I've almost finished setting up my new SX3 and thought some aspects of my bench design might be of interest to others here, so I'm posting the pix. It evolved out of conversations with a number of you, as well as comments made by others here and in other forums. I'm new to milling and CNC, so I've tried to anticipate as many issues as possible, without having the benefit of much experience.

The final bill is going to be around $1500, which I realize is more than most people are going to want to spend. Over half of that, however, is for 80/20 (http://industrialerectorset.com/Default.asp) aluminum extrusions, for which a lot of people would substitute timber for a big saving. The other things I've done are applicaple regardless of the material you use.

One decision I made that greatly simplifies the design is to go with Fog Buster (http://www.fogbuster.com/frame.htm) for my cooling and lubricating, instead of flood or mist. Since the coolant doesn't get recirculated, and doesn't collect in puddles (very much), there are fewer waterproofing issues. I just use a sheet of 3/4" melamine.

The slotted angle frame you see going up in the later photos will support acrylic sheets held on with magnets so they'll be easily removed while keeping dust out and chips in.

Your enclosure looks great. The aluminum extrusion is a great idea. I didn't order an X3 yet but the enclosure (lack of) is a great concern to me.
I have a question though regarding the fog buster. You will still end up some fluid how are you going to drain it?
I wouldn't put the PC up there because the PCs back is exposed. And dust, chips will eventually make it there. Your monitor is also too close to the spindle.
The notebook on the 3D tray looks great on Syil's ad but I wouldn't dare to put any electronic equipment so close to the spindle.
Once you get up and running please post some pics I'd like to see what the machine is capable of.
How much did you have to wait for delivery after ordering the machine?

Thanks,
James

As far as I can tell, the Fog Buster fluid doesn't need to be drained. Most evaporates during machining and whatever's left over can just be wiped up with a paper towel. Time will tell.

As for the PC, I plan to put some acrylic on the bottom and left side (as you're facing it) to deflect chips. I may also use some furnace filter material for dust.

The monitor will have a piece of acrylic protecting its screen, and particle board protecting its sides.

I got my machine a couple weeks after placing the order. The high-speed spindle kit arrived a week or two later. Still waiting for the 4th axis, but I'm not in any hurry. Syil warned me these two pieces would be delayed when I placed the order.

I'm curious to know how your fogbuster system is working out for you so far. Are you getting by ok without a drain pan with this system?

I've been slammed with work and haven't been able to fire up the Fog Buster yet. Hope to do so in the next few days, though. I'll post my impressions then. In the meantime, here's a video posted by jl123, a CNCZone member, that shows it in action (52MB): http://www.wowstfu.com/images/k/pocket.wmv. You can also IM him for his comments (I did).

Involute

Thanks for the link, etc... and hope you get time to play with your new setup. I'll be looking out for your comments on the fogbuster and the sx3. ;)

Involute,
Could you post some info on the high speed spindle kit?
thanks

Ron