Abstract: A three-axis coordinate inspection machine. A pair of parallel Z axis rails are mounted atop a bearing plate having an upwardly facing horizontal bearing surface. A single X axis rail has opposite ends slidably and bearingly mounted to the Z axis rail. The X axis rail extends through a carrier which is supported by the bearing surface of the bearing plate. A vertically extending column is mounted to the carrier and slidably holds in the vertical direction one or more inspection probes which may in turn be moved along the length of the X axis rail and Z axis rails.