Trying to align the Z mirror without a manoeuvrable mirror mount is a pain!
Currently I am packing the edges of the Z mirror mount with tiny pieces of cardboard to align the beam, this can’t be the best option. What do you guys use? What is recommended to be the least time consuming and most simple way to align the Z mirror?
If you have such a big difference then I would say your trouble is elsewhere. I did have to shim it to make it square but that’s it
The X and Y mirrors are aligned perfectly, the beam is hitting the Z mirror right in the centre but the beam is directed to the very edge of the lens.
My rough packing method has fixed the issue, but I’m sure there is a better method of aligning this mirror out there in this community.
Get some longer screws for the mounting plate , and put nuts on the screws under the plate. This allows you to captivate the screws to the plate, and adjust using the screws. This essentially makes a 3 point adjustment system for the head. Work great.
I removed the lens and replaced it with some tape. From this I can see that the beam is hitting what would be the edge of the lens rather than the centre. The final mirror should be exactly 45° to the lens, but I found this not be to the case on this machine (my previous machine was fine). To adjust the alignment of the Z mirror I have manipulated the mirrors holder with some cardboard so the mirror is now 45 °, but there should be a better way to achieve this alignment than cardboard packing.
The 100w Chinese machines have adjustable Z mirrors, the k40 unfortunately does not have this luxury. (K40D may though)
Anthony, I just posted a good example of how you can do it without cardboard.
Thanks for that @Eric_Flynn ! I appreciate your advice.
I will give this a try.
Your method worked great! Thanks for the advice @Eric_Flynn