New X3 Ballscrew kit With Pics

[Deviant]

Last email I got said that the ball screws made it into the country and they should be getting them soon. It matches the thread I listed below.

http://cncfusion.com/phpBB2/viewtopi...t=226&start=15

I'll post pictures when it arrives.

[yantra3d]

I appreciate that. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this kit turns out.

[askman]

I just received word that cncfusion will be shipping my kit on monday. should have it later in the week. I am really looking forward to it. I ordered my x3 from grizzly, and got it in 1 day. this is just coming together really quickly. now, I need to sell my x2 cnc setup.

[yantra3d]

I just picked up one of these new kits for my standard x3 so I will try to document everything and start a new thread on my progress. It looks like I am #5 on the wait list, which should work out well since I'm in the middle of modifying my steel stand/table to accommodate the larger pan and enclosure that will be needed for the coolant system. Can't wait!

[Deviant]

Received my kit.

Didn't take any pictures as I assembled it without any help. Sorry. =/

Appears to be well made and everything bolted up fine. Installation was a bit aggravating, as there were no instructions.

Micheal was quick to reply on the emails. And I didn't have any really hard problems with the mill. More with disassembly and dealing with the china machine.

For the Y-axis.
Note that the motor will be on the left side. I assembled it the first time with the motor plate on the right. That was a no-go.

Also, you'll need to remove the motor mount from the x-axis to bolt up the ballnut carrier to the saddle and slide it into place.

The z-axis was a bit of a pain. You need to secure the head via it's travel lock, and block it up with some wood. About an inch or so from the top of it's travel. Will give you enough play to slide the bottom bearing block back into place with it's alignment pins.

I had a pretty hard time removing the lower bearing block from the existing access. It would be a worth while investment for a small three jaw puller. Mine was loaned out. So I got it off with alot of cussing. The metal on the existing z-axis is very soft. Be careful that you don't expand it while removing the bearing mount. Or you'll end up with some dremel time. Not that I would know or anything. *mumbles*

Note, that I actually removed the z-axis and layed it on the ground. This isn't really needed, but I didn't fill comfortable with the 75lb head floating in the air. The ballscrews are very easy to move and the head will try to crash into the table. Be very careful.

On the z-axis, motor mount. You will need to reuse the washers. Actually I'd suggest getting some wider ones to distribute the load on the aluminum.

If anyone has any questions. Let me know. I plan to start assembling my electronics now.

Thanks.

[askman]

I got my kit as well, but have not had chance to work on it. (I've been reorgranizing my shop) I may be able to get it going during the 4th. have not even open the kit yet. but I will report when I get to it.

[dneisler]

I got my X3 kit, and I still cussing it. The Z axis is just a pain. Like above, I did alot of cussing getting it appart and grinding. I did end not able to get the top bearing off the stock screw, so I am looking for one of those tomorrow. Overall nice kit, but disassembly is a pain. On my kit turning the scews in the bearing mounts for the motor is very tight, I think I may back off the nut a little.

Anyone know where to buy some lube for the ballscews? Other than Nook?

[P Riedie]

[QUOTE=dneisler;315188]I got my X3 kit, and I still cussing it. The Z axis is just a pain. Like above, I did a lot of cussing getting it apart and grinding. I did end not able to get the top bearing off the stock screw, [QUOTE]

Just wind the screw back out the bronze Z axis nut and it self extracts the bearing off the top.

PR.

[yantra3d]

Might be worth posting a link here to this very nice disassembly doc for the x3 that Alan at www.arceurotrade.co.uk put together:

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/prepgu...on%20Guide.pdf

This was extremely helpful for me when I disassembled my grizzly x3 and I highly recommend it to any x3 owner.

BTW, I got my kit yesterday but won't be able to install it till this weekend... thanks for the tips guys!

[askman]

I got my mill on a bench and did the x and y ball screw on it. i am waiting on doing z until I get my drivers together. went together rather easy and the kit is very smooth and tight. no apparent backlash. . I think it is a winner at least at this point.

the hardest thing was getting the end block off. (pretty tight on the pins) the cool thing is that you don't have to remove the handles. anyway, by end of next week, i should have everything running if I can find the time.