# Maslow 4 -machine build -z axis

**URL:** <https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/maslow-4-machine-build-z-axis/24366>\
**Category:** Hardware\
**Tags:** z-axis\
**Created:** [June 14, 2025, 5:42pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/maslow-4-machine-build-z-axis/24366 "2025-06-14T17:42:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![steve70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@steve70](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/steve70)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2025, 5:42pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/maslow-4-machine-build-z-axis/24366/1 "2025-06-14T17:42:19Z")

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When I lower the machine onto the sled, sliding it over the smooth rods, it stops at the tops of the z-axis stepper screws. I assumed this was “normal” and completed the build. Later after connecting to the maslow 4 via wify, I tried to lower the machine via the interface. The z-steppers engage, but the machine fails to move in the z-axis. The screws are not engaging with the threads on the arms of the lower clamp. Did I forget something?

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**Author:** ![ian\_ab](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a587f6/32.png) [@ian\_ab](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/ian_ab)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2025, 8:25pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/maslow-4-machine-build-z-axis/24366/2 "2025-06-14T20:25:12Z")

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With the power off can you turn the Z motors and do they engage in the Z screws?  
Did you unlock the Maslow? Big red button, Z motors won’t engage until unlocked.  
What maybe your problem is the motors are slightly out of alignment, try loosening the screws holding the Z motors a little and see if it can then engage the nuts. If the works, wind the z motors right down (under power) then tighten the screws.

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**Author:** ![steve70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@steve70](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/steve70)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2025, 9:00pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/maslow-4-machine-build-z-axis/24366/3 "2025-06-14T21:00:04Z")

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Thanks, I took the machine apart and redid the stepper nuts. With the short side down, they tightened flush to the lower clamp. This did the trick. On reassembly, I was able to twist the stepper lead screws by hand to lower the machine. I haven’t had time to reconnect to the machine, and test it under power. Thanks for your quick response, I suspect a better outcome this time.