Well gentlemen....after lurking on here for quite some time, I have taken the big leap by purchasing a Sieg X3 from my local Harbor Freight. I had been considering it for a while, but when I received the latest e-mail with a 20% off coupon, I could no longer resist. Here is the link to the coupon, which is only valid until 2/9/09:

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=609&campaign=RetailC&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=4041_857459&cust=78084451347&keycode=0000

Anyway, I know there have been some concerns over the fact that the Harbor Freight website lists the table travel of the X3 as being smaller than it actually is....and that this has caused some people to be concerned that if they order, they might get stuck with one of the older/smaller models that has been sitting in the warehouse. Well....fear no more. When I went to my local store (MI) to have them order the X3, they looked into it and found out that they have NO MORE in-stock at the warehouse (that all the stores receive from). They dug a little deeper and were able to tell me that they were showing as "In-Transit" from china, but that I would have to wait until the warehouse received these.

So....unless Sieg is still shipping out an X3 model with a slightly smaller table than the one that Lathemaster and Grizzly are selling (which I doubt), then you no longer need to worry about receiving some old model that has been hiding in the warehouse.

Well....there you have it....my first post.

Hope some of you find this information helpful!

Hi caleb105. Nice first post! Thanks for the info.

So were you able to use that coupon? What was final price?

CR.

The coupon is for "Retail Store" items only. However, retail stores can "Special Order" items that they don't usually stock (such as milling machines). This allows you to use the 20% off coupon. Another benefit to doing a "Special Order" through a store is that you DON'T HAVE TO PAY FREIGHT!!!! You just pick it up from the store when it comes in. Here's what I ended up paying:

X3 Mill = $1000
20% off = - $200
Shipping= $0
Sales Tax = $47
-------
$847

That's a whole lot better than spending $1075 - $1090 by ordering it online through HF or Grizzly! I figure I saved about $240 total.

Thanks! Nice savings!

Of course, you only get the HF 90 day return warranty. Even if you buy the extended warranty, I think, it's still a bring the heavy sucker back in original crate and trade for a new one.

Still, you may have saved enough to be worth it. Please keep us posted when your mill arrives.

CR.

Yes, they did offer me an extended warranty:

1 Year Extended warranty = $129

2 Year Extended Warranty = $169

I would have to bring it back to them (or a certified repair shop?). You also have the option of adding a clause to the extended warranty where they come to your house. That was an additional $99

I figured if anything major is wrong, that will be evident within the first few months.

I had a similar coupon and i tried to use it for my X2. They said they could not do it because it was special order and their warehouse would see that it was discounted down, and not ship it to the store.

It was some BS

Keep the crate. Anyway, Congratulations on buying a fine mill!

Here are some manuals to keep you busy until your mill arives:

HF:

http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals/93000-93999/93885.pdf

Grizzly:

http://grizzly.com/images/manuals/g0463_m.pdf

Setup/Preparation guide:

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/projects/prepguides/X3%20Mill%20Preparation%20Guide.pdf

CR.

not to hijack but is there a x2 setup/prep guide like the one for the x3. I looked on their site but didn't find any, but then I couldn't find the x3 one listed either.

Yes, they did offer me an extended warranty:

1 Year Extended warranty = $129

2 Year Extended Warranty = $169

I would have to bring it back to them (or a certified repair shop?). You also have the option of adding a clause to the extended warranty where they come to your house. That was an additional $99

I figured if anything major is wrong, that will be evident within the first few months.

I had a similar coupon and i tried to use it for my X2. They said they could not do it because it was special order and their warehouse would see that it was discounted down, and not ship it to the store.

It was some BS

It must depend on the store (people working there). I had a problem with the motor on my RF-40 about 6 months after I bought it.(I didn't buy the warranty) When I asked guy at the store if they sold them, he just told me to bring the mill back and they'll exchange it. That's been about 6 years ago with no problems on the new one.

Nice buy caleb105! I wish they had them in stock so I could go look at them.

I returned an X2 some years ago on their extended warranty. Brought it in without the crate and left with a new one in crate. No hassles. YMMV of course.

I returned an X2 some years ago on their extended warranty. Brought it in without the crate and left with a new one in crate. No hassles. YMMV of course.

Glad to hear it worked out for you.

An X2 is a workable return. This policy WORKS for small stuff. I shudder at the thought of loading up and returning a 400 pound X3 though--Especially if I have modified it for CNC.

Grizzly will happily and immediately send me parts for one year of warranty--no return necessary. Of course, Grizzly machines seem not to NEED much warranty parts. Some say they have better QC and stricter acceptance from factory than HF. Maybe it's true.

CR.

I had a similar coupon and i tried to use it for my X2. They said they could not do it because it was special order and their warehouse would see that it was discounted down, and not ship it to the store.

It was some BS

I bought my harbor freight X2 a week before christmas using one of their 20% off coupons that stated it was for in store items only. The manager had no problems letting me special order the mill with the coupon. It was also on sale for something like $40 off, so I ended up getting the mill for $400 with tax.

says right on the coupon...

I checked with the store manager in Vernon, CT 5 min. ago and he says that this mill is always a special order item.

Nice man though, he offered me 10% off if I did order it through him.

Not worth the 6 hour round trip and $25 in gass to save $180.

not to me at least....

Grizzly will be getting my order.

They've always been excellent to me in the past.

Though the one time I had to return an item to HF in the past, they took it back, paid shipping and gave me a full refund. Though it took six weeks.

not to hijack but is there a x2 setup/prep guide like the one for the x3. I looked on their site but didn't find any, but then I couldn't find the x3 one listed either.

Well, there is this USER'S GUIDE:

http://littlemachineshop.com/info/MiniMillUsersGuide.pdf

CR.

I ordered mine last week Friday (2/6/09). At that time they were showing non in the warehouse and that they were "in-transit" from China.

Stopped by this morning just to check, and they still don't have any in the warehouse. I guess they are still "in-transit" at this time.

