I have been trying to sell an X2 locally for more than 2 years to get an X3 or bigger machine.
Hi all, Kind of new here. Been lurking for a wile.
I have been looking on Craigslist and ebay for a used mini mill for a wile to no avail, I think I may just go for a new one from grizzly,
Debating weather to drop the extra $$$ for X3 but then i see what Hoss can do with x2 and think maybe better off just spending that 400 on tooling.
Advice anyone? Thanks. Rob
I have been trying to sell an X2 locally for more than 2 years to get an X3 or bigger machine.
If you decide to go with the X2 just remember in time you will want more X and Y axis movement as with most of us. I mean 4" on Y and 8.5" on X isn't much, and doing so inst an easy task to preform. the X3 is more beefy but still don't offer all that much more X/Y movement.... with Hoss's extensions you can get great X/Y movement witch is awesome and I believe if you are willing to take the time and do things right... the X2 will do you just fine.
Get the X3. First of all, you will not need to spend an additional $220 for a belt conversion kit. With much simpler mods than the X2 requires you can have the travels I have on my X3:
X= 18.5 inches
Y= 7.5 inches
Z= 18 inches.
With the 20% off coupon in Popular Mechanics magazine, you can get the X3 at Harbor Freight for just $800, and save on shipping by picking it up at the store.
Here's a pic I took to show the relative size differences. The X3 is a lot beefier mill.
CR.
belt drives are only $120 for an X2 ($99 for starlepers) and then you get 4200 rpm vs 2000 for the X3.
those are pretty big claims for travels especially for a 21 inch long table.
Overtravelling just a bit are we?
careful it doesn't fall off the end.
Cute pic, where's the saddle and table at?
You can see realistic comparisons of mill sizes here.
http://www.hossmachine.info/Mill_Comparisons.html
That coupon works for the X2 as well putting it at $391.
Forget these anyhow, get a Lathemaster LM25L, you get more legitimate travels and a higher quality mill that has less bulk than the X3.
Hoss
Gosh, you've... really got some nice toys here. - Roy Batty -- [URL]http://www.g0704.com[/URL]
Yep! $120 for the belt conversion. My bad typing. You can simply swap pulleys on the X3 and get higher RPM.
Ah, a THIRD possibility. That looks like a pretty good mill. Has anyone CNCd one of these?
CR.
Hoss,
Can you provide a link to the $99 X2 belt drive conversion from starlepers?
Thanks
Here's a link to his post, just send him a PM.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...0&postcount=27
Hoss
Gosh, you've... really got some nice toys here. - Roy Batty -- [URL]http://www.g0704.com[/URL]
Thanks for all of the replys and info. Thank you Hoss for more options.
I am in the process of getting rid of some junk and making room for new projects so I have some time.
kanton if your interested in my belt drive kit shoot me an email to sscnc@comcast.net or just pm me.
Honestly, if you have the space, cash and lifting equipment for the X3, then go for that one.
I went with the X2 solely because it's small and light enough to be portable. One person can pick it up and move it. I haven't regretted that decision but I am planning mods to get more Y travel. X travel is fine for the time being.
My X2 CNC Brain Build: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61345
Gecko G250 wiring errors: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68960