Easy Way To Tram Your CNC Router for Perfect Flatness

[@bubba6945]

the tramning bar was one of the first projects i made on my cnc router.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

bubba6945, That's awesome to hear! The tramming bar is such a useful project for getting your CNC set up just right. It's a great starting point to help you learn and understand your machine better. Enjoy your CNC journey!

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

Having seen your first tramming video eons ago. I'm glad to see an update,.especially with the Altmill. Yet another reason for me to be 100% convinced it is an Altmill I'll be adding to my shop next year, next to my MK1 that is still going strong!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

LYTOMIZE_Woodshop, I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the updates! The Altmill really is a fantastic addition for any shop. It's great to know your MK1 is still serving you well! I was wondering if you could do me a favor, if you can use my link when you buy your altmill. It gives me a little pocket change. Thanks! Here's the link, if you decide to use it: sienci.com/product/altmill/?ref=idcwoodcraft

[@PalmersPicks-mz7tk]

Thank you for another great video that noobs (like me) wouldn't know. BTW, thanks for the free checklist - CNC Project Checklist - from your website. I am sure this will save me more than once when I get started.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

PalmersPicks-mz7tk, I’m glad you enjoyed the video! The checklist is a great tool to have, and I hope it helps you on your CNC journey!

[@CBrantleylmft]

This was helpful for me!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

CBrantleylmft, I'm glad to hear that! Happy woodworking!

[@Yazzidawg]

Your long tramming arm introduces a significant accuracy factor over the short tramming arm offered by PWNCNC. Is the short tramming arm best for small CNC machines? I bought that one thinking the image of a stubby arm was just a photographic or perspective error, but that's a no. It really is only 4.75" from end to end. The actual measuring length is shorter... from the center of one pin to the other. The tram rod you use in the video will be an excellent tool for setup and maintenance with the 4' x 4' AltMill. I hope to see it in your store soon.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Yazzidawg, You're right that the longer tramming arm can provide increased accuracy, especially for larger machines. The short tramming arm might be more suited for compact setups where space is limited, but it might require a bit more attention to detail. It sounds like you've got a good plan with the tram rod for your AltMill! I hope it serves you well in your projects!

Yep, I thought he was advertising the tram bar he was using, but the link shows some rinky dink little thing.

[@peterlawrence4562]

I made my own cnc and i made my own cam nut out of recyced plastic i also made it really easy to tram the Y axis . They both work really well

[@IDCWoodcraft]

peterlawrence4562, That sounds fantastic! Creating your own CNC machine and innovating parts like a cam nut from recycled plastic is quite an achievement. It's impressive that you’ve designed a solution for easily tramming the Y-axis as well-precision is crucial for effective CNC operation. Happy CNCing brother!

[@peterlawrence4562]

@@IDCWoodcraft would like to see so.e pic of my cnc and cam nut and y ajustment

[@daviddannersr]

I went to see the tram rod you have for sale but wasn't listed under accessories. I searched around and used your search, with no success. When will you have it listed?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

daviddannersr, I appreciate your interest in the tram rod! Its not available quite just yet brother but it should be very soon!

[@bubba6945]

nice. i bought a cheap dial indicator from harbor freight though. no guessing that way.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

bubba6945, That's a great choice! A dial indicator can really help improve precision in your setups. Enjoy your woodworking projects!

[@pierregauthier3077]

I use a piece of glass on the spoil board and a dial indicator in the spindle.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

pierregauthier3077, That's a great technique! Using glass gives you a super flat surface for your workpieces, and the dial indicator helps ensure precision. It sounds like you’re achieving some really accurate setups with your CNC!

