Z Slider vertical location question

Elite Series (Masso & Redline) (Gen 1)
1

I was able to get onto the first batch of the introductory special for the Redline Controller and Spindle. I got the 80 mm 2.2kw spindle. When I assembled the machine I wasn’t 100% sure how high vertically to mount the Z-Slider so I just mounted fairly low. The bottom of the Z-Slider was about 4” up from the spoil board.

I only did a test cut (one of the ones pre-installed on the controller) which cut fine. I need to surface the spoil board yet but need to Tram the machine. I got one of those upside down “T” 2 dial gauge units. While just messing around with seeing how to setup the gauges I found out I wouldn’t be able to rotate the “T” with the gauges because it would hit the bottom of the Z-Slider.

So I decided to raise the Z-slider up and bolting it using the bottom hole on the slider. This gives me ~6.5 distance from the bottom of the slider to the spoil board. Plus I am end up with a 4th axis.

I also have the Stiffy too. But the issue I have is now with clamping the stepper motor and spindle cable with the “X” limit flag the cable for the stepper motor is kind of strained now. Since there is a connector on the cable that hits the side of the clamp and will not allow me to give a little more slack. It will work but I am afraid it will cause a failure of the cable after awhile.

So my question is how high do some of you mount the Z-Slider? Obviously I could move it down 1 set of mounting holes but was just curious where other users mount theirs.

Thank you

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It really depends on what kind of work you do and do you have an ATC of any kind or a 4 axis machine as well. you have to have clearance for all of those. Set your height according to those needs. I have all of those things so i had to set mine pretty height in order to have working room for them.

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That cable is tight if you mount it in the slot under the Z axis top cap that also routes the spindle cable. When I initially installed mine I separated the cable and ran it above the plate instead of through the slot/channel. That relieved the strain.

When I moved my Rowdy Roman hose boom over I got a new Z axis cap cover as part of the boom attachment to the Z axis and his slot was better designed and allows both cables to run under the cap without strain.

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Thank you all for your replies. I may either drop the slider down 1 hole, or in the meantime take the cable out from under the clamp. I do have a 3D printer and might make something for it.

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