Hi,
Is there a meaningful difference between what you get in the HDZ package when you order for a Z plus machine vs the belt drive option in the drop down box? I just bought one off ebay and I forgot to check what version it was. I have a Z plus. If it’s trivial modifications, I’m not going to cancel the order, I can’t imagine what would be that different about them.
Thanks
The Z-Plus version includes a motor and expects one to use the Proximity Switches included with that.
The Belt-drive version may expect transferring the motor and includes Proximity Switches.
If you end up short a motor we have them at:
This must be an SO3 because the SO4 came with Z-Plus. I have an SO3 XXL with HDZ. I went from belt Z to HDZ and it is a fantastic upgrade. All 3 Z mechanisms for the SO3 have different steps per MM. The HDZ has more steps per MM than a Z-Plus. The install is relatively simple if you already have proximity switches. Not sure if an HDZ can use the older mechanical switches. Basically you remove a belt Z and bolt on a HDZ, adjust your v-wheels and go through the configuration. Not absolutely positive but an SO4 has different bolt pattern than an SO3 so just make sure it came off an SO3 if you have an SO3.
Before putting an HDZ on your machine do the maintenance with the Mobil Vactra #2 Oil. You have to remove the HDZ to do that maintenance so do it before you put it on. The top bearings can be lubricated while on the machine but the bottom ones need to be done while on a bench. FYI.
Okay, what’s the resolution? If I recall correctly, the original grbl board is microstepping differently than my GRBhal setup. I’m using an SKR3 EZ and microstepping at 16, I think I just doubled it. The Vactra is the way oil I use on my VMC and lathe, so I have a bunch of that. Is that for the linear bearings? It seems like the ball screw would be some sort of synthetic grease. What’s recommended? I have a ton of spare steppers. What size shaft coupler do I need for the ball screw? I probably have something. I turned an insert for the stock z plus 65mm router holder to work with the 65mm spindle. Does the holder bolt up to the Z plus or do I need to make something else? I hope it does!
Thanks for the info. I bought it and It’s on the way. For $350.00, NIB it was tough to pass up. The z plus has done reasonably well with my 60mm 1.5kw spindle, but it’s definitely the weakest link. It’s also the only original part on my machine other than the end plates of the Y axis and the Y axis beam! My Shapeoko has been a wonderful machine for the last 5 years, and it’s been a great platform to evolve my own creation from!
PS if you all haven’t looked at the Rapidchange atc, I highly, highly recommend it. While my machine is radically modified, you would only need to swap out the router for a vfd and spindle. You can actually make it work with the stock boards if you use Gsender to handle the tool change macros, but the GRBLhal upgrade is WAAAYYY worth it. It makes integrating all the fun new stuff a lot easier and breathes a lot of life back into these great little machines. Love my Shapeoko! FWIW, I’m not affiliated with Rapidchange, I just love the thing so much. Game changer 
Here’s a video of her in action: iCloud Photos - Apple iCloud
If anyone needs a dust shoe design to work with the ATC and a 65mm spindle, shoot me a message and I’m happy to share the files to print the parts and machine the solenoid mounting plate.
This topic was automatically closed after 30 days. New replies are no longer allowed.