Just thought I'd let people know who are thinking about ordering one. Looks like you'd have to wait a bit anyway. If you can wait until I get mine, then I can confirm the table size.

I'm trying to wait until Friday of each week to call and check on the status of my order. I'm sure they don't want me calling daily. :-)

Called this morning. Still showing as none in warehouse. Must still be on the way from China. From what I've read about other products, those big boats could take months to get over here and finally clear customs. I sure hope mine doesn't take that long!

-Caleb105-

Thanks to Firestorm for the heads up on this one. He was able to talk to the manager of his local HF, and was allowed to use the 20% coupon towards an X3. His manager (WI) confirmed the same thing that mine (MI) had said, that there were no X3's showing in the warehouse. Firestorms manager is making a call to some woman to find out when they are expected to be in stock. Perhaps that will give ME some idea when to expect mine.

In the meantime, here is a link to the coupon, which is only good until the end of the day today:

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=809&campaign=RetailC&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=4180_556193&cust=1234567890&keycode=0000

oh man, i wish it wasnt a couple days till payday.. i could really use that coupon.... just dont have the cash right now...

oh man, i wish it wasnt a couple days till payday.. i could really use that coupon.... just dont have the cash right now...

Project,

Because they aren't showing in the warehouse at this time, my HF had offered to let me wait to order until they came in, but still honor the 20% coupon. I went ahead and ordered it anyway, but it doesn't hurt to ask!

-Caleb105-

yea, but what i wanted to buy is a normal store stocked item, and i dont have the cash, so the warehouse really dosent play into my situation...

thanks for the tip tho.. i'll try and remember it...

Project,

You may want to print out the coupon and go in today anway, they may honor the coupon for you in a few days if you do. When I went in to my local HF, I didn't have the coupon with me and I didn't have any cash on me either. I had basically just stopped in to see if they would be offering that 20% off again anytime soon. The guy wrote me a rain check including the 20% off, he didn't even care if I had the coupon or not! Maybe you can get the same type of deal, just explain that you will have the money in a week or so.

Thanks to Firestorms research, it sounds like the new shipment of X3's should be hitting the HF warehouse on March 6th, and then another 2 weeks for them to make it to local stores.

Thanks for the great update! I don't have to wonder if I'm going to have to wait 3 months!

-Caleb105-

good point...

The transit time from Shanghai to Vancouver was less than three weeks on my KX3. I don't know the distribution time form HF. I got my direct. KX3 is a nice machine. Still figuring out the CNC side :-)

I'll be on the road for 14 hours tomorrow, so I stopped in at my local HF today to get the weekly update. She had no new news, and confirmed that the X3 still wasn't showing in the warehouse. I expected this, but thought I would double check.

ALSO....

Here's this weekends 20% off coupon. Use it if you can!

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=909&campaign=RetailC&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=4180_556193&cust=1234567890&keycode=0000

Spent another 14 hours in the truck today (driving HOME from MD). Called my local HF at about 7pm EDT and "Tony" confirmed that the X3's are showing as In-Stock at the warehouse. I'm not sure exactly when in the last week that they got them, but at least they're in!!!!

He said that they get their truckloads from the warehouse on Thursdays, and he didn't get mine in today, so I should call back next Thurs....hopefully only 1 more week of waiting!

-Caleb105-

wow dude congrats! i bet it makes it a lot easier to see a deadline :)

Im sure you said it but any plans of cnc?

When i bought my X2 they told me the get there shipments on mondays. Well the guy called me on saturday to tell me it just came off the truck.

wow dude congrats! i bet it makes it a lot easier to see a deadline :)

Im sure you said it but any plans of cnc?

Yeah....I've already waited a month! I guess I can handle one more week. As for future plans, I am definitely going to CNC it. I've been collecting parts (See my signature line), and will begin assembly once the mill arrives.

Oh, and here's the 20% off coupon for this weekend:

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=1009&campaign=RetailC&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=4275_1117566&cust=78084451347&keycode=0000

-Caleb105-

Hello all, I have been looking on this site for some time now and have aquired an enormous amount of info.So after lookin around abit i decided to buy an x3 about a mounth ago. I was able to use the coupon that was posted by celeb105 to by the x3. I checked this thread to see what was going on with my mill and I saw that celeb105 said they were in stock. I called today to my local store and they said they were still on back order so I called the warehouse and they told me they had nothing and it would be about another 20 days. I hope the lady was wrong and celeb105 was right.
Thanks, Shane

Hello Shane,

I also used the 20% coupon. I live in Wisconsin and my X3 arrived at my local Harbor Freight yesterday. I'm picking it up tonight!

Harbor Freight has two main warehouses, one on the east coast and one in California, possibly you are closer to California? Either that or the person you talked to was wrong!

I live in Ct i wish mine came in today im hoping they were wrong the girl at the store was very rude. thanks for the reply.

It would make sense that California would get shipments from Orient first, Mid West next and East Coast last.

CR.

I went in a few days ago to confirm that they had them in the warehouse. I glanced at the screeen when she checked her computer, and I believe I saw that they had 7 in stock. I might have been looking at the wrong #. Also, I don't know what warehouse my store receives from. However, they should get mine on Thursday (that's what they told me).

Firestorm, make sure to measure your table and travels to confirm that HF lists the wrong data!

-Caleb105-

Im alittle disappointed in the fact that when i called last week i was told that it would be here some time this week and then i saw how celeb105 said that he saw that they were in so i kinda got my hopes up but o well whats another month lol. Im interested in what the table measurements are as well i have not bought ball screws yet for this reason. Looks like ill play with the stepper motors on the floor some more.:rolleyes:
-Shane-

Looks like ill play with the stepper motors on the floor some more.:rolleyes:
-Shane-

LOL....If I swivel around in my chair, I have my Power supply, Drivers, BOB, and computer case scattered around my office in various states of assembly.

