backlash comp or not

[woffler]

hi everyone this is about the backlash in mach three to set up or not .i have measured the backlash in my machine it is .008 on the z and just about as close on the x and y .should i even mess with it or should i set it up. question is if i need to how do i? i see the place to enter the values but what is the percent of speed deal and how to arrive at a value to enter there.

[monte55]

I also would like the answer...........I'm in the same boat.........

[ger21]

If you need it to cut you're parts correctly, then set it up. If not, then don't. You're the only one who can decide if you need to use it or not.

I think you'll need to use the trial and error method to setup the speed setting.

[Stepper Monkey]

Backlash comp doesn't fix everything, and it has some very serious performance penalties and potential problems. It can be useful on rare occasion, but it is not a fix for a sloppy machine.
I hate to say it, but .008" is well out of range for anything even remotely CNC capable. Try getting the mechanical issues sorted to at least well, well under .005" and more likely .002" before you try anything else. Unfortunately, .008" is indicative of something really drastically not set up right. ANY machine should be able to be properly tuned into a far closer range than that unless it is very damaged or worn out. Even then the fixes usually aren't hard or expensive to bring the machine back to at least closer to right.
You will find that no matter what, you just won't have decent luck doing anything else until thats fixed, so it would be my suggestion to start there first.