Dial Gauge Adapter For Taz 3-5 by jaln

Last crawled date: 3 years, 1 month ago

(see https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2699619 for a Taz 6 version)
I just created this dial gauge adapter for leveling the Z axis (X carriage guides) on Taz 3-5 machines.
Makes it a lot easier. I had been using a digital caliper, but it was not very accurate and I was never sure if it was plumb, etc.
This one clips over the top guide rail, and swings onto the lower rail. There is a small hole for a 1/16" (1.5mm) pin, but you probably won't need to use it. The bottom clip curves and tightens as it engages the rod.
Use 1/4-20 x 1" or M6 hardware to fasten the dial gauge to the adapter. Make sure to use washers to avoid crushing and loosening, and tighten so it will not move around in use.
I used a 1/4-20 x 1" hex cap screw, a flat washer, lock washer and nut.
This setup makes it easy to correct bed leveling and the Z/X axis transport misalignment.
Set your nozzle height to about 5-10mm above the bed. Turn off the power so you can turn the Z axis screws by hand to level the X carriage.
Turn the power back on and move around the bed to adjust the bed corner screws.
This helps even if you are using auto leveling.
Happy printing!