-Caleb105-

LoL thats how my living room was for awhile now its in a semi finished state inside the computer case the girlfreind didnt really like it on the floor.
-shane-

WELL, I just got my mill's crate taken apart in my garage! The very first thing I did was measure the table, it IS 21 5/8" x 6 1/4 as grizzly states on their site. It really looks great!! I'm going to go take it apart now!

X3 teardown guide:

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/projects/prepguides/X3%20Mill%20Preparation%20Guide.pdf

CR.

Well thats good news now I can order ball screws. Im hoping to get the call that mine came in soon.
-shane-

I'm an hour or so away from their Camarillo HQ. I called the local store today and the guy said he would email them to make sure they got my order.

He said something about 10 in stock (somewhere) but wasn't sure, I've given up trusting their info. They either don't know how to check, or their system doesn't tell them anything useful.

Well I guess the girl at the store and the guy at the warehouse were wrong because the manager just called me and told me its in.

get off the computer! lock up the kids! call in sick for work! go get that mill! (nuts)

get off the computer! lock up the kids! call in sick for work! go get that mill! (nuts)

Now THAT's funny! Also good advice--You KNOW you want to.

CR.

You will like the HF X3 I bought mine over a year ago and posted the table size then. I bought it to do stuff while deciding if I need CNC, I think I do :) but its handy just like it is. I had some trouble with the R8 collets sticking slightly off and on but as I use it, that problem is slowly disapearing by itself.
Here is one of the best peices of info I have found if you do go that way
http://cnc4pc.com/Tech_Docs/C11G_&_SIEG_X3_Electrical%20storybook.pdf

I actually did take the day off from work but I put in for it a couple weeks ago so it was nice when the guy told me it was in this morning cause i was thinkin it was gonna be another month.It took me awhile to get it out of the back of my truck the crate they used to ship it was crap I cannot believe they would ship something that heavy in it.
-Shane-

Glad you finally got yours too! If anyone is interested I started a new thread which shows some pictures of my initial setup. I will add to it as my CNC conversion progresses.

Just got the call today! It will be in the store next wednesday!

Got mine yesterday. It's firmly planted in the middle of my living room (apartment) while I disassemble and clean. Yeah, the crate was flimsy, but it handled being strapped to an appliance dolly and dragged up 14 stairs.

I used a dolly too but I went down a flight of stairs.When i got to the bottom the tire on the dolly blew out.All and all it wasn't to bad with 2 people.
-Shane-

Got mine today, no stairs for me!

Well congrats to all of you fine new X3 owners! What? No pics?

CR.

In case anyone can use this, here's 20% off:

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=1209&campaign=RetailC&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=4376_428923&cust=78084451347&keycode=0000

Sorry about no pics....I was too excited to get it unpacked and stripped down. I've built a bench for it in my office (2 bedroom apt) using basically the same dimensions and materials as Firestorm, and have been working on completely cleaning and re-assmebling all the original parts. That red grease is HORRIBLE, and in EVERY nook and cranny.

I've also been forcing myself to draw up each individual part in Solidworks before I re-assemble it, so that I'll have the necessary dimensions when I start designing my conversion. Here's a couple screenshots of my current Solidworks model, onc assembled, and the other an exploded view.

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu5/cmdrtaco/BaseAssembly4-10-09.jpg

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu5/cmdrtaco/BaseAssemblyExploded4-10-09.jpg

nice i did the same thing when I tore my X2 down. But i only did the parts i knew would be a necessity to the conversion.

YGPM, Great work on the solid works model. I have been using and learning solidworks since Solidworks 2001. Currently using a student version of 2009, it has some huge improvments in it.

I am doing all of my drawings in Solidworks 2009 full version. I will be making them freely available once they are complete.

I've been working on measuring and drawing up the spindle and head of my X3. Here's a pic of current progress:

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu5/cmdrtaco/HeadProgress4-12-09.jpg

One of my first projects will be to switch over to a belt drive capable of 6000 RPM. I know several others have done something similar.

In case anyone cares, I went ahead and counted the number of teeth on the internal gears in the head, and did the math to verify the running speeds. I also drew up these illustrations to show what goes on inside the head:

1000 RPM:

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu5/cmdrtaco/1000RPMDrivelineSiegX3.jpg

2000 RPM:

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu5/cmdrtaco/2000RPMDrivelineSiegX3.jpg

beautiful work!

i will most likely emulate your 6k rpm mod :D will you change the spindle bearings and/or add head casting cooling?

Teybar,

Thank you for the compliment. I am a Mechanical Engineering student (already have degrees in Math & Physics (wedge)), and am doing this as my Senior Design project.

I am just starting to look into the RPM conversion, as well as finish up my models. I am looking into a combination of replacing the bearings as well as some sort of active cooling. Like one of our members recently found out (AFTER constructing his cooling device), there is no benefit to cooling the head. The bearings INSIDE the spindle are what need to be cooled. This requires a heat exchanger in direct contact with the spindle.

There are some interesting pages about the subject on MIT's student pages, and I've been researching the topic. I will keep everyone up to speed as progress is made.

Oh, and just as a note to others....I am trying to design with minimal cost. ;)

ill try to draw up an idea i had for cooling the spindle, pretty much identical to something someone posted in the thread of the gentlemen you speak of except its 2 peices so its easier to mount. I have 5 suction line heat exchangers if anyone is interested :D i am interested in what you come up with and i hope you take pictures and post links when you swap bearings

Thanks so much for taking the time to make this available here... I really appreciate it! This is extremely helpful info. Great thread!

Thanks for the comments!

I've been doing a bit of research regarding a high-speed spindle recently. I took my spindle into the shop today and had it pressed apart. Per the exploded view below, there are 2 main bearings used in the spindle.

The upper bearing (#80 in diagram) is a deep groove single row ball bearing. It is model # 6006ZZ. The ZZ at the end of the model # indicates that it is double shielded. This bearing has an outer diameter of 55mm, an inner diameter of 30mm, and an overall height of 13mm. There are several companies that make this bearing (NWH, NSK, Timkin) and they all use the same model #. My mill happened to have NWH bearings.

