X2 or X3

[rlfervan]

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

[kanton]

I have been trying to sell an X2 locally for more than 2 years to get an X3 or bigger machine.

[eartaker]

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.

[Crevice Reamer]

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.

[hoss2006]

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.

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

[Crevice Reamer]

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.

[kanton]

Hoss,

Can you provide a link to the $99 X2 belt drive conversion from starlepers?

Thanks

[hoss2006]

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

[rlfervan]

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.

[Starleper1]

kanton if your interested in my belt drive kit shoot me an email to sscnc@comcast.net or just pm me.

[Dougal]

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.