Well, after some delays per parts, modification than miscommunication in shipment, the mill will be in tomorrow. In preparation, I have made bench for it (I might make cross bracer if there is enough movement to warrant it).
Sort of going to keep this as "noob"'s work log on this machine :)
Design of bench top is directly from Lou (thank you so much for the advices!!!)

Bench is made with 4x4 and 2 layers of 3/4 panels. In retrospect, I could have gone 3 layers with mid as MDF to give it some more mass I suppose... but it's already done and I am bit too tired to do more... for now... :)
Seems pretty sturdy with my wife jumping on top of it for test.
First time I've used this fiberglass stuff so there was some improvement I could have made (such as stretching the fabric really tight so I don't have as much bump and sanding to do), but I am quite happy with the end result :)
I don't think I will paint it as I am not sure how coolant and some paints go together and going to play it safe for now. It's hard to see but the edges are grooved in to let plexiglass go right in and I plan to just put seal string there to hold it and waterproof it. Maybe some u channels of rubber molding on corners so I can easily take one out if I need to work on odd position of machine)...
I will update pic as more progresses... :)
PS) I had moment to talk to Richard of Syil America and it was pleasure chatting with him on MSN. I will give them a call once it is my time to setup the machine for some assitance :)

you will find out quickly that when the mill is added the table structure will matchbox. Matchboxing is structural slang for the top displacing parallel to the ground with the legs leaning in concert with each other. I would brace prior to adding the mill. Stiff structures are good.
Dr.Dave

Well truck rolled in, I WAS DEFINTELY not happy to see the condition of crate it was in.
#1. It was laying on side whole time! In fact, when I questioned the driver he told me that it was like that from warehouse to begin with..
#2. Big dent on the box. Obviously someone drove the lifter bit into package. I've heard horror stories of these... I get to see it first hand for once. Makes me think twice about how should I pack my some of more expensive (about 150 lbs - 200lbs, flammable gas inside however small qty it is), costing from $1700-3000 for customer cascade cooling system (this ones do go cryogenic temp as in -100c or below)... Very disheartening to see.
One comment to Syil on this part, there are some tapes that read "THIS SIDE up" with red marking, arrow and all. About 4x5" or so. It's bit hard to ignore when you can really see it instead of what looks like doodle :) Something that my cost a dollar more (and save time instead of getting those markers and drawing) per unit shipped by posting it maybe 4-8 times.
I use such label and so far all has been good (keep in mind, it's like shipping refridgerator on common carriage... I need to take upmost care on anything I can do).
Another thing. The pallet spacer was useless to pallet transporter here. Probably reason it came to me on side as well as in warehouse. I understand there was additional wood piece to brace unit better but I am thinking maybe using thicker piece of wood on bottom and leaving it easy to move by pallet would have been better option.
Believe me, I don't think you guys want to deal with RMA. For my units each RMA can eat up to profit of 2 units. I do everything in my power to avoid that. I am not sure how situation is for you guys on this.
Now to Syil again. Controller boxe was fastened with a single rope? :) I got an idea for you on this one look for something called "instapak" not the cheapest packing but I wouldn't mind paying few more $$$ to make sure things are here safe. All other accessories were just placed in another side from controller with no fastening really. That includes coolant system and chuck set, and the spindle, and chuck for my rotary table. You might want to make a card board box to be able to be placed tight with the machine with say 3-4 compartment that can accomodate typical accesories that this mill might come with. Just my 2c.

Here are some pics:

Now to happier tone of voice... ;)
here are more pics of accesories that came in :)
First is the mounting stuff for rotary table :) Came with some T-slot nut and bolt and jaw for chuck that is already installed what seems 4 inch and what seems 3 inch chuck :) I especially like the look and quality feel of 3 inch one but I will probably end up using 4 inch one most of time.
On what seems to be factory supplied box was some goodies I probably won't be using too much of...
Next picture is the water pump. I am glad to see 110v pump in there I looked at wiring and it looks quite simple. (but than I deal with pump and motors quite often...)
Next is coolant system (rest of it). It looks to me that the pump will mount right into to the box and everything should be breeze to use... :)
Collet set I ordered. R-8 set.
Most of this things are extra's I've ordered with system.