Note: Some bearings may only have 6006Z printed on each side. However, as long as it is shielded (NOT SEALED!) on both sides and BOTH sides have 6006Z printed on them, then this IS a 6006ZZ bearing!

Here is a picture of a double SHIELDED ball bearing:

http://www.vxb.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/160xzz.jpg

And for reference, here is a picture of a SEALED ball bearing:

http://www.global-b2b-network.com/direct/dbimage/50187253/Deep_Groove_Ball_Bearing.jpg

The lower bearing (#79 in diagram) is actually a tapered roller bearing, despite the rendering in the picture below. This bearing is model #32006X. It has an outer diameter of 55mm, inner diameter of 30mm, and overall height of 17mm. Once again, this bearing is made by several manufacturers all using the same model #.

Here is a picture of a Tapered Roller Bearing:

http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=220141&d=1232383067

I'm sure that by this point you're asking yourselves..."WHAT ABOUT SPEED???"

This is the million dollar question. Per published data for the 6006ZZ, the limiting speed is 13,000 RPM. HOWEVER....this is NOT the ACTUAL limiting speed. It depends on what type of grease is used to lubricate the bearing. Most grease lubricants allow the bearing to operate anywhere between 60-100% of limiting speed. To be on the safe side, we will assume a cheap grease is used, and the bearing may only operate at 60%. This still allows speeds up to 7,800 RPM.

We will quickly find however, that the tapered bearing is the limiting factor. Per published values, using grease, the 32006X has an actual limited speed of only 6,900 RPM.

Therefore, there are several conclusions to be drawn from this:

1) It appears that all bearings of the same model # (2006ZZ or 32006X) fall under the same RPM constraints, regardless of which company makes them.

2) It appears that the stock bearings ARE capable of 6,000 RPM (possibly 6,500 RPM), but I would not recommend going any higher than that.

3) I have yet to determine the thermal impact of such an increase in speed. I am guessing that it requires active cooling, which is why the factory limited it to 2000 RPM in order to keep manufacturing costs low.


I will be drawing up each internal spindle part in solidworks for future use by others.

I have 2 presentations to give tomorrow, so I must now go work on those. I hope you find this information useful!
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu5/cmdrtaco/SpindleExplodedView.jpg

Wow, excellent work and thank you for taking the time to do this for the rest of us. I'm about two weeks away from receiving a 4'x4' plasma table and I'm already looking at purchasing a mill to add to my new CNC collection. This harbor freight mill certainly looks like it may be the ticket.

Certainly keep us all posted on the progress! I'm anxious to see your finished models being a seasoned SolidWorks man myself ;)

Thank you for the kind words Terra.

Presentation went well yesterday, and I worked some on the spindle drawings last night. I drew up all of the individual parts that the spindle breaks into. Here's an exploded screenshot of the spindle, similar to the drawing I posted above that was taken out of the online Grizzly manual.

I am also included an image copied from ArcEuroTrade.co.uk's disassembly manual that shows the exact same parts as what I have in my mill.

A few differences to note between the illustration in the owners manual and what actually exists:

- My mill did not contain part #8 (sleeve)
- My mill did not contain part #9 (oil seal)
- Bearing #79 in the owners manual looks like a roller bearing. However, it is a tapered roller bearing
- My mill is also missing parts 4 (special nuts) and 89 (cap screws)

My Solidworks Assembly:

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu5/cmdrtaco/SpindleExplodedViewSolidworks.jpg

ArcEuroTrade's Image:

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu5/cmdrtaco/ArcEuroTradeSpindleBreakdown.jpg

Wow thank your research! that is a very exciting discovery :) you can kill two birds with one stone with flood coolant / higher speed spindle. I have some ideas on active cooling and ill try to draw something up, see what you guys think of it

5001 views at 6:08 EDT ...Hurray!!!

Well congrats to all of you fine new X3 owners! What? No pics?

CR.

Haha, if only the sitemaster would answer my numerous emails on changing which email address I receive replies to...they must be waiting for a callback from their IT dept.

Anyway, after machining a few parts and getting crap all over the place, I spent most of the time building an enclosure out of a pallet rack and steel tubing. I copied the designs and suggestions of others on this site. These pix are old, it now has 3 walls and various fins/slides to direct all the swarf in to the catch pan.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/v8z/the%20g/DSC02606.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/v8z/the%20g/DSC02607.jpg

In between, I made a cyclone lid for my shop vac, worked on a couple cars, etc. The enclosure is made to be broken down in case I ever need to get to the back of the machine or remove the machine.

I won't be CNCing anytime soon, unless I come into some money. Has anyone ever extended the handwheels? I want to make my front wall and have the wheels sticking out of them.

I also want to relocate the electrical controls...and the gib lockers.

Hey Caleb,

How's the model coming? Inquiring minds want to know... :)

I'm off for Solid Works 2009 training later this week... hopefully this will improve my foundation in the basics and put me in good shape for the advanced modeling class this summer.

Hello fellows,

Been a bit distracted the past few weeks with finals, and currently visiting family in Nebraska. I'll be back home this coming Sunday.

I put my spindle back together, and will be finishing re-assembly as I finish my CAD model. I'd say I'm about 85% finished right now.

Oh, and I'm planning on picking up a HF 8x12(14) lathe when I get home too. I've got a coupon making it $450, then a 20% off coupon to bring it down to $360....for a total of $382 with tax! HAHAHA! ...YES!

Now I just need to find room for a 250lb lathe alongside a 350lb mill in my 2 bedroom, 1000 sqft apartment!

Carry on.

-Caleb105-

Finals!

ughh!

I sure don't miss those days....

I'm half way through a week of dedicated Solid Works training. Things are slow at work so I finangled the class.....

and, I just learned that it is totally legit, when you have a licensed seat at work, to install it at one computer at home. You get two installs, but the second one can't be on another PC at work.

