Tramming a CNC Router

Tramming ensures that the spindle is perfectly perpendicular to the work surface, which is crucial for accurate cuts and work quality. Follow these steps to tram your CNC router.

IMPORTANT: NEVER TURN ON THE SPINDLE WITH THE TRAMMING TOOL INSERTED

Ensure the CNC router is on a level surface

Clean the work surface thoroughly

Home the machine and move the spindle to a central position.

Tools Required

• Tramming Tool - HMT-T2 is used in this example

• Allen wrenches or appropriate tools for your machine

• 1-2-3 Block or similar reference block

• Shim material

  
  

Understanding Tramming Axis

• Nod: Spindle leaning forward/backward (HMT-T2 will be 6/12 o'clock position)

• Yaw: Spindle leaning left/right (HMT-T2 will be 3/9 o'clock position)

• It's best to adjust nod first, then yaw.

  
  

Positioning 1-2-3 Block

• The 1-2-3 block establishes a datum above the machine bed.

• For Nod: Place block in front of spindle, centered.

• For Yaw: Place block left or right of spindle, centered.

• Only move the block when changing between axis.

  
  

Setting up and using HMT-T2

1. Insert the tramming tool into the spindle collet securely.

2. Place the 1-2-3 block under the relevant axis (Nod/Yaw).

3. Lower the Z-axis to contact the block, then lower an additional 1mm.

4. Set one DTI gauge to 0.

5. Rotate HMT-T2 180° and set the other DTI to 0.

6. Remove the 1-2-3 block.

7. Lower Z to the machine table, then an additional 1mm.

8. Rotate the spindle slowly, noting the highest and lowest DTI readings.

9. Calculate deviation (difference between highest and lowest points).

10. Jog the Z up and remove HMT-T2

    
    

Adjusting Nod

1. Locate Z to X axis securing bolts/screws.

2. Slightly loosen these fasteners.

3. Shim between X and Z axes

   1. Shimming at the top will lean the spindle forward

   2. Shimming at the bottom will lean the spindle backward

4. Re-tighten fasteners.

5. Repeat the measurement until the deviation is within 0.02mm over 100mm.

   
   

Adjusting Yaw

1. Locate the spindle mount securing bolts/screws.

2. Loosen the spindle mount fasteners.

3. Make small left/right rotational adjustments.

4. Re-tighten fasteners.

5. Repeat the measurement until the deviation is within 0.02mm over 100mm.

   
   

Final Check

1. Perform a final rotation check.

2. Ensure all fasteners are fully tightened.

3. Conduct a test cut on scrap material to verify accuracy.

Remember: Tramming requires patience. Make small, careful adjustments for best results.