I'm working on getting my new Syil CNC X2 up to snuff. I can tell that on the Z axis, getting the gibs just right will make a big difference.

Using the locking nut things is a pain, as when you go to lock the nut, you also turn the set screw. I'm thinking about using nylon locking set screws instead.

It seems to me that it's such an obvoiusly good idea, someone else must have thought of it.... but I've never heard of anyone doing it. Has anyone tried it?

Is there a problem that I'm not seeing?

Thanks!

-Jeff

Those are pretty small screws to have a nyloc section in them.

However, it sounds good if you can find some that would be strong enough to hold still while you tighten the nut.

If you find some that seem to work ok then please post what and where you got them.

Good luck, Pres

Teflon pipe tape works also

I was going to say McMaster for a source, but I just checked, and the nylon locking screws are only in US threads, not metric. I'll keep looking.

I may have to try the teflon tape.

-Jeff

I was going to say McMaster for a source, but I just checked, and the nylon locking screws are only in US threads, not metric. I'll keep looking.

I may have to try the teflon tape.

-Jeff

I have found if you cannot get nylocks, to either double nut if theres room or use parafin wax, paint, rtv, and even a dap of wood glue all work. The chinese seem to use there own class of fit, most people have found it easier just to toss there locking screws etc and use regualr metric stuff from the hardware store or where ever.

chris

The teflon tape is a good idea.

Have you seen this?
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2635&category=

I've seen a lot of fasteners with pre-applied threadlocker, usually light blue. I would guess the folks at Locktite would have something to sell you.

I've seen Sieg X2 and X3 gib strips both honed and hand scraped. Someone measured the difference with a small scale.

I would think that if your machine is new, and the gib strips are not well mated, that frequent adjustments would be needed until they are seated/mated.

The teflon tape is a good idea.

Have you seen this?
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2635&category=

I've seen a lot of fasteners with pre-applied threadlocker, usually light blue. I would guess the folks at Locktite would have something to sell you.

I've seen Sieg X2 and X3 gib strips both honed and hand scraped. Someone measured the difference with a small scale.

I would think that if your machine is new, and the gib strips are not well mated, that frequent adjustments would be needed until they are seated/mated.
I would only adjust them when you have noticeable slop, over adjustment is the quickest way for them to fail, yes the first few times you use it you may be taking up some slack, untill the machine settles in. You need to let the lubrication do its job, forcing it out only makes matters worse adjusting gibs takes a certain feel, not too tight (no lub barrier), not too loose(in accurate). Also an intial lapping in on the chi-com machines always seems to help, I like using bona-emi or similiar and some oil and kerosene, but wd-40 and similiars will work to. The trick is to make sure you go the full length of your way, in this case having the gib little tight is ok. I would not reccomend hand scraping unless you are familiar with it, its a quick way to ruin a gib/way if you don't know what you are doing.


chris

Dagnabbit! I looked at Littlemachineshop for just these items and didn't find them. Thanks Brenda!

I also found a product called "Vibra-tite" in McMaster that doesn't cure like the loc-tite stuff. It stays flexible but stops the screws from turning.

Thanks everyone!

-Jeff