So looks like Matt is getting a totally legit install of SW 09 on his home PC. And because we've already re-upped our subscription, I'll get '10 in the fall and I get unlimmited tech. support (from an native English speaker I can understand who is in the same time zone).

Can somebody say "time for a memory upgrade"!

:)

Finals!

ughh!

I sure don't miss those days....

I'm half way through a week of dedicated Solid Works training. Things are slow at work so I finangled the class.....

and, I just learned that it is totally legit, when you have a licensed seat at work, to install it at one computer at home. You get two installs, but the second one can't be on another PC at work.

So looks like Matt is getting a totally legit install of SW 09 on his home PC. And because we've already re-upped our subscription, I'll get '10 in the fall and I get unlimmited tech. support (from an native English speaker I can understand who is in the same time zone).

Can somebody say "time for a memory upgrade"!

:)

I think I took my last final a year ago this day...but I still have a thesis to write!

Thanks for that SolidWorks tip...that should prove to be a good bargaining chip when I talk to my boss about switching to SW from TurboCAD (the two just don't even compare). I trained myself in SolidWorks while I was in school and I miss it every day I sit down at work to TurboCAD....ugh...

Hello fellows,

Been a bit distracted the past few weeks with finals, and currently visiting family in Nebraska. I'll be back home this coming Sunday.

I put my spindle back together, and will be finishing re-assembly as I finish my CAD model. I'd say I'm about 85% finished right now.

Oh, and I'm planning on picking up a HF 8x12(14) lathe when I get home too. I've got a coupon making it $450, then a 20% off coupon to bring it down to $360....for a total of $382 with tax! HAHAHA! ...YES!

Now I just need to find room for a 250lb lathe alongside a 350lb mill in my 2 bedroom, 1000 sqft apartment!

Carry on.

-Caleb105-
mind if i ask where you got that first coupon to bring it down to $450? id pick up a 8x12 in 15 minutes if i could snag it for under $450

mind if i ask where you got that first coupon to bring it down to $450? id pick up a 8x12 in 15 minutes if i could snag it for under $450

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=prefs_comp&campaign=signup&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=4137_2323&cust=99999999999&keycode=0000

They hand these things out like free candy

Edit: Misread...that's the coupon for the second discount. With my Inside Track Club, I can get that lathe for $515 so I'm not sure where the $450 comes from, but interested to hear!

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=prefs_comp&campaign=signup&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=4137_2323&cust=99999999999&keycode=0000

They hand these things out like free candy

sweet thanks for the link! i get a lot of them but they are usually only good for like 1 day. I was actually asking about the other coupon that he had:bat:

There's a post in the mini-lathe section from someone else who did the same thing. I went into my store last week, and happened to grab a flyer on the way out. I was looking at it at home and noticed the coupon. I'm not sure if it's available online. I don't get home until Sunday night, and I think the prices are good until May 5th, so I may be able to scan it and post it.

Heres the ultimate harbor freight coupon. 20% off and It never expires. I've used it 4 times already, on different items.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn169/silentdaredevil/couptop8jk.jpg

Heres the ultimate harbor freight coupon. 20% off and It never expires. I've used it 4 times already, on different items.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn169/silentdaredevil/couptop8jk.jpg

Thanks for the never-ending coupon! The trick with these coupons is to find someone in the store that will let you use it on a special order item since most of the things we all want are never in stock.

true that, i got dicked on a x2 mill they wouldn't take the damn coupon.

There's a post in the mini-lathe section from someone else who did the same thing. I went into my store last week, and happened to grab a flyer on the way out. I was looking at it at home and noticed the coupon. I'm not sure if it's available online. I don't get home until Sunday night, and I think the prices are good until May 5th, so I may be able to scan it and post it.

wow thanks, ill check it out friday :D

There's a post in the mini-lathe section from someone else who did the same thing. I went into my store last week, and happened to grab a flyer on the way out. I was looking at it at home and noticed the coupon. I'm not sure if it's available online. I don't get home until Sunday night, and I think the prices are good until May 5th, so I may be able to scan it and post it.

That was probably me. It was on sale for $450 in store - 20% off coupon = $360+tax. They didn't let me actually order as there weren't any of the lathes in stock at the warehouse, but they gave me a raincheck for that price for when they restock. Another member said the warehouse told them the lathes would be back in stock at the warehouse May 15th

That was probably me. It was on sale for $450 in store - 20% off coupon = $360+tax. They didn't let me actually order as there weren't any of the lathes in stock at the warehouse, but they gave me a raincheck for that price for when they restock. Another member said the warehouse told them the lathes would be back in stock at the warehouse May 15th

Cool! Thanks for the info. I'm going to head over to my local HF today and see what I can finagle with the idiots that work there. I have a feeling I won't be able to get the same deal, but we'll see what I can do.

I just got back from HF and they had the lathe in their system for $450, but same deal - they couldn't order it for me because they show none in the warehouses. The kid behind the counter wasn't able to give me a date as to when I could make the order and said he couldn't help me any further until the computer showed some in stock in the warehouses. He even got the "manager" on duty to come over and see if he knew anything more, but the guy was a total dick and looked very unhappy with himself/job/life and said he couldn't do anything either. This is pretty typical of the local HF by me, so I didn't really expect anything else.

I took a look around the store to see what kind of metalworking equipment they had and there wasn't too much other than a brake/shear and some standing drill presses. I did see a couple of wood lathes that were of similar size to the 8"x12" metal lathe I was going in there to order and it really put the size in perspective for me. These lathes are SMALL! I'm starting to second guess if I should hold out and go for a Grizzly 10"x22" or a 11"x26".

caleb i OWE YOU A BIG ONE!!!

first time anything has ever worked out for me at harborfreight. got it for $360 + tax- thats crazy!
guys who want to the same:

the coupons in the store didn't have anything about the 8x12- i asked the lady at the front to check for it online and it was $450. They actually special ordered it to the store for me- ive been told no for that before.

shawheet

caleb i OWE YOU A BIG ONE!!!

first time anything has ever worked out for me at harborfreight. got it for $360 + tax- thats crazy!
guys who want to the same:

the coupons in the store didn't have anything about the 8x12- i asked the lady at the front to check for it online and it was $450. They actually special ordered it to the store for me- ive been told no for that before.

shawheet

For every day, turn, turn, turn. Congrats man.

