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M2 Level Help

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2020 3:41 am
by jmro
I'm more than frustrated with this $2000 piece of hardware. I have leveled it more times than I can count, each time takes about 30 minutes. There is sparse information out there on how to even do this correctly. The allen nuts underneath are beyond confusing and not intuitive. Im ready to just throw this thing away, but I thought I would reach out here for my last resort.

Watch the video with volume on, there is a MASSIVE weird noise that happens with it goes to level the bed. It never used to do that. It happens every time I try to start a print, level the bed or anything. The software (M2 Quick Start) is next to worthless. I had it leveled one time and since then have never been able to get it back to normal, mainly because the Allen wrench part seems to go right one way, then you just mitigate your adjustments with the other screws. Are you supposed to manually rotate the Z-axis and bed to level it? Are you supposed to use the software?

There has to be an easier way to do this. I've spent so many hours trying to get this thing to even work and NOT PRINTING. I'm flabbergasted this item has sold more than 5 units.

Sorry for the venting, but I can't believe how difficult this is for something that is so expensive and has been easy on other machines I've used.

https://youtu.be/uuL9bMSvqmk

Re: M2 Level Help

Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2020 2:55 pm
by KaiborgStudios
First off, take a breather.

I have two M2s that have been running for years, and I can count on two hands how many times I've had to level them, there's something else going on. I use the M2 QuickStart when I do need to level. The 4 point leveling is pretty simple, turn right to raise the corner, turn left to lower it, use the feeler gauge to determine how close you are. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes. You do not need to do anything the QuickStart does not instruct you to do, you do not need to manually force the z axis.

The QuickStart begins by having you set the center point to zero using the arrows within the software as well as the feeler gauge. It will then have you do the same at each corner. It will then determine which corners are the highest, and have you correct them adjusting the 4 points screws. Lastly it will have you zero it with the arrows in the software.

What version of the M2 do you have? I see a Z axis limit switch located at the top of your printer, which would indicate Rev. G or earlier, but you seem to also have the newer Z stepper setup. Does your build plate have the four or three point leveling? If 3 point, the QuickStart won't work.

Watching your video, the y axis limit switch is not functioning. On startup your printer is zeroing, and crashing into the y axis switch until giving up. The first step is determining why is isn't working. Is the y axis even hitting it? Do you hear it click to activate?

Also, just by watching your video, the front right corner of your build plate it not seated down, which could be your leveling issue.

Re: M2 Level Help

Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2020 4:56 pm
by airscapes
That is a new machine, so if I were you and I was you a couple years ago, I would be on the phone with support. One of the reasons you spent $2000 was to get that support. Fix the build plate so it is sitting down on the heated bed and in contact with the adjustment screws. Then call support for help because that is not normal activity at all.
https://www.makergear.com/pages/support

Re: M2 Level Help

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2020 7:50 pm
by jmro
Thanks a bunch for you replies.

I have a bed with 3 points, which is maybe why Im running into issues with the Quick Start leveling process.

I will look into the Y-axis issue.

And I will try and contact support. Thanks for the help!

Re: M2 Level Help

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2020 9:16 am
by willnewton
You need to check your belt tension on the Y axis as well. If it is too loose or tight, you can get the axis essentially bouncing on the limit switch. it will make a horrid noise then start to run as expected, just like in your video. I have had the same happen on my x axis every now and again. I can just lay a finger on the belt to get out of whatever resonance causes the bounce.

Also, you may want to skip the MG quick start and use the bed leveling in Simplify 3d or Cura or just manually jog the bed around to level it. Also, use a piece of paper, not a metal feeler gauge. You need to get a feel for the tension between bed and nozzle. The measurement is irrelevant, a metal feeler gauge will shove the bed down.

Yeah, three screw bed leveling is not the best for noobs, but works fine once you learn what you are doing. I have had mine 6 years and can relevel in minutes, but seldom ever need to.

Lastly, saying you are willing to toss out and talk crap about a machine with MANY thousands of models sold and success story after success story available on this forum and have not even bothered to contact MG tech support is just a bit silly. Being hardheaded will not get you far.

Re: M2 Level Help

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2020 1:25 pm
by airscapes
I am very confused.. 3 point leveling? What version of the M2 do you have? I have to assume you purchased this used as they have been 4 point since I believe Version E and they are up to G now. If you have an E or newer you may be turning the wrong screws..

Re: M2 Level Help

Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 3:31 pm
by sthone
I'm probably late to the party here but.... Don't take this the wrong way but your frustration is all operator error.

It sounds/looks like you have an older model M2 so there's no way you should be using the quick start software. You're trying to use software on a machine it wasn't designed for so that's way it isn't working. That software shouldn't even get the bed into the position shown on the video because your end stop is at the top of the printer so it has no way to home with the software.

For a 3 point leveling bed you have to do everything manually with feeler gauges. The only thing remotely close to a leveling guide you are going to find is the How To I wrote years ago. See ---> viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2783

Re: M2 Level Help

Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2020 7:05 pm
by rjmelter
Where do yall even find the quick start software? I cannot find any links.

I would contact support, they are always more than willing to help

Re: M2 Level Help

Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2020 1:51 am
by sthone
Where do yall even find the quick start software?
https://www.makergear.com/pages/get-started