Squaring z-axis on Buddy

[pyrodenis]

I have a BT48, and can't find instructions on HOW to adjust the Z-axis. Is it possible that I should be monkeying with the rollers?

[ken_rychlik]

for left and right adjustment loosen the router mount and there is play in the holes to twist it.

The other way would be more serious.

Kenneth

[pyrodenis]

thnx. So, there's no designed adjustment? And, if I need Z squaring against the X-axis, I would use shim stock?

[Gary Campbell]

Denis...
There is room for adjustment in the bolts holding the Gantry extrusion to the side plate. I have used this method in the past and it works well.
Gary

[pyrodenis]

thnx. (btw, this is a 12" Z)
There is an angle bracket supporting the gant. I'll need to shim that?

[Gary Campbell]

Denis...
There is more info here in my column about "Tuning the PRS Gantry" Look in the section under "Plumb Spindle"

http://blog.shopbottools.com/index.php/2008/12/tuning-up-the-prs-gantry/
Gary

[pyrodenis]

thnx Gary.
As it turns out, all of the rollers on the control end of Y were at least .05" low. Also, the plate attached to the spindle was not installed square either.
I think one or more people didn't quite finish their jobs, before the unit was shipped. Whoever they are, they owe me a couple of hours.
I appreciate the time you and Kenneth took.
Cheers, Denis

[kevin_morin]

Gary,

is the information you mention at the link shown- available elsewhere? The link in the older post returns no page.

Thanks for any directions to your previous articles about squaring the Z axis on a Buddie.

Cheers,
Kevin Morin

[Gary Campbell]

Kevin...
Sorry.... they have moved the pages around. All the Web Columns are here: http://www.shopbottools.com/mPeople/webcolumns.htm

My Page is here: http://www.shopbotblog.com/index.php/category/garys-musings/

That particular column is here: http://www.shopbotblog.com/index.php/2008/12/tuning-up-the-prs-gantry/

[Brady Watson]

thnx Gary.
As it turns out, all of the rollers on the control end of Y were at least .05" low. Also, the plate attached to the spindle was not installed square either.
I think one or more people didn't quite finish their jobs, before the unit was shipped. Whoever they are, they owe me a couple of hours.
I appreciate the time you and Kenneth took.
Cheers, Denis

This is one area that all PRS owners should check and adjust accordingly. If I am not mistaken, the YZ car is not cranked down all the way to the gantry beam to eliminate damage while shipping.

It could be argued that tightening them down all the way might also avoid damage, but personally, I think leaving it loose is a good idea - If for nothing else, it reinforces the idea that the operator should do routine wiggling, shaking and inspection of all moving parts - and adjust as needed. These machines are for the most part, maintenance free. Keep it clean, greased & the YZ car tight and that's about it.

-B

[whitefishwoodworker]

When I got my Buddy 48, there were distinct ridges in the spoilboard after surfacing. The owners manual says to square the Z axis but does not give instructions. After a call to Shopbot, I was told that it should be correct from the factory and there is no adjustment. I ended cutting off the appropriate thickness from a feeler guage set and putting it behind the router mounting plate. It is dead on flat now. Funny how a 10 cent piece of metal fixed a $10k machine. Also forget the surfacing program in the control software. Make your own in Vcarve running in one direction only. If that Buddy table is not perfectly flat, weird things happen in the corners when the bit changes direction.