65mm spindle drifting down

CNC Machines Shapeoko 5 Pro
1

I have a 5.1 pro, about 2 months, and today the spindle drifted down about a third of the way when I turned the power off? First time this ever happened. I restarted the machine later for a cut and everything worked well, when I finished for the day and turned the power off it did the same thing??

2

My Pro XXL does that randomly. May not happen for a months and then it’s every time for a while.

3

C3D has a fix. It is a hydraulic cylinder that keeps the spindle up.

Some people just put a piece of foam under the spindle when they shut down.

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4

Thanks Guy for the information and video link
David

5

My 65mm spindle has done that from day 1 on my pro 5. I’ve just decided it isn’t that much of an issue and let it do its thing. I thought about the hydraulic cylinder by decided…“Nah”.

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6

Is the 65mm spindle significantly heavier than a compact trim router? I have an SO3 XXL with the HDZ upgrade and don’t think I’ve ever had that issue, but assume the newer components are heavier?

7

I put blocks of wood under the Sweepy frame in case it drops.

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8

When I got my 65 mm spindle I was shocked at how heave it was. I only have the Z Plus on my machine and it’s hit or miss whether it drops at shutoff.

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9

I have a 65mm spindle and HDZ on my 4XL and have never had the spindle drop.

10

If memory serves me right it’s because the thread pitch of the ball screw is different on the 5.

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11

I have Shapoko 5 with the 65 mm Spindle, I purchased the 40.00 gas strut and no longer have that issue. I havent been happier. I think this accessory is required. Peace of mind. I had several ruined jobs prior to its purchase.

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12

It shouldn’t drift down while the machine is on as the steppers should be holding it in place.

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13

Thanks Vance, I may add the gas strut, right now I put some foam under the spindle when I finish for the day

14

No haven’t had any issues while the machine is on only when I shut down. I now add a piece of foam under the spindle when I power off as was suggested earlier to me.

15

My response was really directed towards @TheMan1352 who mentioned several ruined projects as a result of this. If the spindle is not on I don’t see how the projects would be ruined. Was it more than a tiny divot from the tip of the bit?

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