CR.

lol i was like wtf till i remembred-
YouTube - The Byrds - Turn Turn Turn
im taking piano lessons from the bass player of the byrds :D
thanks mate!
sorry to derail your thread caleb. ill go away now :)

No problem gentleman.

Glad it's been working out.

Hopefully I can pick up this lathe on Monday.

Wether it be Comcast, Verizon, Mcdonalds or Harbor Freight it always amazes me how they will put new people in front of the cash register and just have the manager stand there until they get a couple transactions right, once they do just a couple in a row right the manager will say "Ok, he can run the cash register now". Every time after that the manager will be annoyed with any real world problem you come to him with so you can expect the cashier to make a lot of mistakes trying to figure out new stuff all by himself. Not really the individuals fault, it's the systems. I work for one of these places so I know first hand!

Anyway, I just got my X3 from harbor freight! Had to take it apart at the store to get it in my car. One of the guys helped me do it! I tried to give him a tip but apparently your not allowed to accept tips if you work for harbor freight.

I just got back from HF and they had the lathe in their system for $450, but same deal - they couldn't order it for me because they show none in the warehouses. The kid behind the counter wasn't able to give me a date as to when I could make the order and said he couldn't help me any further until the computer showed some in stock in the warehouses. He even got the "manager" on duty to come over and see if he knew anything more, but the guy was a total dick and looked very unhappy with himself/job/life and said he couldn't do anything either. This is pretty typical of the local HF by me, so I didn't really expect anything else.

I took a look around the store to see what kind of metalworking equipment they had and there wasn't too much other than a brake/shear and some standing drill presses. I did see a couple of wood lathes that were of similar size to the 8"x12" metal lathe I was going in there to order and it really put the size in perspective for me. These lathes are SMALL! I'm starting to second guess if I should hold out and go for a Grizzly 10"x22" or a 11"x26".

Slash,
Welcome to the club! Glad it worked out for you.

I also had an experience at HF yesterday. Went in to order my 8x12 lathe, and the new employee had to call over the middle manager. They had the sale price of $449 in the computer, but the middle manager kept repeating "I'm not sure if we can order something that's not in the warehouse." I kept repeating "I did this 2 months ago with a mill, and I called and talked to Mike (the store manager) earlier today." Finally they got it into the system, then had to re-do the transaction another 2 times.

However, I left the store with my 8x12 on order. Total price = $380.75

YES!:wee:

-Caleb105-

Slash,
Welcome to the club! Glad it worked out for you.

I also had an experience at HF yesterday. Went in to order my 8x12 lathe, and the new employee had to call over the middle manager. They had the sale price of $449 in the computer, but the middle manager kept repeating "I'm not sure if we can order something that's not in the warehouse." I kept repeating "I did this 2 months ago with a mill, and I called and talked to Mike (the store manager) earlier today." Finally they got it into the system, then had to re-do the transaction another 2 times.

However, I left the store with my 8x12 on order. Total price = $380.75

YES!:wee:

-Caleb105-

Good deal! Glad your trip worked out better than mine.

Here's this weeks 20% off coupon for anyone who's interested:

Click HERE! (http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=2009&campaign=RetailC&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=4740_183240&cust=78084451347&keycode=0000)

I haven't gotten a whole lot done in the last few weeks. Was in Nebraska for a week. Now I'm re-assembling the X3, but I mis-placed my keys for the gears on top of the head. Ordered some replacements and they might come in tomorrow. Also working on getting room and a bench made for my 8x12/14 lathe which will hopefully be here in a few weeks.

-Caleb105-

Heres the ultimate harbor freight coupon. 20% off and It never expires. I've used it 4 times already, on different items.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn169/silentdaredevil/couptop8jk.jpg

Wanted to post up in this thread that I got denied used of this particular coupon. The store manager said it was a fake because it didn't have the HF logo anywhere on it, didn't have an expiration date, and didn't show the HF web address at the top when I printed it. The barcode also didn't scan into their system.

i guess it depends on the store. I used it 4 times

Wanted to post up in this thread that I got denied used of this particular coupon. The store manager said it was a fake because it didn't have the HF logo anywhere on it, didn't have an expiration date, and didn't show the HF web address at the top when I printed it. The barcode also didn't scan into their system.
Yeah the one I used was something like that with all the stuff you fill out. They said it wouldn't scan in so I asked what a real one looked like and they talked about the number on it. Lucky for me they let me have the discount anyway.

90% of the people working at HF are morons. So more then likely you will get lucky

Well, I may be able to make some more progress tonight. I foolishly lost the keyways for the original driving gears on the top of the head. I had to order replacements from Grizzly (Ordered 2 of each just in case ;-) ). I just picked them up this morning. I should be able to remount everything, and may be able to make a few chips tonight.

The first project is to reface the 9"x7" headsink I bought for my electronics, and then try out the Anodizing setup I just finished to try and re-anodize the heatsink. I did the anodizing setup in order to eventually anodize the motor mounts and any parts of a high-speed conversion. We'll see how that works out!

I also spent the weekend building a 28"x7ft workbench for the 8x12/14 lathe I ordered last week. Sounds like it should be here in another 2-3 weeks.

-Caleb105-

oh **** i forgot to get that dimension to you

Did you get it? wow for all you have helped ME, i feel like a arse

oh **** i forgot to get that dimension to you

Did you get it? wow for all you have helped ME, i feel like a arse

Teyber,
No hard feelings. I know people get buys (BELIEVE ME!...I know) ;-)

I never got the exact dimensions, but I found a sweeeeet piece of 7' countertop (about 24" deep) that I ended up using for a bench. Hopefully this is deep enough!

