Longer B1 Adjustable Z-Axis Support
Last updated: January 13th, 2025
Thank you for purchasing our Adjustable Z-Axis for the Longer B1 laser engraver! If you haven’t purchased it yet, you can find it here or please contact us to order it directly. It will be listed in our website’s shop shortly!
If you encounter any issues or have suggestions for product improvements, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help and continuously improve our offerings based on your feedback.
We’d also like to extend a special thank you to Jeff Ricks at Hilltop Creations for providing the photos and assisting with the development of this product. Be sure to check out Hilltop Creations here.
Table of Contents
1. What's Included
Please note: Items and colors may very depending on your order.
2. Risers Legs
Step 1:
Remove/unscrew the OEM feet on all 4 corners (see Figure 2A).
Step 2:
Install riser legs using provided M10x20mm SS screw. A 6mm Hex wrench will be needed. If you do not have a hex wrench long enough, the riser legs can be split in half by unscrewing them apart (see Figures 2B, 2C and 2D). Repeat for all four corners.
Step 3: (optional)
Once all of the riser legs are installed, fit the legs into the feet (see Figure 2E). Feet can be secured to your work bench with the provided screws.
3. Limit Switch Extender
Our Adjustable Z-Axis offsets the original laser module location by about 27mm in the Y direction. In order to retain the front limit switch functionality, a ‘Limit Switch Extender’ (Part B) is provided.
We recommend installing the Limit Switch Extender before installing the Adjustable Z-Axis, as it may be easier to install with the laser chassis turned upside down. We also recommend removing the laser module from the dovetail bracket and any other peripheral cables before turning over the chassis.
Step 1:
With the laser chassis upside down, and the front nearest you, the front limit switch will now be on your right side. Under the x-axis stepper motor found on your now right side, locate and remove the 2 screws (see Figure 3A).
Step 2:
Using the two M3x10 Carbon Steel screws provided, install the limit switch into the location of the screws removed in Step 1. The limit switch extender should be pointing with the larger end towards the front of the laser chassis and to the right so it can make contact with the limit switch (see Figure 3B)
Step 3:
Turn the chassis back over and the installed limit switch extend should look as shown in Figure 3C
4. Adjustable Z-Axis
Step 1:
If the laser module is installed, remove it from the OEM dovetail bracket. Then, uninstall the OEM dovetail bracket by removing the 4 screws (see Figure 4A). Please retain the OEM spacers as they will be reused (see Figure 4B)
Step 2:
Insert the OEM spacers onto the pre-installed screws of the Adjustable Z-Axis (see Figure 4C).
Please use Blue Loctite or equivalent on the pre-installed screws.
Step 3:
Adjust the slider of the Adjustable Z-Axis so you have access to to the pre-installed screws. Fasten the Adjustable Z-Axis on the X-Axis bracket where the OEM dovetail bracket was located. Tighten by hand till the screws are ‘snug’ but be careful to not overtighten to not damage the Adjustable Z-Axis (see Figure 4D).
Step 4:
Remove the laser shield from the Laser module (see Figure 4E). Install laser module into the Slider of the Adjustable Z-Axis, ensure it goes all the way down until it reaches the bottom of the slider. Fasten the laser module to the slider via the OEM thumb screw or the pre-installed M3x20mm SS screw provided (see Figure 4F). Do not overtighten extension screws. Hand Tighten until they are snug. Once the laser module is installed into the Adjustable Z-Axis, you can reinstall the shield. Some may wish not to reinstall the shield, and if so, please ensure you take proper precautions such as wearing proper eye wear, etc. Always avoid eye and skin exposure from direct and scattered laser light.
5. Focus Gauge
By removing the laser module’s shield you will have also removed the Focus Gauge. Or if you have re-installed the shield, then when the Adjustable Z-Axis has been raised to work with material on the rotary tool, the lock nut can interfere when trying to focus the laser module due to the focusing lever being in the back. Therefore we have provided a ‘Focusing gauge’ that can be used instead to adjust your laser module to the correct height, as seen in Figure 5A
6. Important Notes
- Do not overtighten screws fastening the Adjustable Z-Axis to the Chassis or Laser Module to the Slider. Hand tighten until they are snug.
- Keep your sliders movement at ease with periodic cleaning and the application of grease to the threaded rod and Sleeve. We recommend applying the ‘ ‘Super Lube 41160 Synthetic Grease’ which can be found on Amazon or similar.
- Please perform movement tests to ensure there are no interferences before ‘firing’ the laser. Got Pivo cannot account for other modification you may have.
- Use caution when adjusting the Adjustable Z-Axis, especially with power, to not over-extend/over-retract or hit your working material. When using power/hand tools, it is recommended to adjust at a moderate speed, use the lowest possibly torque setting, and to stop using the tool and continue final adjustment by hand when nearing the High/Low settings or nearing your working material.
Warning: This is a modification to the original machine and Got Pivo is not responsible for any damage or injury caused while using this tool. Please use at your own risk.
7. Troubleshooting
The following are some of the frequently asked questions we receive and If you ever have any issues, please do not hesitate to contact us here or send an email to us directly to contact@gotpivo.com
The adjustable Z-axis is engineered with high-precision tolerances. Occasionally, the slider may experience slight interference with the sleeve’s base plate, resulting in a rhythmic "clicking" sound or sensation during movement.
Why is this happening?
While every unit is rigorously tested and adjusted for smooth operation before shipping, components can occasionally settle or shift during transit or extended use. This minor shift can cause the slider to graze the base plate.
How to Resolve:
If you experience this clicking, you can easily resolve it by creating a small amount of additional clearance:
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Primary Fix (Yellow Zone): Lightly file the perimeter highlighted in yellow on the sleeve’s base plate. Often, just a few swipes are enough to eliminate the interference.
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Secondary Fix (Blue Zone): If the clicking persists, continue by filing the area highlighted in blue, including the screw heads, or apply a few more passes to the yellow perimeter.
