Just how strong is the Z-Plus, exactly?

CNC Machines Shapeoko
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(Post includes compliment to C3D engineering)

In emails with support@ and also on this forum, the C3D feedback on using an 80mm spindle on the Z-Plus is not exactly a firm, “no-way no-how” but more like “Hmmm…not sure we like that idea…”.

In a recent post where someone asked about putting an 80mm spindle on a Shapeoko 3, someone said that this assembly from CNC4Newbie would work.
I wrote CNC4Newbie to ask if they make a similar assembly for the Shapeoko Pro and this was their exact response:
“Our Z axis is able to support an 80mm spindle. The Z-Plus axis that you have on your PRO has bigger linear rails and bearings than ours, so pretty sure it can handle easily a 80mm spindle!”

So, C3D, if there an official word on the strength of Z-Plus to handle an 80mm spindle? Your competitors seem to have confidence that it can (and yes, I know that company isn’t a direct competitor to C3D, but you see the point :- )

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Not an official word, but my understanding is that the concern is that the added weight/wear of such a weighty spindle will prematurely wear the nut for the leadscrew:

not a big deal, until one has had to replace it a few times which would get annoying, and for any reasonable value of one’s time, quickly eclipse the cost of an HDZ.

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