get some info I am at my wit's end trying to work out what is the best micro step for my NEMA 34 I have built a machine that I would like to do plasma/router as I have made the complete thing myself It is controlled by a 5 axis stand-alone controller. I have control of all the axis but the setting up of the steppers has me stumped
Hello Tlar, I have the same machine running on Tollpath. I saw a different software you are using so the video doesn't respond to my question: I got error code 803 that I cannot find in manual. Trying to fix the issue I change home position and didn't kept the original settings.
Hi I have done this exactly on my 4008 and always have, but still get circles that arnt 100% perfect, if u cut 2csircles and revolve them onto of each other there slightly out by maybe .25 of a mm,
