X2's Y-Axis base extension?

[vcatalasan]

Anyways, I wanted to ask if anyone was able to extend the X2's y-axis base by adding 2" of gib support to the front of the machine base? Then adding about 1" of spacer to the spindle head block will give the machine a good 2 extra inch of movement on the y axis at the same time it will be supported at the extreme end. I have seen some extended DYI but some require more work, like remounting the column, which is not what I want to do.

I know it is crucial that the extended gib need to be machined to match the base. I was thinking of making a rough piece, pinning it on the front and bolting it together making sure there will be no movement, maybe even slotting the base to match a slot on the extension and then having a professional machine shop with a big enough mill that will true up the gib with a dovetail.

You think this idea would work? I wanted to get 5.5 inches as some of the pieces I will be making are 5" round material and the existing 3.5 travel is not working out. I am not looking into getting a bigger machine I barely have enough room for the X2.

Thanks, hope to hear your advices and ideas.

[hoss2006]

You could get an SX2 base from LMS and save all that work, gives over 5 inches as is.
LittleMachineShop.com - Base
Hoss

[vcatalasan]

That is awesome Hoss! I will try it. If I need a few more room will over hang the gibs

[sabastion]

If you need more y travel than that you could contact hoss or visit his website and do the same base modification that he did
Richard

[vcatalasan]

I saw his X2 freak and it looks pretty awesome! That extra base he added really made it nice.

LMS did not have any in stock so I asked them to email me when they get one in. They say around 3-4 weeks. LMS also confirmed that it is compatible, Hoss knows his stuff.

I have not made any chip fly yet with my CNC conversion but there are just so many nice additions that people have done that I just gotta have. I am still learning a lot on CAD to Gcode stuff and really just air cutting at the moment.

I am kinda excited as the machine sat as a drill press for several years.