Using the CNCDepot spindle, Z-20 gantry rework

[Aiph5u (Aiph5u (not affiliated with Onefinity))]

Hey Carl and Lynn,

@CandL

I am currently looking at the FM30 … it’s mounting is different. Basically it wants a flat plate mount. Is the spindle mount on the Z-20 attached to the gantry or is it “integral” i.e, I get to machine a big piece and replace the existing spindle mount by disassembling the Z-20.

The X carriage is flat and you have the threaded holes with which you can mount the Z assembly at different heights, so removing the Z assembly and attaching something else is easy, however you have a lot of choices for a Z assembly with Z slider that are offered separately.

You might be interested in this:

• Universal Z assembly

@Aiph5u

I am already thinking of making my own Z assembly for a longer time, a more universal assembly which would enable to attach a spindle like a Teknomotor or an Elte. What you would need is someone who can mill the parts out of aluminium.

By replacing the Z assembly and the Z slider, you may also get a slider more chatter-safe, because unlike the Onefinity Z sliders (both models), which have only one linear bearing per rail, …

@Aiph5u

…most CNC mills have two linear bearings per rail, as can be seen here, here (RoverCNC), or here (Sorotec Alu-Line).

@Aiph5u

Unfortunately the Onefinity milling motor mount, unlike on other machines (see also here, here and here), does not protrude downwards beyond the lower end of the Z assembly.

For these reasons, some people replaced the Onefinity Z assembly by a Universal Z assembly. How such a Z assembly/spindle slider could look like is shown below, see also RoverCNC Z assembly or Sorotec Z-Axis DIY-Kit “Alu-Line”

I don’t know if you can machine aluminium, but if you look at this video, this is a Z assembly that the video author made himself. To see how the plate looks like at its back you got to go one video up in the playlist and start at #1.

See also

• Offer a 43mm Spindle Mount Option for the Elite Series – Post #7 by Aiph5u