Is My Milling Machine Actually Square?

Is My Milling Machine Actually Square?

C
Clough42

216.0K subscribers

59.3K 3.7K January 25, 2026
AI Summary

The video covers a detailed inspection of a PM-728VT CNC milling machine to check if it is square and straight. Using precision tools like granite squares, parallels, and dial indicators, the presenter finds that while the machine is mostly square, there are some minor issues with the column and head nod that need adjustment. The presenter plans to fix these issues by shimming the column and adjusting the head nod to ensure the machine is properly aligned for use.

Description

Today I'm finally measuring the PM-728VT CNC milling machine to see if it's straight and square, or if there's anything we need to address before placing it in service. Spoiler alert: nothing is perfect, and it needs some minor adjustment. Use discount code CL42 at checkout for 5% off any Precision Matthews benchtop mill and accessories. Support Clough42 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/join/clough42 Tools used in this video: *This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated

Top Comments

@
maniyakhagi

Our gun smithing shop, ultra precision rifle barrels etc. went to um standard a while back. Machines from new to 90+ years old and gauges and tooling a glorious mix of metric and imperial. A couple of weeks of getting adjusted one boss summed it up: This is like trying to make friends with a room fu

1
@
DELLSOLARUSA

Completely wrong checking, ======== the right checking can be made only by using a phthagoras theorem. This is. Perpendicular square + base square = hypotenuse square Correct procedure is this Take 1x 2 inch stainless steel hollow 3 sections. 3ft, 4 ft, 5ft Only this much long long straight

1
@
DELLSOLARUSA

Marble top usage is wrong ====== right flat surface is 12mm glass 4x4ft

1
@
mphRagnarok

It's hilarious how you have all these accessories and gauge objects but your actual machine is a very cheap budget Chinese hobby table top mill. You're playacting all these things people do in actual shops with real cnc machines.

@
KenGrunke

A round square? Whodathunkit! Actually I started using one 30 years ago. It was one of my early projects after getting my lathe, after I got the tailstock dialed in. I also use a large deep mechanic's socket to check the tablesaw blade, it measured equal diameter at both ends to the tolerance I need

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