I just finished the build on a LEAD1515 machine with the High Z Modification. Is there a specific distance for placement of the lower C-Beam relative to the upper C-Beam on the X axis? Thanks in advance. Albert
It is actually best tuned by the individual user. If you don't intend to cut thick materials it is best to keep the low beam as low as possible as this creates more rigidity at the cutting head which in turn gives a better cut. If you do plan to cut thicker materials you'll need to start higher. It's up to you to find the happy median for your needs and the results you seek.
Let me re-phrase the question - I have attached an image to illustrate. My assumption is - when this machine was designed - a nominal dimension was planned for the distance between the two C-Beams to allow for the use of the eccentric adjustment to null out play. I adjusted the eccentrics - however, I find that the wheels on top of the upper C-Beam are tight and the wheels on the bottom of the lower C-Beam are tight with the wheels in the middle section loose. Move the X carriage to a different end of the machine and all wheels are tight - this indicates, at least to my understanding, that the two C-Beams are not parallel. Therefore, I was hoping to find this nominal dimension, where I can set up some gauge blocks at each end to adjust.
You're overanalyzing this. There is no specific number that anything has to be. Pick a dimension that works for you and make both the same. But honestly as you have one end that is perfect, move the carriage to that end and loosen the beam end at the other. Move the carriage to that end and tighten things up. The carriage should have drawn the beam up into proper alignment and all should match now. Sure, it may take a bit more fiddling to get it perfect but ultimately the machine can still be used to achieve its own level of perfection.
