Should the table be precisely level?

[pitbuilder]

Hello there!

This is my 1st post and my 1st question (I should have written an intro post first but I just came from the workshop frustrated)..

I am building cnc router table.. the problem I am facing is that the table legs aren't cut precisely equal.. they are cut from steel..

My question is: does the table and the x-rail must be precisely level with ground? or is it acceptable that there is few degrees inclination that is corrected by software calibration?

TIA
pitbuilder

[ger21]

It doesn't need to be aligned with the ground, but it needs to be flat.

[CarveOne]

The table surface must be flat and parallel to the gantry. We surface plane the table top with the cnc machine to achieve this. Just get as close as you can while building the machine and surface plane it afterwards.

As far as the table top to the ground (floor) is concerned, it only needs to be level enough that your tools don't side off.

There are cnc machines with vertical or angled table tops to save floor space.

CarveOne

[ger21]

The table surface must be flat and parallel to the gantry. We surface plane the table top with the cnc machine to achieve this. Just get as close as you can while building the machine and surface plane it afterwards.

The most important thing is that the rails that the gantry ride on are flat and parallel. If there not, machining the top flat will only result in a twisted top.

[Cruiser]

Altho having your table top bubble level isn't necessary, it is helpfully when you are using a bubble level to match the rest of the machine to a level condition, for parallel. It would be very easy to weld a big fine thread nut to your legs so leveling would be easy to do. It would also be beneficial for taking care of any floor irregularities.

[CarveOne]

Originally Posted by ger21 The most important thing is that the rails that the gantry ride on are flat and parallel. If there not, machining the top flat will only result in a twisted top.

Very true.

CarveOne

[leaveme]

What Gcode you run to level the surface or you're creating the toolpath from 3D cam for your table?

[pitbuilder]

Gery, CarveOne and Don .. Thank you very much for your quick help..

[CarveOne]

Originally Posted by leaveme What Gcode you run to level the surface or you're creating the toolpath from 3D cam for your table?

I haven't done it on mine yet due to it being a build that's still evolving. Not knowing what others are doing, I would just draw a rectangle in CAD that is sized to fit the table area that the router bit can safely reach and then generate "pocket" gcode for it. The Z height can be anything you want initially. It can be edited with MS Notepad to change it later to whatever is appropriate.

There are a lot of opinions about which bit to use.

CarveOne