# Stopping the Z Axis Drop with heavy spindles **URL:** \ **Category:** Community Created Accessories\ **Created:** [August 22, 2023, 2:24pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/stopping-the-z-axis-drop-with-heavy-spindles/22011 "2023-08-22T14:24:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Pleased2fly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/439d5e/32.png) [@Pleased2fly](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/Pleased2fly)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2023, 2:24pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/stopping-the-z-axis-drop-with-heavy-spindles/22011/1 "2023-08-22T14:24:28Z")
The Elite series included a more “aggressive” thread pitch in the ball screw assembly, which when coupled with a heavier spindle in lieu of the Makita milling motor, has resulted in the Z axis dropping uncommanded when power is lost to the Z axis. This drop can happen when the Emergency Stop is pressed, or when power to the system is interrupted. I have designed and tested over 4 weeks of use, and several versions of mounts, spring values, and design improvements to offer the solution called the Zee Keeper. The Zee Keeper is available at [www.digiengrave.com](http://www.digiengrave.com). The kit attaches to the 80mm motor clamp bolts with the top attaching to the “Suck It” dust boot attach slides on the left side of all Z16 or Z20 assemblies. It comes with all fasteners and hardware provided and can be installed in about 30 minutes. It only requires a 4mm hex wrench and a 6mm combination wrench (5/16"). ---
**Author:** ![ColinLightBurn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.onefinitycnc.com/colinlightburn/32/24594_2.png) [@ColinLightBurn](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/ColinLightBurn)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2023, 2:53pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/stopping-the-z-axis-drop-with-heavy-spindles/22011/2 "2023-08-22T14:53:36Z")
Thats a good solution. One other option would be to install a digital brake, this one is for 3D printers but might do the job: [Z Motor Brake - PrintyPlease.uk](https://www.printyplease.uk/zbrake) ---
**Author:** ![349iq2345](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/bb73d2/32.png) [@349iq2345](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/349iq2345)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2023, 4:56pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/stopping-the-z-axis-drop-with-heavy-spindles/22011/3 "2023-08-22T16:56:36Z")
Hey Jim, you could post the direct link so forum visitors don’t need to search the store: > **[Z Axis Support (Zee Keeper)](https://digiengrave.com/products/z-axis-support)** > > Kit is designed to prevent the Z axis from suddenly dropping to the spoil board when power is removed or the Emergency Stop is applied.  Applicable to all models of the Onefinity CNC family.  Fits all X-35/50 early models and is... ---
**Author:** ![OnefinityCNC](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.onefinitycnc.com/onefinitycnc/32/7_2.png) [@OnefinityCNC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/OnefinityCNC)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2023, 3:18pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/stopping-the-z-axis-drop-with-heavy-spindles/22011/4 "2023-11-28T15:18:20Z")
We’ve introduced a new add on, the z-20 motor brake. This is a plug and play solution that requires no extra hardware, wiring, or external drivers. When power is removed from the machine, the motor locks in place holding your spindle and z-slider in their current location. We’ve tested this up to 150lbs. of holding force. This break is an Official Onefinity product, therefore, it is officially supported and will not void your warranty. See more here: > **[Break Motor](https://www.onefinitycnc.com/post/onefinity-is-excited-to-announce-the-elite-z-20-braking-motor)** > > The Elite Z-20 Braking Closed Loop Stepper Motor is a plug and play solution that can be easily installed on your Z-20 (Heavy Duty Z-Slider) 11/28/23 ---
**Author:** ![pwpacp](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.onefinitycnc.com/pwpacp/32/1718_2.png) [@pwpacp](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/pwpacp)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2023, 1:46pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/stopping-the-z-axis-drop-with-heavy-spindles/22011/6 "2023-11-30T13:46:56Z")
Should I move to an Elite upgrade I’ll be sure to keep this offering in mind while placing my order. On the other hand though, Jim’s design specifically states it accommodates non-elite machines with heavy spindles too. Since my 1F is early vintage and out of warranty, it offers me a solution to axis drop. You gotta love this forum where member prove necessity truly is the mother of invention! ---
**Author:** ![Strat584](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@Strat584](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/Strat584)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2024, 1:15pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/stopping-the-z-axis-drop-with-heavy-spindles/22011/7 "2024-06-05T13:15:56Z")
Is Onefinity working on a Z brake solution for non elite Onefinity machines? ---
**Author:** ![DCK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7bcc69/32.png) [@DCK](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/DCK)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2024, 12:55am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/stopping-the-z-axis-drop-with-heavy-spindles/22011/8 "2024-06-06T00:55:48Z")
You may want to try the zee keeper, which is linked in the third post. I haven’t tried it, but it’s a decent idea. I have the Onefinity breaking stepper motor, and I’m not really a fan. It’ll stop the spindle/bit from going through the spoilboard, but it’s not perfect. My spindle visibly drops on power loss, every time I hit the e-stop button, before the break engages. You wouldn’t have this issue with a spring that is effectively reducing the weight of the spindle. ---
**Author:** ![Strat584](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@Strat584](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/Strat584)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2024, 3:09am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/stopping-the-z-axis-drop-with-heavy-spindles/22011/9 "2024-06-07T03:09:37Z")
@Pleased2fly Hey Jim, installing the Zee Keeper doesn’t require modifying the Z slider in any way, does it? ---
**Author:** ![harenas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/7993a0/32.png) [@harenas](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/harenas)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2024, 11:54pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/stopping-the-z-axis-drop-with-heavy-spindles/22011/10 "2024-08-21T23:54:13Z")
i bought a journeyman elite this summer (June 2024) and my stepper motor did not drop at all…at first. it started dropping at random when turning it off or estop a month later without completing any big projects, just surfacing my mdf board (sometimes it would drop just a inch, sometimes all the way, some times not at all). Now it drops every time when turning it off or estop. any idea why it worked fine then a month later it started malfunctioning? i’ve had a 80mm spindle on the whole time. ---
**Author:** ![OnefinityCNC](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.onefinitycnc.com/onefinitycnc/32/7_2.png) [@OnefinityCNC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/OnefinityCNC)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 2:13am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/stopping-the-z-axis-drop-with-heavy-spindles/22011/11 "2024-08-22T02:13:39Z")
There is a z brake motor to solve that. > **[Elite Z-20 Braking Closed Loop Stepper Motor | Onefinity USA](https://www.onefinitycnc.com/product-page/elite-z-20-braking-closed-loop-stepper-motor)** > > Elite Z-20 Braking Closed Loop Stepper Motor The Elite Z-20 Braking Closed Loop Stepper Motor is a plug and play solution that can be easily installed on your Z-20 (Heavy Duty Z-Slider). It features a reliable braking system that ensures the spindle... ---
**Author:** ![OnefinityCNC](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.onefinitycnc.com/onefinitycnc/32/7_2.png) [@OnefinityCNC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/OnefinityCNC)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 2:13am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/stopping-the-z-axis-drop-with-heavy-spindles/22011/12 "2024-08-22T02:13:49Z")