Quote Originally Posted by John S View Post
However looking at the design of the Z and Hoss's machine is there any reason that the Z screw cannot be mounted to the side in the conventional manner ?
I guess you mean something like this.

Obviously it can be done as many people have done it. However I have the same concerns as Laurent. I have read a number of threads where people have had to add a counterweight to avoid jerky Z movement and I don't want to get caught like that. It seems to be almost universal with the X1 where the leadscrew is behind the column and I guess it is due to the head nodding on the column. It strikes me that the closer the lift is to being in line with the C of G the less the problem will occur. Ideally I would like to mount the ballscrew further forward still but that would involve moving the motor out to the side.

You are the expert on these machines so I would appreciate your opinion. Perhaps it is not a problem if the gibs are properly adjusted.

A secondary consideration is the difficulty of keeping the ballscrew clean from swarf at the side. On top it is well clear of any flying chips.

Russell.