Hi, I don’t enjoy calibrating the x-carve (who does) and changing the mill end to an engraving bit makes perfect sense to get that needle point accuracy, and the z-axis was always very fiddly, but there had to be a simpler method. Well this afternoon I found an answer that suits my needs and knocked up a simple adjustable bracket which bolts onto the back of the spindle mount.
The bracket comprises two main components, the attachment to the spindle mount and an adjustable piece which will hold a needle point for x and y axis calibration, and will also hold my digital/dial micrometer for the z-axis. You might wonder whether the mounting might limit the x axis travel but Ive been careful to make sure it doesn’t, i.e. if it were to cause a problem you’d already be beyond the safe limits of the machine anyway.
Parts: 5mm acrylic, 4 x M4 x 10mm machine bolts (acting as the guides), 1 x M6 x 15mm machine bolt (centre), 1 x M6 plastic knob.
Here are a couple of snaps:
