A Shark CNC can become out of square and require tramming; with ridges along either the X-axis, Y-axis, or both when surfacing or pocketing with a flat bottom bit being the most visible indication. An out-of-square router or spindle can also cause shorter tool life and vibration or chatter. Tramming is defined as squaring the Z-axis motor/spindle so that it is perpendicular to the machine deck or spoilboard in both the X and Y-axes.
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Example 1: Ridges running right to left indicate an issue with the spindle or router pitching forward or backward along the Y-axis. |
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Example 2: Ridges running front to back indicate an issue with the spindle or router tilting left or right along the X-axis. |
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| Example 3: Seeing ridges when using the Offset machining strategy indicates tramming is needed along both X and Y-axes. |
The two tramming zip folders linked at the bottom of this article include the instructions and files needed to tram your router or spindle along the X and Y axes. These instructions are designed to use a minimal amount of tools and small boards of MDF as test pieces before surfacing your entire spoilboard.
Tools Needed:
- Four 3”x12”x1/2” MDF (can be thicker)
- Aluminum foil or aluminum shim stock
- 1” surfacing bit
HD5 Series Tools needed:
- #5 Allen wrench
- #3 Allen wrench
- Machinist square or 1-2-3 block (optional)
SD Series Tools needed:
- 5/32 Allen wrench orT27 Torx screwdriver
- 7/16" socket or wrench
Additional Spoilboard resources:
Spoilboard Surfacing and Grid pattern files