How to level bed with a dial gauge

[Nkuck]

Maybe I’m overthinking this, but can someone explain the procedure of bed leveling with a dial gauge attached to the horizontal z-rods on a Prusa clone? Seems that all it will do is give me a level bed relative to those rods, but how does it influence the actual nozzle height from the bed? How and when do I actually set the final nozzle height? Anyone have a clear understanding of this? Thanks.

[MaddieG]

Hi there,

Using a dial gauge is just a more precise alternative to using a piece of paper between the nozzle and the bed. You’ll want to move the extruder head to the four corners of the bed, turning the leveling knobs to create the same reading on the gauge. If you were using a piece of paper, you’d want to move the extruder to the four corners and adjust with the knobs until there’s a bit of friction on the piece of paper, from the pressure of the nozzle.

I hope this helps explain.

Best,

Maddie - 3D Hubs

[Nkuck]

Maybe I need to be more clear. With the gauge, I level the corners until all are acceptably close. But that does nothing about the nozzle clearance. Do I then need to use paper to set the actual nozzle height?

[keebie81]

yeah still use the paper for nozzle height. Another thing to remember with the paper method is you want to feel slight resistance when pulling and pushing the paper. But not enough that it causes the paper to bend when pushing.

[Nkuck]

Thanks. That’s what I figured.

[Nkuck]

Yes, been doing that. Thanks.