The more I read, the more confused I'm getting :confused:

I am looking for a medium size plug and play CNC mill. Completely new to this game I started reading through the specs, but the more I read.. the more confused I'm getting :D

From what I understand, the KX3 is basically a converted mechnical mill and the X4 is a mill which is constructed for CNC from the base up.

But... which one is would be the best choice?

I want to do some prototyping of small parts and small production quantities of aluminium parts.

Any suggestions?

If I could justify the money right now I'd buy this one. The table has more travel and comes with more tooling.(I think)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270332564665&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=

I would confirm this with the seller.
* Free mach 3 licensed software

* include the controller box and electronics driver

From what I understand, the KX3 is basically a converted mechnical mill and the X4 is a mill which is constructed for CNC from the base up.


thats actually backwards - sort of. the kx3 is a ground up cnc mill based on the specifications of the manual sx3, but doesnt share any parts except perhaps the column.

the syil x4 is built around the same manual mill and i believe used more of the manual mill's original castings.

neither are what would be called retrofits though.

as for which is functionally better.. i cant say.

I can't speak for the Syil since I have never seen one. I was very seriously considering buying one until I found the deal on the KX3. I like the fact that the KX3 is purpose built from the ground up as a CNC mill like fish mentioned. Also, the QC toolholder really is a game changer, especially at the same price point as the Syil. While I have not yet run the mill, I have hooked up the changer and it works like a charm. CLUNK and out comes the bit. CLUNK back in. Cool as hell.

I also looked at Tormach, but their ads for a mill under $8K are a joke...no way you're getting out of that shopping cart with a usable setup for less than 10K.

Anyway, as far as the KX3, if you're worried about the factory raising their prices, why don't you contact them and say you'll place an order pending the reciept of my controller? Once I get it hooked up and can post a couple vids of the mill moving around then we can verify it's all in order. You get to lock in your price, they get another sale in the pipe, and maybe in the meantime it will give them more motivation to get my controller mailed out. Everybody wins! :)

EDIT: Have you checked into the details of importing to NL yet? May be more difficult than it is to bring something in here to the US.

i have your emails.and just writing for you.
currently order from china have discount.also,we are quantity production.
not a HK trading company can be compare.so the delivery time we mostly within a week.see the attach pic. or video factroy introduce:
http://www.youtube.com/syilcnc
if you need machine urgently,you may also reach syil germany,Uk,switerland.
they total have stocks.and provide service.

not at all the only big difference between the Syil and kx3 is the y axis motor mount where the choice of mount on the kx3 is better as its in the back aside from that the frame of the machine is exactly the same the other difference might be in the electronic component and even then i am sure they are sourced by the same manufacturer in china

i have your emails.and just writing for you.
currently order from china have discount.also,we are quantity production.
not a HK trading company can be compare.so the delivery time we mostly within a week.see the attach pic. or video factroy introduce:
http://www.youtube.com/syilcnc
if you need machine urgently,you may also reach syil germany,Uk,switerland.
they total have stocks.and provide service.
ahah! funny you get a quick glimpse of the x7 in your video

There are a few other differences between the 2. The KX3 has tapered gibs on all 3 axis, and the drawbar on the R8 model is captured on the KX3 although you have to modify the collar slighlty to lock it to the spindle so you don't have to fiddle with it, The KX3 also has military style circular connectors for the 4th axis and motor drive cables on the back of the column on the models that don't have the controller built into the stand. I like the fact the Y axis motor is on the backside of the column on the KX3 as it will make an enclosure easier to make, and it looks like they must have changed the mounting of the y axis leadscrew bracket recently because the newest models appear to have 7" Y travel instead of 6".