MINITECH
CNC Mini-Mill User's Guide
3. Repeat this process an inch or two down the bar.
4. Compare the points. If the first point is higher than the second then the bar is sloping
toward the front of the machine. If the second point is higher then the bar is sloping away.
5. You can do this test a few times by rotating the A-axis and retesting. This way the run out
can be considered.
6. To improve the alignment if your readings result in numbers much larger than the run out
of the A-axis you will need to loosen the screws in the mounting plate and rotate the table.
You will probably have to repeat the alignment processes a couple times if you want to make
it very accurate. You will need the same setup to align the tailstock to the center of the rotary
axis. This time you will make use of the center hole drilled in the end of the round bar. The
center hole is visible in figure 24.
To align the tailstock follow the steps below.
1. Move the tailstock tip into the center hole at the end of the round bar with the dial test
indicator set on the bar. Probably best even closer to the tailstock end of the bar than in
figure 25.
2. Note the change in the dial test indicator. Adjust accordingly.
3. You will need to check with the dial test indicator on top of and behind or in front of the bar.
This will take into account the pitch and the yaw. Screws mounting the plate to the table
will be loosened to adjust the yaw. The screw attaching the tailstock to the mounting plate
will be loosened to adjust the pitch.
© 2012 Minitech Machinery Corp. 28