-Caleb105-

OK guys,
They are only about 80% complete, but due to some interest I have gone ahead and posted my current X3 Solidworks files on a new website.

Note: These are Solidworks 2009 files, and cannot be opened by Solidworks 2007

www.billetproof-engineering.com (http://www.billetproof-engineering.com)

Here's what they include:

Stock screws, nuts, bearing mounts, handles, and gib strips for X,Y,Z
Base, Saddle, Table, Column, Head Enclosure
Detailed driving components (motor, motor mount, stock gears)
Detailed Spindle Parts
Explodable assembly of entire X3 mill


Here's what's currently missing:

Stock driving gear cover
Stock motor belt cover
Entire electronics system and enclosure
High-Low Speed selector on head unit
Additional details on Full Assembly file


Please feel free to contact me if you notice errors or additional omissions.

Thanks!

-Caleb105-

So for those of us without the latest SW install... Think maybe you could post eDrawings? :)

Save them as a .step file or iges file

then you can pretty much open it in any solidworks version.

thanks Caleb.....

you da man!

Here's the latest 20% off coupon:

Click Here! (http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=2209&campaign=RetailC&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=4840_248134&cust=78084451347&keycode=0000)

Update:
My 8x12/14 lathe should arrive at the store on Monday. I've got my bench setup and waiting. I got my X3 re-assembled, and cut my first chips! I resurfaced the used heatsink I bought for my drivers and BOB. Last night I tried my anodizing setup for the first time. It appears that I was able to put a clear anodized finish on the heatsink, but for some reason the dye didn't stick. I'm going to try it with another random sample piece this weekend.

I'm also definitely noticing the need for swarf shields, as my mill is currently sitting on a bench in my apartment's second bedroom....which happens to be carpeted! :withstupi

I'll try to post a pic of the heatsink once I get all the mounting holes drilled and tapped for the drivers and BOB.

-Caleb105-

Guys:

any active 20% off coupon available now? I am ready to buy,but find that I need the coupon first.

I did have a couple of 20% coupon before, but at that time, I was not determined :)

thanks a lot for any info/help!!! and have a great day!

long

just did some address bar tweaking:
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=2509&campaign=RetailC&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=4840_248134&cust=78084451347&keycode=0000 this one expired yesterday.
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=2509&campaign=RetailC&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=4840_248134&cust=78084451347&keycode=0000

where it says 2509 its week25 year 09, give it a couple of days and replace it with 2609 will work for sure.

cheers :)

i tested your idea, changing it to 2609, also played with the customer numbers, it surely gave a coupon, but this generated coupon looks missing some graphical components on my browsers... surely not looks like a useable coupon

But, your ides is interesting! and gave me some fun! thank you :)

the graphical part has property like this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/emails/2509/RetailC/Images/25a_01.jpg

although changing to 2609 does give a valid code, we cannot have idea when that new code will be valid. But likely bringing it to the store, the store can tell me when the code will be valid...:)

it goes from friday to monday, give it a couple of days and retry, if not try next week. Tried replacing and it works for weeks 22,23&25.

Good Luck

a little worry about the local HF guys, they may not honor my coupon if this item is not in stock

new coupon for week 26 works as predicted :D

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=2609&campaign=RetailC&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=4840_248134&cust=78084451347&keycode=0000

hahahaha, nice

let me try my luck this weekend!!! thx!

changing customer number to 99999999999(11 9s), also works:)

Can I just print that coupon and take it in?

Can I just print that coupon and take it in?

It depends on the store you go to. I've been rejected several times using these coupons - all for different reasons - they don't scan, there is no Harbor Freight logo on them, they think I forged it, etc etc.

I just called customer service of HF, they said those 20% coupons are no longer valid... it is so weird, maybe he misunderstand me(I called to see whether they can transfer me to local store to order it), or maybe I misunderstand him :( I wll go to local store (Newark, CA) to have a try

I just called customer service of HF, they said those 20% coupons are no longer valid... it is so weird, maybe he misunderstand me(I called to see whether they can transfer me to local store to order it), or maybe I misunderstand him :( I wll go to local store (Newark, CA) to have a try

You have to be careful with HF. The left hand doesn't seem to talk to the right hand over there. The rumor is that the company is owned by two brothers that don't get a long and one operates the retail stores while the other manages the online sales. This is why there are so many discrepencies for the prices of items when viewed online versus in the store.

Also, I joined the "inside track club" where you pay a $9.99 fee and get access to special promotions. What a joke that is. I had a couple of items on there that I printed out and took with me to the store and the prices on their computer were cheaper than the "club" prices. The manager at the store also had no idea what the inside track club was when I showed him my printout.

If they didn't have such good prices on tools I'll use maybe 2-5 times in my life, I'd never shop at that place.

I called HF here and they said that they do honor the 20% coupon. I'm headed to get my X3 tomorrow.

Just got this one in an e-mail today.....just in case someone can't use the above 20% off ones, this one is a valid 15% off:

Click Here! (http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=2709&campaign=RetailD&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=5015_386087&cust=78084451347&keycode=0000)

Keep these coupons coming, I just missed Caleb's and I'm waiting on the next one!!!

caleb any updates on the mill?

I have some HF 20% or 15% coupons coming with some magazines I ordered, I will scan and upload them soon. They have a long effective period until this November or something.

Keep an eye on this thread for 20% HF coupons and other deals: http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=1276399

It's constantly updated so keep checking it. It also has a 20% coupon code listed for next week.

New Harbor Freight 20% Coupon!

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=2809&campaign=RetailC&page=2809_retailC.html&r=5069_134264&cust=78099264976&keycode=0000[/URL]

Here's the same one that Firestorm posted, but hotlinked for your lazy convenience:

Click Here! - Good until 7/13/09 (http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=2809&campaign=RetailC&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=5069_386087&cust=78084451347&keycode=0000)

Here is a 20% coupon I get from home machinist magazine, it is valid till 10/9/09

caleb any updates on the mill?

