Thanks for the detailed feedback, and I know you’ve spent time with the machine.
We didn’t feel the need to add a Z-axis brake, as the axis is now counterbalanced with a gas strut. It’s a simpler, more robust solution that removes any motor holding load and doesn’t introduce extra complexity. Z clearance has been modestly increased, but more importantly, the front of the machine now has workholding—opening up vertical setups and edge machining. That’s a much more impactful upgrade than, say, another 30 of Z clearance.
As for the Z axis itself, we haven’t seen any deflection issues that would warrant making it thicker. If you’re seeing something in your setup or toolpaths that suggests otherwise, we’d be curious to know more.
We considered moving the Y-axis rails and screws to the sides, but that change would compromise machine stiffness—especially when combined with the new overreach and larger cross members. Instead, we focused on making the side panels easier to remove on V3, which helps access while keeping rigidity intact. (I removed them on my own V1 as well.)
I generally don’t use compressed air when running wood jobs, but for Aluminium, I do use it to clean the machine down. I’m thousands of jobs in and am yet to damage or jam one of our ballscrews with wipers. These wipers: they’re the same design as before. We’ve had very few issues, and as far as we know, we’re still the only company shipping custom wipers as standard. They occasionally come loose but perform well overall.
I’ll ask if @wmoy can share photos with the guards off.
As for the machine size, HDM isn’t trying to be a 2x2 or 4x4 platform. It’s purpose-built for cutting tough materials all day, every day, with accuracy and repeatability. If your workflow revolves around sheet material or nested jobs, I’d recommend looking at the Shapeoko 5 Pro instead. That’s the right tool for that kind of work. HDM is more about precision, power, and rigidity in a compact footprint.
I’m a mechanical engineer, and there is a new little part on my SolidWorks screen at work right now that I’ve been updating the design of. Part of my internal “design it reasonably” thought process is “can I make that with my Nomad?” and includes aspects such as cutter deflection when machining details etc. so things really go full circle.