This thread is for those of you who have had your X-Carve for a while, and have upgraded your Z-axis. Did you simply go with wider belts, or did you increase the functionality of the Z-axis by making it taller? I’ve read a lot of threads about options for the Z but confused about the materials the upgrades were made from. Some materials appearently last longer and work smoother. Which parts did you use and are you happy overall with your upgrade?
1 Like
Robert, how long have you owned it? Is this the one you bought?
How much travel did you choose?
I also updated my z axis to a linear z axis that I bought off eBay. Def worth the money. My belt kept slipping or the tiny set screws would come loose (before using blue loctite). Had it over 6 months and never had an issue
Sean which vendor did you buy from?
Options on CNC4Newbies vs Z Axis Slide on Ebay
I’ve seen post on the Z Axis Slide on Ebay where people like that as well.
Seems to me the initial differences
CNC4 Newbies removes the belt, could be a big difference having no point of failure with a Belt.
CNC4Newbies is predrilled for Xcarve mount.
CNC4Newbies is flush on bottom of Z-axis mount
Z Axis Slide is $20 cheaper
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Z-AXIS-SLIDE-6-TRAVEL-ANTI-BACKLASH-CNC-ROUTER-3D-PRINTER-PLASMA/122400722964?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D49565%26meid%3D21ebdaa6e1284ac9aa76b5f27446d287%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D9%26sd%3D162137842004&_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850
I ran with the stock z with success for a long time but finally upgraded. I have one of the slides from @KyleKronyak. He designed it here with feedback from the forum. Definitely a good product and well priced for what you get, all while helping out a fellow forum member.
1 Like
I’ve got the Microcarve linear Z axis. No problems yet. Totally worth it. I had some Z flex and Z depth issues and they went away with the switch.
I opted for the Cnc4newbie slide. Couldn’t be more pleased with it.
1 Like
A 12 pound linear slide on an xcarve? Any issues with the weight? Even with the new x rail (and a router hanging on it) I would be hesitant.
I did the cnc4newbies Z axis, love it!
You guys are awesome! THANKS for all of the input. I really appreciate it 
A few last questions;
The one from cnc4newbies has an option for 8 inch travel. If you have the room, is there any down side to getting that one except for the added cost?
They also have an option for a 1 inch longer front plate. What’s the advantage of that, and when would someone need it?
Thanks.
The Z-AXIS is only supported on one side. Because of that, you’ll introduce considerably more torsion with small increases in height, resulting in more strain on the X-axis beam. If you’re actually planning on cutting that deep, you’ll have to source extra long end mills which are expensive and have their own issues. If you just want to carve on top of thicker stock, you’re better off increasing the height of your X-AXIS or cutting a hole in your waste board.
1 Like
I replaced mine with a 250mm c-beam and taller y plates.
I agree 110%. Half of the reason why I’m so interested in upgrading the Z is because I want to get away from the insanity of the belt. I was surprised to see the Z slider that was belt drive. I’m not sure why a company would design an upgrade for the Z and then keep the belt. It’s like designing a new sports car, and then putting a pull start on it like a lawnmower.
I was reading about this in another thread. Apparently they epoxied the bearings in. Really poor design.
Phil I looked on their website but did not see a Fastpitch model. Do they still carry it?
1 Like
Thank you!
According to Joe from the cnc4newbie website LM12-23-X (e-bay model) is the same as the one from their site (N23LM12XC). And it’s 10 bucks less on their site.
Thank you for sharing! I have a question though: don’t you need to raise the horizontal bar that moves along the Y axis in order to be able to work on taller objects?
I always see 1" and 2" lift plates mentioned. Why aren’t taller lift plates ever used? Is it because they would bend if not made much thicker?
I Ibought lift plate lift plates from charley and then mounted them on 20 mm x 80 mm extrusions for a total lift of 8 inches. I also have two of the original 5"x 6" Newbie carriages with A makita 700 router on one and a Hitachi M12VC on the other side. I measure 002" of sage in the middle when I moved the Hitachi to the center but none with the Makita centered. I have absolutly NO sage or deflection on either the X or Y axis
Excuse me, I meant to say minima sagl on the X and No flex on the Y.
I totally enclosed the Y axis simply because I got a great deal from Open Builds for the extra extrusions. I measured the Y axis with just the vertical braces and still didn’t have any sag.I added the inspection plates just so I could fill in the last gap and totally enclose the work area It cost more to build but I built it over several months. My design was specifically designed for the use of fixture plates, vacume table and an “A” axis(rotory) axis.