Quote Originally Posted by Voicecoil View Post
The Z-axis design was done that way to keep things compact and the spindle axis as close to the gantry as possible (it's saved between 40 and 50mm off a more conventional design), and was partly inspired by Routercnc's machine. Should see how well it works in a few days once I've got the VFD programmed.....
Ermm not sure if that gain alone will be worth it.? It's going to make tramming the spindle an absolute bitch of a job. Accurate Alignment of rails, ball-screws, etc looks much more difficult.
Also, the bearings being sat on thin edge-mounted plates will allow more vibrations into the spindle.

Don't get me wrong I'm sure it will work fine but the conventional approach would have been stronger and easier to setup. I also think it's a bit of a wasteful design.? In that doesn't require 2 screws which cost extra money and also put excess load on the motor robbing it of performance.! . . . I'd rather have it simpler, stronger and more efficient than save 40mm travel if I'm honest.

Sorry to be negative about it, . . . But I'd rather say it than think it, then sees someone else copying it thinking it's better because saving travel without seeing the negatives I see. I

You made a nice job of it thou well done..