PS) Well, found out from inspecting closer that the spindle is 4 inches and chuck with adapter is only 3 inches. I am going to have to figure out a way to mount 4 inch chuck...

now the sneak peek at controller box. It seems to be more matured version than Lou has gotten while back :)
I easily found how to connect this system up but will talk with Syil America to double confirm before I power it up (actually need my computer prepped anyway... which WILL take time).
Anyways, It looks easy enough to install with all the things' i am seeing. Only part it seems like I will have to connect would be power... (duh), spindle speed control to another controller, and emergency stop wire to another controller.
Now here is something that WORRIES me A LOT.
I see 220v to 12v power transformer powering the controller. Does that mean I need transformer sitting in between to use this? Also, does that voltage apply to rest of system as wel or just controller. The PSU to power stepper seems to be capable of running regular voltage here as well...
If the 220v is must than how do I draw it when the power line from Sieg machine itself looks like 110v to me?
If the transformer was a mistake, I can easily find replacement one... if DC is okay that's even better as I have about 100 switching 12v dc psu rated for 2A... :) I use it to power fans on my builds.
Overall the system looks VERY complete to me and well made :) Only thing I would like to see improve really which I believe in progress are Manual, and better packing and shipping strategy for now :) I will keep this updated as I go alone :)

Got the machine up the bench and got computer configured (installing of windows, etc).
I have no hold down, toolings, etc yet as I am looking into what would suit me best for now.
But ran some dry run of things (milling air with air?:P)
First problem was 4th axis wasn't working. I open up and find out wire very loose so plug it in firmly. Now it would halt in middle of turning with grinding noise... bleh. Found out the alignment of stepper must have been out and sure enough it was. Easy enough fix.. .few mins there.
Now, Z axis seem to have problem traveling at 100% of speed. If I manually go through mach shuttle control to move Z axis, it would halt in middle with grinding noise. I was able to jog around at 80% but there are some uneven tone when moving. Could it be something got damaged in shipping?
Next, spindle control. I need some explanation on how to as I wasn't able to use it successfully. From manual control from controller seem to work but not from mach 3. Also, the sound doesn't quite sound as smooth as I was expecting especially on low RPM as gear might have gone out or some tight binding and RPM reading fluctuates quite a bit.
I didn't expect it to be very easy going without some adjustments once I get it due to long shipping but I am starting to get bit stumped... Hopefully I will hear back from Syil America soon. (what is the time of operation anyways? I never got through phone during day time... maybe it's night time operation? :P)
Also, it seems to me that there is no cut out when the table reaches it's limit? I managed to get to end of table with nothing stopping me other than it physically stuck and stepper whining which certainly can't be good.

Let's hope all this little things are as easy to fix/find out as my 4th axis problem I initially had.

Your unit was the last unit sold directly from the factory in China, and the first with the spindle control. That is why we open the crates here, adjust, bench test, and re-package in the states. It makes it more difficult to troubleshoot over the phone/text/internet.

I got your message and will call you in the morning.

I talked to Richard of SyilAmerica. Awesome support over all.
We managed to get some issues with axis (more of configuration issue than anything else).
We had some problem with spindle control and the fact spindle turning doesn't quite soudn right. I suspect shipping damage on pulley or manufacturing proces (it doesn't turn concetric on motor mount side as well as screw holding the pulley is really stripped).
Richard is looking into issue and we will touch base again shortly.
One thing for sure, I can definitely see this company evolving each sales they make just like I do with my small business.
(I really understand how it can be sometimes time consuming and stressing when trying to diagnose things over the phone when someone doesn't have full knowlesge or practiced in field).
Over all, I probably will be delayed a little over a week from actual cutting of my things in perfectly operating machine but I have no doubts at this point that I will get there with Richard and Xusho backing up on their product.
Big Kudos to you guys :) (and let's keep it going smooth so I can keep giving you more praises :P)

Hi jinu. Great thread. :) Did you order the full cnc kit with your machine or seperately, and if seperate, from where?

The bench looks great by the way. But I have no experience of mills so I dont know if its strong or weak for the X3.

Thanks.
:)

Thank you diarmaid. It was before SyilAmerica was made so I had to order direct from Yuyao Syil. I don't think SyilAmerica skimps on packing as people in US generally are bit more into safe shipping and Richard and I have talked about issues with the manner it was shipped and it sounded like his got it under control. Basically, all this minor quirks I am running into will be reviewed by SyilAmerica and than handled accordingly before getting to customers hand. I call that attention to detail :)

Well what a good day it was. I was on phone with SyilAmerica again for spindle issue I had.
We got the spindle to work as well as flood relay :) Wooohooo.
Now only remaining thing left is spindle replacement, and the missing 1600RPM on my mill (could be software configuration we don't know about).
I am so happy.
Through the whole thing, SyilAmerica proved to be not only professional, reliable and caring. Which I can't say to many other US based business ;)
You wouldn't happen to have worked at Nordstrom have you? :)
I can't wait to get to 100% shortly with your help.

