Alignment: where to begin?

[pixpop]

OK, my small router (been in progress for maybe 2 years) is coming along. I'm getting near to the point where I'll need to be aligning things so it's all square. I have a Y axis that's fixed to a wooden base. The Z axis rides on the Y. The X is completely separate, but mounts on the same base as the Y.

Currently, nothing is square with anything else. I'm beginning with the Y & Z axes, and then want to install the X. (But first I need to use the combined Y & Z to make some final parts for the X).

Can anyone suggest some hints about the general procedure? What tools do I need? How do I know when it's properly square?

Note: My machine is designed to be modular, so I can swap out the X axis, and install a rotary instead. Or I can mount the spindle on the X axis. Or I can remove the spindle and put a laser there instead. Of course, any time I do this, I'll be realigning. Maybe that will get old really quick. Maybe not.

Overall, it's about the size of the Widgitmaster mini router, made of Aluminum channel and LM guides.

I have a small surface plate, an engineer's square, a nice digital caliper, a dial indicator and a couple of 1-2-3 blocks.

Anyway.. any pointers to get me started with alignment of the axes with each other?

Thanks,

Neil

[andy_ck87028]

Hi

This may not be the correct answer but this is what I have concluded.

Alignment is entirely about reference planes.

A reference plane is a flat surface that is oriented parallel to either the x,y or z axis.

The first reference plane might well be the floor or it might be the working surface or it might be a slice across the working surface.

One you have a starting reference plane, you align one side of the X axis to your reference plane ...in all planes. You then align the other side(x') to the first side (x) .... in all planes.

You then have a reference plane which is at right angles to the primary x axis (x) and mark it Y. You create Y' like you created X'.

You repeat the process and create Z and Z'.

Simple process ..... very difficult and exacting as the quality of the finished axis is dependent upon the quality of each step.

Cross referencing as you go along will prove / disprove the accuracy of the work to date.

Modular design would have to include repeatability of positioning so that alignment is not lost.

Have fun!

(I haven't done mine yet ....just believe I know what I will have to do....gulp!)

Andy

[Geof]

[QUOTE=pixpop;313795].....How do I know when it's properly square?.../QUOTE]

You do not mention how big your machine is. You may be able to square it up just by using a good square.

If your machine is large you can check for square with a good tape measure and get it accurate to within about 1/64" over several feet which is fine for woodworking.

If you take three points A, B, C where the distance between A and B is 4 units, A and C is 3 units and B and C is 5 units then the lines AB and AC are at a right angle.

For checking whether things are twisted you can use the technique I describe in Post #2 in this Thread.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34529

[pixpop]

Thanks.

My machine is about the size of the Widgitmaster mini router.

I had forgotten about the 3-4-5 triangle method; that's going to be helpful.