[@pierregauthier3077]

@IDCWoodcraft I find the glass averages out the surface flatness of the spoil board. However, the flex in the machine frame still gives the appearance of being out of tram. I've been a machinist for 16 years, and this drives my OCD a little crazy 🤪 🤣

[@BlaineZainhofsky]

Great content Garrett! I do have to ask though. I am very new to CNC and I do have longmil 4830. It seams to me that if you adjusted the nod first on the end of the gantry and then adjusted the yaw you would not be throwing off your yaw when you raise or lower one end of the gantry. Not?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

BlaineZainhofsky, Thank you for your kind words! You're right that adjusting the nod first and then the yaw can help maintain alignment, as each adjustment affects the other. It's all about finding that sweet balance to get everything square and true. The process can be a bit nuanced, but you seem to have a good grasp on it! Keep experimenting, and you'll find what works best for your setup.

[@carrgrienier7726]

Wouldn’t you surface the spoil board first then do the tram?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

carrgrienier7726, That's a great point! Surfacing the spoil board first can definitely help ensure that the machine is level and true across the entire workspace, which may make tram adjustments a bit easier and more accurate. It’s always a good practice to start with a clean and flat surface for the best results! Thanks for sharing your insight!

[@johnterdik4707]

Are the tramming bushings included with the Altmill? I should get mine in Nov. Great video!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

johnterdik4707, Glad you liked the video! Yes, the tramming bushings are included with the Altmill, so you should be all set when it arrives. Enjoy your new machine!

[@MrUcquality]

So your tramming to a unsurfaced spoil board.. what if the board is off?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

MrUcquality, Great question! Tramming to an unsurfaced spoil board can lead to inaccuracies if the board isn’t flat. It's important to first ensure that your spoil board is as flat as possible before tramming your machine. You might want to consider surfacing it to eliminate any potential discrepancies for better results.

[@harryshaw4998]

I keep getting an error code.error while processing response < An unexpected command was completed by the controller > could you help a novice and let me know why I got this and how to correct it. Thanks

[@IDCWoodcraft]

harryshaw4998, It sounds like your CNC controller is running into communication issues or unexpected commands in your G-code. This could be caused by various factors, such as incompatible commands or a firmware issue. Make sure your G-code is compatible with your specific controller and check for any typos or errors in the code. Also, updating the firmware of your controller could help resolve the issue. Hope you sort it out soon brother!

[@harryshaw4998]

@@IDCWoodcraft I check for an updated UGS

[@Festivejelly]

yikes... so much wrong here in this video. Very bad advice. The gantry should be aligned square to the bed using an engineers square and a dial indicator. You essentially run the dial indicator up from the bottom of the square to the top. If it shows out of alignment, adjust the eccentric nuts on the gantry until it reads even. Then once squared you want to tram the spindle mount using shims for forwards and backwards and an eccentric nut for side to side. Before tramming the spindle though use a piece of glass and amount a dial indicator on the spindle, Then move it to each corner of the glass and raise and lower the corners of the glass using shims until its all level. Once its level do the tramming procedure.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Festivejelly, I appreciate your input and detailed feedback! It’s great to see such expertise shared in the community. There are definitely various methods for achieving accuracy, and your approach sounds very thorough. Every CNC setup can have its own nuances, so it's important for woodworkers to find what works best for them. Thank you for contributing!

[@vigneshwarandg]

Hi sir, this is vignesh i am totally new to this field i have so much doubt and can u give me mapping of how to begin the career in cnc

[@IDCWoodcraft]

playerv99, Hey Vignesh! It's great to see your interest in CNC woodworking. A good starting point is to familiarize yourself with the basics of CNC machines and software. Consider taking some introductory courses online or at a local workshop, and practice on different projects to build your skills. Engaging with the woodworking community can also provide valuable insights as you grow in your career. Enjoy your journey!

[@IceCreams62]

Here ".....watch?v=wP0vGhGectg" a right way to tram the spindle and after that it is possible to surface the spoilboard.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

IceCreams62, Absolutely! Tramming the spindle is crucial for accuracy, and surfacing the spoilboard ensures a level working surface. It really sets you up for success in your CNC projects!