This is a simple Z axis mod for the CNC 3018.

Main points:

• Accepts NSK LS15 rails to replace the linear rods
• Capable of more Z height
• Fits an old Bosch POF 25 wood router fit (500 / 700W-ish)
• You can mod the motor mount as you like, added STP file. Both of the whole CNC and the Z axis separately

Bill of materials: 6x M3 heated inserts (diameter 4.6mm) 1x M6 threaded insert (diam 8 mm) Needs 125mm T8 lead screw with its round brass nut 2x LM10UU bearings @ 29mm long (can reuse the ones old Z axis) 2x NSK LS15 rails @ 400mm 2x NSK LS15 sleds (usually comes along with the rail) 2x Linear shaft 10mm diameter @ 135mm long 8x M4x15 screws Misc screws and T nuts (buy a set of M3-M6 screws, T-nuts on amazon or aliexpress) 1x bearing 8x12x3,5mm

Print settings: Print the parts using ABS CF or other rigid filament 5 walls, top and bottom layers minimum 40% strong infill 0.28 layer height for quick printing time Use supports

Assembly: Mount the linear rails with sleds using M3 screws with T nuts Put the threaded inserts where the T8 nuts go and screw the T8 nuts down on both the X axis and Z axis. A singular M6 insert goes into the closing jaws of the motor mount.

Next assemble the U-beam shaped one to the LS15 rails. If its slightly tight, drill the holes up a little bit Connect the original X axis T8 machine screw to it, until it goes into the motor coupler.

Put the LM10UU bearings into the motor mount Glue them in if the tolerances are too big Put it into the Z axis assembly and push the rods into the bearings Thread the T8 into the motor mount, Screw the nema 17 motor into the mount using some long M3 screws.

V2 Release: 2026-04-18

• Hole tolerances for LS15 rails has been improved
• The kind of rails has been specified / clarified (NSK LS15)
• Added 8x12mm bearing to machine screw for better mechanical properties on Z axis
• Improved tolerance for Linear rods to sit in their holes on Z axis
• Added a holder for the offline controller to sit off the side in the stp file

V1 release: 2026-04-13 My first motion test of this device: [https://youtube.com/shorts/barg75HO7IE?si=HG87Lx1p98oriI95