Sincerely, Jin

I have the same package on the way to me, looks great! Just a little question did you disassemble any of the machine it get it on the bench? I have to get my machine in my basement.

I really didn't disassemble anything per say to lift up to bench.. I hired homedepot specialty labour (3 of them). I also have hydraulic lift table which helped lifting process to be only for few feets each time needed.
The thing I really was surprised was weight of the machine. I just can't imagine how to move it to basement myself to be honest.
Now, since rotary table is already wired, I had to move it together but in case of your situation, it might be better to disconnect rotary table. Not sure how easy it is to take out the spindle box (considering number of wires from back), but it might be an option too.
You really should send a pm to SyilAmerica to see what they recommend. Very helpful guy :)

Disassembly of the machines is extremely easy. We take them all apart here, check and adjust. Everyone will need to take their machines apart to get all the preservative oils off, and re-oil the ways and bed.

After some instruction and adjustment, now my spindle is turning at full 3500 RPM Yippeee.
Also, I have followed Richard's instruction on taking out tables... (warning they seem to be about 50lbs so be prepared), cleaning off grease --- very messy -- and reoiled it... as well as mirror lapping (I didn't go too far on it as there are few deep scratches that would make gib significatly thinner, and machines X and Y axis are running even smoother than before. Z axis clean up I will wait for further instruction.
World of warning. The cable for y optical sensor can get into way of ball screw, get jammed and break off. It happened to me and lucky enough it was attachment part where I crazy glue'd it and it seems to be just fine.
I suggest routing it right next to bed and having some kind of attachment as safety... same goes to x axis but there isn't really anything to tag on to there so not as dangerous per say.
Unfortunately the metric chuck collet set I got is MT3 as well as having not small enough size for some 1/8 tooling bit i need to use. And drawbar seems to be hard to find for any replacement mt3 I can find online. People who are getting it from SyilAmerica shouldn't have problem as I heard that they offer R8 system with ER-32. Mine is not ER-32... I have no idea what size it is... it is smaller than ER-32 for sure. Hope someone in China can answer me on this. I have made draw bar for MT3 imperial collet chuck set I ordered today using stainless steel rod and bushing I lathed as well as hex cap nut (all stainless steel) and brazed it to be one piece so I guess I should be able to start running some designs that need 1/8 tooling shortly.
One wierd thing... I am complete noob at this so bear with me. Do Y axis move forward when value decrease? I thought it should be the other way?

Hey man, can you tellme what you guys did to make the spindle work from mach 3 ? Mine will not work. Also, the spindle seems to make a lot of noise when running, did you guys do anything to it to make it better ? It just stutters under 300rpm...

thx

Scy

Well in my case motor pulley was not concentric which casued some noise. I am waiting for replacement to arrive to replace this. Spindle itself was well within 0.0005.
As for making spindle run from mach 3, there should be a switch to make spindle run manually from the panel or from mach 3. Now, as for configuration, maybe post your spindle setting screenshot? Original config file sent from syil was incorrect in mine too.

about the spindle config flies,we think our software too old,we will buy new mach from artsoftware and sent correctly flies to customers in future.
thank you for your suggetions.
syil.best regards.

Hmm, i dont have access from here. The machine is at a friend's house...

I'll post pics later on. Do you have pics of your config ? In the meantime ?

And the machine making that kind of a noise, i really hope its not normal. It sounds like cheap press drill now.... :(

Scy

Erggg... mind if I ask you where you got it from? (syil america or syil china?)
Anyways, let me go grab some pictures right now :)

PS) hope this helps :)
I don't know why i didn't just screen capture lol.

You might have spindle relay disabled as option which isn't the case. It should not be disabled as relay is what turns on and off spindle it seems. PWM is there for low-high speed while relay controls on/off on the control board I have at least. I heard mine is one of the very first one out from China on this so i am not sure if such is case for rest of you guys.
PWM frequency is something I have decided put in after reading mach 3 manual... works just fine and I would rather not have mach using too much resources just to control spindle is what I figured since my axis can travel pretty fast.

Thank your Jin,maybe your can become our adviser.hehe.

We got it from syil america ! I just cant reach them right now...

I'll try and see if i can figure out something out of that

Thanks !!!

David

The only thing different from what I had is the pwbm frequency which was set at 500 here, not 50 and the 3 % below...

