Make Router Perpendicular to work table?

[farmertom]

Hello all,
Do anyone have any suggestions on how measure if your router is perpendicular in all directions to the work table? I have used a 1.5" flat bottom router bit in the collet and used a feeler gauage to measure any distance between the bit and the table before i would plane the surface. I still get about a 0.010" wave in the table surface. Does anyone have a good idea on how to do this? thanks
farmertom

[Mike Sandor]

That is what they call "tramming the head". You need to attach a indicator to the spindle, with the indicator extending out say 6 inches. Lower the spindle/indicator to the table. Rotate the spindle, watching for indicator movement. Adjust the spindle mount acordingly. Easy to do for example on a bridgeport mill, but a gantry set up, you have to adjust using what ever mounts you have to get it right. Once done, it should be good, but I get in the habit of checking often, especially before doing very precise work.
Mike

[farmertom]

Mike,
Thanks for the reply. I have seen ads for the thing with two dial indicators and never knew what they were for. Learn something new everyday! That is what i was trying to do with the feeler gauge but i guess 1.5" isn't wide enough. thanks again.

[louieatienza]

I would check and make sure your carriage moves perpendicularlly in both directions first, then you can tram the spindle. Because it's entirely possible that your carriage could be out, but the spindle is perpendicular to the table surface....

[PaulRowntree]

If you do not have an indicator handy you could make a dogleg of 1/4" material, bent to go into the mount for the tool in the spindle, then bends out near 90 degrees for about 6", then back down towards the table. Mount it into the spindle, then rotate the spindle to have the dogleg directed forward, to the sides, and to the back. Measure the distance from the free end to the table in all 4 positions using the feeler gauges and your done. Or at least ready to start fixing!

[Mike Sandor]

Louie,
you are correct, as I am new to this gantry stuff. I am in process of building one as we speak however. By the way, are you the same "Louie" I read in the MIMF instrument forum?
Mike

[louieatienza]

Originally Posted by Mike Sandor Louie, you are correct, as I am new to this gantry stuff. I am in process of building one as we speak however. By the way, are you the same "Louie" I read in the MIMF instrument forum? Mike

Yes Mike! Haven't been there in a while, as I had to put aside the guitarbuilding for a while. Your builds are amazing, and with your machining skills I'm sure your machine will be well made as well. Hope to see your machine progress soon...

[PaulRowntree]

LaowTherKamia : I think you tried to link in photos, but they did not load correctly ...
Cheers!