Summary

A mount that provides a stable index point for a dial indicator, to aid in bed leveling and end stop setting. Clamps onto the X axis gantry and is quick to attach and detach.

See instructions for usage.

Instructions

This clamp press fits to the front of the X axis gantry. It needs an appropriate clearance value to fit snugly. Use the "clamptest" print to determine the proper setting for your printer. The left most clamp is 0, next is 0.1, etc.

The default parameters are for a Tekton 7169 dial indicator ($16.50 on Amazon). Clamp the mount in position and place the shaft of the dial indicator through the hole.

The Tekton has a slightly thicker head than the shaft, so it is not possible to get a perfectly snug fit. With the flat base of the shaft sleeve resting on the top of the clamp, however, it is stable enough to provide a consistent reference suitable for z-axis end stop setting. Raise the bed until the end stop switch is triggered and make a note of the setting. Continue raising until the bed touches the extruder (easiest if you are using the plain glass bed as you can see the extruder reflection), and the difference is your z-level height.

There is too much play for this to be used reliably to level the bed. I hope that with some improvements, it may one day be useful for that function.

Rotate to print with the clamps up.

M2 dial indicator mount