I got a question... If you try to run your spindle at very low rpm, like under 300rpm... does it stutter ? Like its on and off... ? The motor...

Would you be able to take a video of the spindle running with sound ? So I can hear how yours sounds like.. mine sounds pretty bad :(

Thanks very much for everything you're doing, appreciate it !

Still not working... IF I push the spindle button either on the cnc head or in mach 3, i can hear the relay, but nothing happens. In mach 3, the spindle button flashes yellow and i cant change the speed... :(<

Is the spindle speed set at the speed you want?
Also check pulley... it should be somewhere between 150-1800 or 300-3600 ranges... (it's just arbitary settings really).
Also, wondering if your relay is set for spindle or flood control? Mine was set at same location on original file I got... (of course it won't work :P)
I really doubt my spindle is off centre per say as if i put one of my micro bit and measure the play with good collet, it shows .5 thousandth of play on bit itself. But if I put bad collet (well both are new...) its like 2-3 thousandth... !!!! (i guess time to start investing on quality collets at least for small bits i have now, I don't enjoy idea of breaking bits that cost decently each...) Maybe it will be even smoother when i get new pulley&motor comobo which was shipped last week I think.
I hope the best of luck to you as I know it can get frustrating scyan. (I am frustrated too), but hopefully Richard will get back to you ASAP. He really has been up to getting back to me on phone conversation, etc to help me out other than last week which I know he was out on trip. He should have good idea on your machine which will help more since it is from SyilAmerica not direct from China like my case which makes us unsure of what we are dealing with at times when we try to diagnose little issues :)

Just got back in the office. Thank you Jinu117 for helping out here.

On the spindle:

Scyan, you have the low speed spindle gear, they make a little more noise than the larger one. You have a large one on the way to you, so that will solve that issue.

On the spindle control:

PWM should be set to 500. If your spindle switch (near the main power switch) is in CNC mode, you should NOT be able to change the speed via the face. Press start. Your display on the head should read "0080 forward". Then, in Mach you can enter your desired spindle speed in the "spindle speed" box under the category of "spindle speed". Always remember to press enter after your input, mach will only recognize your input once you confirm it. (safety feature). Then, when you press start, the spindle will turn at the desired speed.

CNC machinery is a TREMENDOUS learning experience. It is unfair to subject yourself to unrealistic expectations of becoming a full fledged production shop from day one. Be nice to yourself by taking it slow. One concept at a time. I, personally, can empathize with true frustration when taking on something like this. That’s why I’m here to compassionately deal with any issues you might have. I want to see you successful as much as yourself.

Mach profiles for Syil America, download here. (http://www.syilamerica.com/docs/syilamericax3.zip)

Thanks Richard !

David

Well, good news... new ball screw for y-axis is in. Motor amperage was bit off which I retuned with help of Lou :)
After all the way lapped, etc it seems machine is running smooth as butter for time being. Once I get some heavy cut done i will report back :) Can't wait for new pulley with motor replacement Richard and I think I might have quietest syil SX3 in US for time being :P

Well, can you see my grin ??? :)
After much delays, Richard and Xusho came through with me. Heck, if the product is imperfect at start it did end up perfect with these two's vigilante effort!!!
Here is picture of today's cut in progress. (I wrote the g-code with x,y coordinate wrong so trying to figure out how to place it for... the other side correctly... sigh... 5 axis would be awesome right now... lol.
Cut was using 3/8" HSS aluminum cutting endmill with 3" flute (not the most rigid but I will needed the length), going at 50 IPM, 1500 RPM spindle speed (still playing around with feed, etc for this type of cut so it might go higher IPM eventually once I make my table bit more rigid). Cutting depth is 100% of tool diameter (3/8") each pass. Will be milling some aluminum, etc later including very hard to cut copper (very thin deep grooving) once I feel more confident on what I do :)

Again, thanks a ton Richard and Xusho. You really understood my problem and got through the hard time.

PS) for those who liked my gib nut change to thumb screw (and yes, it works great :P)
Got it from mcmaster.com part 96445A370
It does make my gib adjustment a cinch.

Looks clean. Nice.

jinu117 nice tool tryout in soft material.

Hopefully, you are not going to try to use that flimsy cutter to actually machine any metal with it?

