STLBEAST workshop mode
Bed Leveling and Z Offset Guide
A reliable workflow for manual leveling, bed mesh, probe checks, gantry alignment, and first-layer calibration.
Start hereLevel the machine mechanically first, probe or mesh the bed second, and tune Z offset last with a full-bed first-layer pattern.
First safe actionRun the first safe check and change one variable at a time.
Proof targetA small representative test no longer shows the original symptom.
Match the failed area to the visual before changing a setting.
Repair progress0 of 7 complete
Step 1 of 7
Power down and check bed, gantry, wheels/rails, lead screws, probe, and hotend for play.
Keep the problem and target visual open while you make this change.
Why this mattersSoftware mesh cannot fully compensate for loose or skewed hardware.
Setting or checkMesh densityUse the printer-supported mesh size; more points do not fix loose hardware.
Expected resultFirst layer is consistent in center and corners.
Keep the problem and target visual open while you make this change.
Why this mattersThe measured surface is not the actual printing condition.
Setting or checkFade heightUse firmware defaults unless the manufacturer documents a reason to change it.
Expected resultRepeated probing produces similar values.
Keep the problem and target visual open while you make this change.
Why this mattersLoose or dirty sensors produce inconsistent measurements.
Setting or checkZ offsetTune in tiny increments only after leveling is complete.
Expected resultNo wheel, bed, probe, or hotend play remains.
Keep the problem and target visual open while you make this change.
Why this mattersThe reference changes after leveling.
Setting or checkMesh densityUse the printer-supported mesh size; more points do not fix loose hardware.
Expected resultThe saved profile survives a restart and is actually loaded.
Keep the problem and target visual open while you make this change.
Why this mattersA blob on the nozzle changes the effective probe/height reference.
Setting or checkFade heightUse firmware defaults unless the manufacturer documents a reason to change it.
Expected resultFirst layer is consistent in center and corners.
Keep the problem and target visual open while you make this change.
Why this mattersSoftware mesh cannot fully compensate for loose or skewed hardware.
Setting or checkZ offsetTune in tiny increments only after leveling is complete.
Expected resultRepeated probing produces similar values.
Keep the problem and target visual open while you make this change.
Why this mattersThe measured surface is not the actual printing condition.
Setting or checkMesh densityUse the printer-supported mesh size; more points do not fix loose hardware.
Expected resultNo wheel, bed, probe, or hotend play remains.
Controlled test logChange one variable, then record what happened
This keeps temperature, retraction, speed, mechanical, and material tests from blending together. The history stays private in this browser.
Open proof report →No controlled tests logged yet. Record the first change before adjusting a second variable.
Do not repeat the full print yet
Prove the repair with a small test
Test modelSmall representative test print
SetupUse the same printer, material, slicer and key settings as the failed model.
Pass conditionThe original symptom is absent and the target feature is repeatable.
If it still failsThe symptom remains in the same location or stage.
Complete the repair steps, run the proof test, and record the result.
Only if the proof test still failsNext strongest repair paths
Do not stack these changes. Open one related guide based on the evidence that remains.
First Layer3D Print Not Sticking to the Bed
First LayerNozzle Too Close to the Bed
First LayerNozzle Too Far from the Bed
