Thread: CNC Bed leveling

Hi Jason,
I am glad you don't remember what I said because I don't either.

I do prefer the adjustable fixing as it means you can re-adjust at any time. Planning the top surface is Ok so long as you can reach the outside edges of your table with the cutter. You may be able to do this now you have cut down the width of the table.
If you can't then use the grub screw and hold down method.
Don't forget to seal both sides of the MDF to reduce moisture uptake.

The cross clamping has proven to work really well but unfortunately I have not retro fitted it to my machine yet. I am planning a new build and this one will be the biggest machine I have built and will be vertical. Less footprint in the shed and the dust/swarf will hopefully fall with gravity to a collection tray at the end of the table. The machine will pivot on the middle of the X axis and be able to sit horizontal for mounting jobs. So looks like I am off on a tangent again experiementing with a new design again.

Thanks Rod,

I have just worked out that I can add the grub screws afterwards so I will definitely do that when I get some new ones...I agreed it is better to be able to adjust over time.

Your new design idea sounds terrific. I can't wait to see the build. You will have to start putting serial numbers on them so you can keep track of how many you have made.

Hi Rod,

When I checked the bed with a dial gauge after locking it down with screws I was pleased to find that it was only about 0.2 - 0.3 out across the entire cutting area - some high some low (musta fluked that one).

I ended up making a few jigs for the un-flat bed and then milled flat the bed of each jig.

Because the jig is positioned by dowels I can ensure that it will be flat for that specific area I work on. This method also allows me to do specialised clamping for each jig. When the blanks are seated in the jigs they barely need any clamping as the jigs pinch them tight. Here is a photo of one of the jigs with its based flat milled.

Hi Jason,
I can't read 0.2mm on a rule so you certainly have made an accurate build.

I like the jig and assume you have cut it out with the machine. It would be easy to make some screw in clamps to hold the guitar body in the jig but if you want to do edge shaping it might be a bit of a problem.

I see what you have done to create a perfectly level surface.and there is no reason it won't work. Looks like the machine has been shifted into the workshop now. Keep looking for posts from Greg and Sean on these new VFD spindles from China. Four of us have them now and I can vouch that they are very quiet and worth the investment. Probably worth waiting a little while while we iron out how to install and use them. Perhaps with one of these you can move the machine back into a more comfortable part of the house.