NEMA 23 Z-axis Kit

[Improbable Construct]

I have made up some kits to allow you to mount a NEMA 23 motor on your Z-axis.

This kit is fully compatible with the stock Z-axis as well as my ACME Z-axis upgrade.

http://www.shapeoko.com/upgrades

NEMA 23 kit.JPG (136.54 KiB) Viewed 4596 times

The kit contains:
1. 1x HDPE Bearing Block/Motor Mount NEMA 23 size
2. 1x 608 Bearing
3. 1x 1/4"x8 mm Flexible Coupler
4. 3x M5x55 mm SHCS
5. 3x 38 mm Aluminum Spacers
6. 3x M5 Nuts
7. 2x M5x20 mm SCHS
8. 2x M5 Washers

$25.00 with free domestic shipping.

http://www.shapeoko.com/upgrades

International orders:
Shipping can be combined on all items.
Please only choose international shipping for the most expensive item.

[Althiels]

This looks great, thanks for putting it together. What are the advantages to using a Nema 23 for the Z-axis?

[Improbable Construct]

There is no direct advantage.
Some people just want to use or have NEMA 23 motors. The stock shapeoko can use NEMA 23 motors on the X and Y axis, but not the Z axis.
Some of the parts are a pain to source (The flexible couplers) or come in large quantities (Great, now what am I going to do with the other 97 M5x55mm SHCS?)
Also if you are building a shapeoko for the first time you can't just cut your own parts yet.
So it becomes a chicken and egg situation.
The same goes for the DW660 mounts. If you want to use the DW660 and don't already have a Dremel type spindle you can't cut the mounts for it.
I have good access to everything except the couplers so I thought I would make up this kit.

[Althiels]

That definitely makes sense, there are often deals on ebay and such for 3 packs of motors, this would definitely help people out that go with that option

[FabricatorCraig]

Any suggested specs on an appropriate Nema 23 motor to use with a ShapeOko that will likely have most of the suggested mods incorporated...including scaling the x and y dimensions? Or, even better, some links to particular options from reputable online dealers.

Thanks in advance for any advice...particularly from folks who have gone this route themselves.

-Craig Dunn

[Improbable Construct]

The motors I am using are NEMA 23 175 oz/in 4 wire.
I got mine from eBay seller Mega Supply. Save Base also seems to have the same stock.
I don't know how reputable they are but they do have some items that ship from the USA so you don't have to wait for china.
This ebay search will point you in the right direction.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R4 ... 75&_sop=15

I think these motors may be overkill but they are not too huge size wise and are a pretty good value.

[JoyMonkey]

Is there a drawing somewhere for the Nema 23 Z mounting plate?
I drew this up myself, but I'm not sure if I trust my own measurements

[Improbable Construct]

I will try to get my drawing posted later today.

[Improbable Construct]

NEMA 23 Z-Axis kits are back in stock.
After waiting for 25 days, the couplers finally arrived from China!
You can find them here:
http://www.shapeoko.com/upgrades
Orders usually ship with in 24 hours.