Hey guys, sorry for the lull in action. I am doing this conversion as a senior design project for my Mechanical Engineering program. As such, I had to partake in a "Planning Class" during the first 7 weeks of summer. This was a complete waste of time, as I have already done most of the planning and component selection for my project. However, a requirement of the class was to compose a written report including project introduction, decomposition, House of Quality, decision matrices, etc. Complete and total waste of time.

I also received my 8x14 lathe, built a new workbench for it, and ordered a Phase II wedge-style QCTP. I am currently debating how to modify it to fit my lathe.

I have slowly been working on wiring up the rest of my electronics. I have my homemade power supply wired up (transformer and rectifier), the drivers wired to the cable output jacks and to the power supply, and everything mounted on a heatsink inside a computer case. I still need to finish by wiring the drivers to the BOB, and wiring my power supply to the smoothing capacitors. Once that is done I will be able to plug stuff in and test the motors.

Most of my time lately has been spent on another research project through school. I am working with a professor and 2 other students on a project called "Heavy Truck Roll Characterization" or HTRC. This project is in cooperation with the National Transportation Safety Board, Michelin tire, and Volvo trucking. We are creating an accurate simulation of a sleeper and tanker, then trying different ways to modify the suspension in order to make it more stable and prevent rollover. That has been consuming quite a bit of my time.

I'll see if I can finish the wiring tonight and test the motors. It's good to have you guys here holding me accountable and expecting progress.

Thanks!

Here's 20% coupon:

Click Here! (http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=2909&campaign=RetailC&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=5257_916939&cust=78084451347&keycode=0000)

Click Here (http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=3209&campaign=RetailB&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=5515_457752&cust=78084451347&keycode=0000)

Click Here! (http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/common/displayCoupon.do?week=3309&campaign=RetailB&page=coupon1.html&single=true&r=5563_541476&cust=78084451347&keycode=0000)

Well....summer certainly went fast. I spent most of it taking classes and doing research on semi-truck rollover characterization.

Anyhoo...the mill MUST be finished by December, as that is when I graduate...so there will be regular progress made over the next few months.

Recently I have finished building my own 65V power supply, tested it, and finished wiring my electronics. I got the demo version of Mach3 installed last week, and successfully tested my X-axis stepper motor using both the Mach3 manual jog control, as well as a pre-configured program.

With my electronics mostly finished, it is time to begin the design of the motor mounts, ball screws, pre-loaded nut, etc. I just started working on the design of the Y axis motor mounts. This has led me to discover an error with my Solidworks model (see link to my website on one of the previous posts in this thread). The Solidworks model of my BASE is about 8mm longer than the actual base. This difference is most apparent when you crank the saddle to the rear-most position. On the real base, the remaining distance between the saddle and column face is about 23mm with the saddle cranked all the way to the rear. On my Solidworks model it shows as being 32.26mm. This is important because this is where additional travel can be gained from the Y axis. The MOST you could add to the rear motion would be about 22mm...NOT 32mm.

I have no immediate plans to re-do the entire base, as I don't really have the time. It's just something good to be aware of.

Alright......continue on!

Caleb105

glad to hear this project is still in action :) looking forwards to it. How come you are completely re-designing the x3 kit when cadmonkey already did a great kit?

im sure you have seen it but if not here is the thread
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59321

he posts a ridiculously in depth conversion later in the thread.

cheeres

Teyber12,

I sent you a P.M., check your mailbox.

Jeff...

Yes, I am aware of CadMonkey's excellent .pdf design. I have only been working on my Y axis conversion, and so far it looks fairly similar (L-shaped angled supports, bearing block, motor mount). However, I am making a few design changes. I modified my design so all pieces bolt together from the sides (instead of from the face). This way the axial force of the ball screw is applied as a shear force against the bolts, not against the threads. Also, I have been doing Finite Element Analysis on my design. The max force that the motor (387 in-oz Nema 23) could output converts to about 700lbs of linear force. Using 1/4" thick Aluminum for the side mounts, my design sees total Y deflection of .000025". Cadmonkey used thicker than 1/4" thick AL, and even included an upper support plate. This upper plate is not necessary with these levels of deflection, and would require an additional hole to be drilled and tapped in the saddle.

After seeing how small the deflection was using 1/4" AL, I started thinking about doing a design using steel plate (14-16ga) that could be cut and bent. That would save a lot of the milling time, and raw material. I made up another model using 16ga steel plate, and an inward force of 700lbs only produced Y deflection of .00005". However, this design would see the greatest deflection from an outward force (not backed by saddle), and I have yet to test that. If this design works, I have access to a CNC plasma cutter and may try to make a prototype.

I'm about 60% done with machining my Y axis conversion pieces. I just started working on designing the X axis. I noticed that the Solidworks Model I posted on my website (www.billetproof-engineering.com) has a slight error. The hole in the X axis ballscrew block (that bolts to the base) has it's threaded hole 3.7mm too low. This throws off the end bearing blocks in relation to the table and table holes. Sorry if this is confusing, but I'll try to post pics of everything soon.

-Caleb105-

Caleb what did you use to compress the files on your website? I get unkown compression method error.

Thanks,
Rick

Rick,

I'm pretty sure I just used Winzip. I'm making a few minor changes, and then will be replacing those files with a single .IGES file. Only one file to download, and you should be able to open it with Solidworks 2007 and maybe 2006.

-Caleb105-

I just updated the link on my website. I have updated the model to include some slight changes I made to the model. I have also replaced all the solidworks assembly files with a single .IGES file. You should be able to open this file with earlier versions of Solidoworks or other modeling or FEA software. Here's the link to my website:

http://www.billetproof-engineering.com/?page_id=23

-Caleb105-

Caleb105,

Very nice drawing.

Keep up the awesome work.

Jeff...