Hi, I've just finished building my Ox, did a few test cuts, and I'd like to make sure the x and y axes are perpendicular. I know how to *measure* how square it is... it's the *making* it square that I'm concerned with. I've seen this thread https://openbuilds.com/threads/squaring-the-gantry.7919/ and other posts, which say to make sure the beams are cut square, and screwing the plates on evenly. I think the ideal solution is to have independent y-axis motors and limit switches, so you can basically square the machine every time you do a homing operation, like this: Leveling, Squaring, and Tramming Your CNC Machine | CNCRouterParts However, I'm using GRBL, so my y-axis motors are tied together. What I'm thinking, is to add a manual switch to one of my y-axis drivers (the STEP input), so I can disable that motor and only drive one of the y-axis motors. Then, I can jog that motor slightly, while the other motor is stationary, to make it square. This basically the mimics the above cncrouterparts homing operation, but manually controlled. Has anyone else tried this? Is there any reason why it wouldn't work? Thanks!
just build it square.. then once in a while i like to drive it real close to the end stops to check it.. don't overthink it
^^^ This ^^^ I built my Sphinx and as part of my 'start up' i jog down to near 0,0 and use my digital calipers for a quick check that both axis are the same (Or near as dammit - last time i was 0.02mm out) If they are not i'll de power the stepper drivers and manually spin the lead screw slightly to square them up. As for machine sqaureness i built it square then used aluminium angle and drop in tee nuts to secure it to the bench - its not going anywhere!
Its a 2x4 Basics workbench kit. You buy the kit (Legs) and use your own 2x4 of the size you need. I got mine on Ebay and paid around £50 for the leg kit so not the cheapest method, but quick to build and once built its rock solid. I've put mine on lockable wheels so i can move the machine out for servicing and cleaning etc.
Thanks, that sounds like a great idea! It'll achieve the same thing as my idea, with much less complication. And nice bench!
Tips: When building a machine, square it as best as you can using a square shown at Empire Magnum Fat Boy 7 in. Aluminum Rafter Square-2990 - The Home Depot First time after building the machine, home the machine and use a metric ruler to measure the distance between the gantry plate and end of C-Beam on both sides. If the distances are not same, turn off power and adjust the Y-axis on the side that doesn't have homing/limit switch until the distances are same. Use a "L" square against the gantry plate and a Sharpie marker to draw a line on the C-Beam. Every time you home the machine, use the "L" square and make sure that the square is on the line. If not, turn off power and adjust the Y-axis.
how to square it up... On my OX I have put 4 bolts through the baseboard with Tnuts in the front and back vslot rails so I can square up and then hold it there. I figure if the frame is square then I can just push the gantry against it and power on.
