Turnkey vs built

[bucont]

I am investigating buying a second cnc benchtop.

I am set on a X2 or X3 - Machine must be able to be managed into basement. A Bridgeport is out of the question. X2 will handle current work size
X3 gives me growth.

I am looking for the pro and cons into buying turnkey vs building one. I have no electronic experience but I am good mechanically.

What is the total cost of converting a X3?
What are the pros and cons of what I am considering?

Thanks

[Runner4404spd]

my total conversion of a round column cost about $2200 to put together. it was a pretty steep learning curve. i would do it again, but this time i bought the IH mill and kit. unfortunately i still have to do all the wiring and that was what gave me fits on the first one. i really built the first one as a template before i build the IH. the tormach cnc is an option but then i don't want to worry about lost steps with steppers.

[bucont]

$2200? did that include the cost of the mill?

[holbieone]

do you use this too make money or for hobby

and what do you like better building things or machining things

[Runner4404spd]

no that doesn't include the mill.

heres a basic run down of parts that i bought...
motors, x3
gecko drives x3
transformers x2
new PC x1
ball screws x3 (x,y, z all machined from one peice but you pay by the inch
bearings
ball nuts x6 so they can be preloaded with spring washers
spring washers
aluminum plate for all the bracketry
break out board which i didn't end up using
GERC controller board for the geckos
relays
few other odds and ends

if you want a good quality cnc good quality parts cost money. yeah i probably could have scrounged some stuff on ebay but it wasn't worth the time hunting for it.

I will be using the IH mill in my business that why i bought it. the round column mill was an experiment and when i'm done tinkering with it, (its getting a 4th axis conversion on it) i will then strip it, reassemble it with the stock screws and handles and then sell it and buy an X3 to have a smaller CNC mill than my IH. i figure i already have the cnc parts built and running might as well make it useful as well.

[bucont]

Originally Posted by holbieone do you use this too make money or for hobby and what do you like better building things or machining things

I have a line of products I am looking to get off the ground. I would say it is a hobby I am looking to make money with.

Build or machine ... machining makes money ... building a machine does not unless there is a huge savings in building it. Thus the reason for my question.

[InspirationTool]

I would say that unless you already have the mill, you would be crazy to try to convert a manual mill on your own, unless that is how you want to spend your time.

A kit is a possibility.

-Jeff

[holbieone]

Originally Posted by bucont I have a line of products I am looking to get off the ground. I would say it is a hobby I am looking to make money with. Build or machine ... machining makes money ... building a machine does not unless there is a huge savings in building it. Thus the reason for my question.

then now look at the time you will use to convert ,is that time you could be making money machining your product?

[Runner4404spd]

even though i bought the IH mill, in retrospec i would probably buy something ready to run, that way i could start running as opposed to having to assemble everything on my own.

[Tim Wiltse]

I say buy the Mill and get the CNC conversion from CNCFusion and the drive board and steppers etc from Xylotex.

X3 Mill=$1043.25 shipped
Xylotex 3 axis Drive box w/steppers, cables etc=$500 shipped
CNCFusion conversion kit w/ballscrews for all 3 axis=$549 plus shipping


LAter,
Tim

[in2steam]

Originally Posted by Tim Wiltse I say buy the Mill and get the CNC conversion from CNCFusion and the drive board and steppers etc from Xylotex. X3 Mill=$1043.25 shipped Xylotex 3 axis Drive box w/steppers, cables etc=$500 shipped CNCFusion conversion kit w/ballscrews for all 3 axis=$549 plus shipping LAter, Tim

I think syil was selling there already converted x2 with ball screws and optical switches for $2300 + shipping(less the puter and software). No wires to mess with for the most part, although I don't think alot the the electrical end to CNC (with steppers) on these small machines is real hard.


chris

[Tim Wiltse]

Chris,

Well then to compare apples to apples...

X2 Mill=$470 plus shipping if no store local
Xylotex 3 axis Drive Box w/ 269oz steppers, PS, cables etc=$420
CNCFusion Conversion Kit w/ballscrews=$540 plus shipping

Total=$1430