It will probably chatter just looking at metal -e.g. aluminum :)

Eeek... it looks flimsy? Ehehe...
Actually I have set of Carbide mill from SGS sitting on side, as well as some very specialized carbide for cutting thin deep channels as well as HDPE & Polypropylene. Honestly though, I think HSS of what I have will do absolutely fine on materials I do for plastic side after some cutting. Aluminum, I have some aluminum specific carbide bits :)
I definitely will be keep asking questions on main forum for advices as I cut more materials... :)

Hey man, where can i get that material, it must be cheaper than alloy, right ?

Probably good for tryouts, as well as pine wood i guess ?

let me know !

David

Uhmmm it depends on cost of it really. It's HDPE I cut there which is about $19 for 2ftx4"x2" before shipping from mcmaster. I have to use it for part of my product hence the cut ;) I am right now cutting jig for it using aluminum 1" thick 4 wide, probably 12" long. Using carbide 3/8" endmill no coolant (I still haven't set up sheilding setup for coolant not to spray on my face :P)
Since the design has both bottom and top side cut, I need to have sure way of flipping it over and matching it exactly :) Thinking about having maybe jig that holds 2 pieces in line perfectly lines up the way I would like and create g-code to do both top and bottom in line. Going to take a while for setting up though... .:)

Z axis clean up I will wait for further instruction.

If you don't mind what were you instructed to do with the Z axis. Did you do any disassembly or just clean it as is. I would also like to know how one adjusts the gib correctly on the Z axis and know you got it right.

Same way as the other gibbs. Tighten until touch, then back off 1/8-1/16th of a turn.

Hi jinu117

I bought a Super X3 about a year ago, and my experiance was the same crate and packing was appalling, also bad connections on some wiring.

But after I got the machine to work it has proved to to be very good value for money, as the column is a solid lump of cast iron it is capable of seriois work, stick with it and you will be pleased.

Although the Chinese make good tools they need to understand thier markets, in Europe and the USA when we spend thousands of $ or £ we expect to recieve our investment well protected from the shipping process and not held together with string and chewing gum!

Have Syil solved the Y axis problem of the tool center covering the table width i.e the full six inches? if not you need to make a packing block as in pic.

Good Luck

Mike

The simple answer to the full table travel is no. Just finished making my spacer.

You need to go over the entire mill with a fine toothed comb to avoid future needless problems. Wiring especially! Any bolts you feel you're going to be cranking down I'd replace as well.

Like Mikemill and Igg1e I'm going to be using a spacer in the y axis. This is the last crease to be ironed out bar the splash screen to catch coolant. I must admit Iv'e found the learning prosess trying but rewarding as a cnc novice I really know my machine inside and out (he he). To miss quote some movie / film, "just when I'm about to do some cutting, A problem pulls me back again". I need to see swarf.

Another area of the learning curve with the X3 is coolant splash guards, I made a three sided guard mounted on bar extensions to the table front, giving full travel of the table without fouling the head, but I found in practice it just got in the way. The answer is two pieces of perspex as long as the table about 6" high that slot into ali spacers on the front and back of the table they catch 90% of spash, then runs into T slots, and as I have adjusted the screw feet so machine leans to the drain at left of table, all keeps coolant under contol. Perspex just lifts off to get access to work, and dose't take up lots of space or get in the way of the machining process. I have two sets of perspex one 6" and one 8" high for larger work.

Thanks
Mike

hi mikemill
I beleve I saw your pictures of your first attempt at splash gaurds and its interesting how things develop over time, I'm making a Y axis packing plate at the mo but then I'll follow your newer splash gaurd design using rubber / plastic combo.

Hi Rodger
Where abouts are you in UK, do you have any projects you are useing the X3 for?
I was thinking of asking Hugh to contact the people he has sold X3's to, if they would be interested in shareing their experiances re X3, as I am sure you would agree working with these machines is not as straight forward as with a manual tool.
Cheers

Mike

Hello Mike
I live in Streatham Saffe laandon (south london) and work from Camden North London and Hugh's gaff is about 8 miles from my work. With the SX3 CNC mill it is worth its money even with its initail problems. If the price we pay is for a machine that is modified due to a customers request (1ggle asked for a bigger ball screw nut (hence the y axis limit)) and we have to modify the machine as and when we find the problems, then I say yes we should compile / document any forseeable issues and If hugh is agree able add them to the CD that he gives out with the machine. Oh I do go on dont I. I think I'm in agree ment with you, after all at the moment just to get rhe first Proper cut going I'm bodging my Y axis packing plate by making it in aluminimum.. later on I'' make a full size steel replacement and possibly shorten my ball screw.

All the best

rogerx4 aka rogersx3 (cnczoneuk), Roger Ramjet, Ranjit Jeganathan.