Hey CNC Woodworkers! This video is how to tram a CNC machine, in particular how to tram the Avid CNC router machine. This is the most accurate and cheapest way to do it, and involves about a $50 dial indicator along with a piece of glass (cheap $10) or granite surface plate (more expensive, ~$100). So for around $50$60 you get get a lot more precision in your cuts! If you are looking for how to tram your CNC router, then look no further! This is also known as aligning the Zaxis on a CNC.

I don't have fluff in the video; I cover what you need, why we do it, and how to do it. I use basic machinist techniques to tram the router for accurate cuts. I'm using an Avid CNC, but this is applicable to any CNC machine. It works if you are using a spindle or if you are using a router. I am trying to accurately align the spindle and do it with some of the most basic machining tools that I already had: a dial indicator and a granite surface plate. This is one of the most inexpensive ways to do it, but also the most accurate!

In the video I keep calling it a "dial test indicator", but this is just a regular "dial indicator". A dial test indicator is a slightly different tool, which could also be used in a similar way. I use a small granite plate, which is very flat. Alternatively you can use a piece of glass, such as some replacement picture frame glass from Home Depot or Lowes. Glass is fairly flat and smooth for dragging the dial indicator along the surface. I also tested a piece of melamine, but it was not accurate enough.

Tools used:

* Dial Indicators (Amazon): https://amzn.to/3Aoa7Gq
* Granite Surface Plate (Amazon): https://amzn.to/3mWZLdG
* Thickness Feeler Gauge: https://amzn.to/3LnY9mI

** I also recommend searching on MSC (formerly ENCO) for these products: https://www.mscdirect.com/ ***

Be sure to get a dial indicator with a magnetic base, or purchase a magnetic base separately.

Materials:
* Shims for the spindle: https://amzn.to/40wkuCP
* Or use aluminum foil, or aluminum foil tape (available at Home Depot or Lowes in the HVAC section)
* Paper / Blue tape shims for the granite surface plate.

Also read Avid CNC's directions to check the tramming results: https://www.avidcnc.com/support/instr...

* Optional: Edge Tech Pro Tram System: https://www.edgetechnologyproducts.co...

The Edge Tech system is essentially two dial indicators so you don't have to sweep them back and forth. This makes it even easier to tram in the head of a machine. However, I have a hard time paying for a singleuse tool that is only useful for tramming, when I can use the more versatile and cheaper dial indicator.

CNC Build Playlist:    • Avid CNC Build  

Ep 1: What CNC To Buy    • CNC Build Ep 1: What is the Best CNC ...  
Ep 2: Welded CNC Table    • CNC Build Ep 2: How to Weld a CNC Bas...  
Ep 3: Making an Avid CNC Precise:    • CNC Build Ep 3: How to Make an Avid C...  
Ep 4: How to Tram a CNC:    • CNC Build Ep 4: How to Tram a CNC  C...  
Ep 5: Automatic Tool Changer:    • CNC Build Ep 5: How to Setup an Autom...  
Ep 6: ATC Tool Rack Build    • CNC Build Ep 6: Automatic Tool Change...  
Ep 7: ATC Setup in Mach 4    • CNC Build Ep 7: Custom Mach 4 ATC Too...  
Ep 8: ATC Tool Heights    • CNC Build Ep 8: How to Set Tool Heigh...  
Ep 9: ATC Post Processor Setup    • CNC Build Ep 9: ATC Post Processor Mo...  
Ep 10: 3D Printed Dust Boot    • CNC Build Ep 10: Print Your Own CNC D...  
Ep 11: Improving the Avid CNC Table    • CNC Build Ep 11: Improving the Welded...  
Ep 12: CNC Spoilboard    • CNC Build Ep 12: Make the ULTIMATE CN...  

Thanks everyone!
Corbin Dunn
https://www.corbinsworkshop.com // CNC Files (many free) and products
https://www.corbinstreehouse.com // Blog

Chapters / Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:08 Tools needed
1:34 Step 1 Level Surface
2:47 Step 2a Prepare for Tramming
4:07 Step 2b Tram the Y
4:58 Step 2c Tram the X
5:16 Bonus Squareness
5:54 Conclusion

Disclaimer: Some links are Amazon affiliate links....feel free to use them or not use them. I've had my dial indicator for a long time and got it from Enco/MSC. I do own the feeler gauge I linked to; it works fine...they are hard to make wrong.

The concepts I talk about work with Avid CNC, Phantom CNC, Laguna, Shop Sabre, Camaster Stinger, ShopBot, Xcarve, etc. Tram your CNC fast and easy! Tramming your router will improve the quality of the cuts; eliminate lines left when doing horizontal or lengthwise passes on the machine, in particular when using a large cutter.

#cncwoodworking #cnc #avidcnc