DIY 2018 X-Carve Calibration Special Tool

[Downeast Thunder]

Near the end of the X-Carve assembly procedure, the machine must be calibrated to operate properly. The instructions provided by Inventables are clear, concise, and easy to follow.

One slight inconvenience may be encountered while calibrating the machine, regardless of model (500mm, 750mm, or 1000mm). The adjustable “V” wheels on the “Z” axis are adjusted by turning an eccentric spacer. The wheels may be drawn closer to the maker slide, or adjusted further away, such to achieve the proper amount of resistance where the spindle can move up and down the maker slide easily, but without a lot of slop while doing so. There are 4 of these V-wheels that must be adjusted and then the screws and nuts that hold them in place must be tightened. This is quite easy for 3 of V-wheels. The lower, right side adjustable V-wheel is not so easy – as there is insufficient space between the hex head screw and the spindle carriage to allow getting a hex key in place to hold the screw while the nut is tightened. At least, there is insufficient space for a standard sized hex key such as the one provided in the tool kit from Inventables.

Very FAST, EASY, CHEAP Solution: Simply take a spare 3mm hex key and trim down the short end with a cut-off wheel. Problem solved!

I purchased my machine from Inventables. They do not sponsor me, nor did they give me the machine. My comments about their great service and quality of merchandise are genuine and come from my actual experience.

Here's the video:

[Frank S]

Thank you Downeast Thunder,
No matter how well or complete an instruction sheet explained things. It seems there is always that 1 little niggling detail that has been overlooked or down played through no fault of the person/s writing up the instruction plans. Many of us discover the work around without giving it a second thought.
However there will be those who would be stumped at how to achieve those workarounds. In today's world with our many outlets of research able information it is always good that someone has taken the time to publish a tip for them to use.

[Downeast Thunder]

Thanks for your comment, Frank S. I try to add tips here and there to help others along. I happened to see a YouTube video not long ago, where someone was stumped over this little issue and a couple of people mentioned it as a problem in the Inventables, X-Carve forum.

[DIYer]

Thanks Downeast Thunder! We've added your X Carve V Wheel Adjustment Tool to our Fastening category,
as well as to your builder page: Downeast Thunder's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

X Carve V Wheel Adjustment Tool by Downeast Thunder

tags: wrench, adjustable