I was wondering how accurate peoples X3 conversions have been. Has anybody tried to pocket a circle and go with a DTI to check for roundness, the bump? How would you rate the accuracy of general milling operations? What, in your opinion was the large contributor in any inaccuracies?

In my case it's going to be the operator. :)

Wouldn't backlash be the main contributor in an inaccurate machine?

Backlash can be a major contribitor, but it can also is effected by tramming and gib trueness and the perpendicular relationship between x & y axis, and rigidity depending on what metal you are machining and even if the tool that your cutting it with is cnc rated, of course this is assuming that your motors are correctly tuned.

But unless you have preloaded ballnuts and are not relying on the backlash compensation software to take up the slack, you will be disapointed in your finding doing the prescribed test.

But, in the case of Phantomcow2, with his percision ballscrews, and his ability to tram his equipment, I predict his results will mirror Phil Burnams with his Tormach.

Ron

I certainly hope they will mirror a Tormach! WHat would be very cool and an idea I just now thought of...

Take the base with saddle to work and put it on the mighty CMM. Then find out exactly how perpendicular it all is, and scrape accordingly. Hmm, food for thought I think.

Phantom,
Don't forget, it's just a hobbie!

If your not careful, you'll make us all jealous!!!