Need some advice x2 or x3

[FroggyOne2]

I have been approched to make some bass guitar bridges.. my design is nothing like what is on the market at this time. Considering the size of this item, I was wondering if the x2 is big enough or should I get the x3. I am not sure if I will cnc in the future, but the possiblity is there, if the need arises.

Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Randy

[InspirationTool]

If you have the money and room, the X3 is a stiffer machine. Regardless of work envelope, stiffer is better. That said, I'm making money on my X2.

-Jeff

[FroggyOne2]

I do understand that from what I have read from others and it makes a lot of sense. The reason that I ask is that I have an oportunity to buy a x2 that is already set up (ie, lapped, drive motor on the bed) at a very resonable price. The degree of precision on a bass bridge is not really that critical. But I do see and understand that if I were to later want to upgrade to a CNC operation that I would want the most stout machine that I could afford. I was just wondering if the x2 was big enough to make the prototypes on till I could see if the design is going to take. If it does.. then I will have to upgrade to CNC.. purely to keep up.

[digits]

Originally Posted by FroggyOne2 I do understand that from what I have read from others and it makes a lot of sense. The reason that I ask is that I have an oportunity to buy a x2 that is already set up (ie, lapped, drive motor on the bed) at a very resonable price. The degree of precision on a bass bridge is not really that critical. But I do see and understand that if I were to later want to upgrade to a CNC operation that I would want the most stout machine that I could afford. I was just wondering if the x2 was big enough to make the prototypes on till I could see if the design is going to take. If it does.. then I will have to upgrade to CNC.. purely to keep up.

I would agree with the others that said X3 if you have room and can afford it - the y-travel on an X2 would worry me.

TBH, the base cost of the machine isn't the reall killer - you will spend at least as much again in tooling - you probably won't believe me, I didn't believe anyone at first either If you do go for an X2 first, make sure that it has the same spindle type (R8/MT3) as the X3 you might upgrade to - that way, your investment in tooling won't be wasted.

Just my 2p's worth.

[FroggyOne2]

Yes.. it does have a R8 spindle.. that was something I did ask about when I was talking to the person on the phone.. and yes, I do realize that tooling will add up.. I have researched that some what already as well.

Edit: Well I was going to get this used x2 as a start up machine so that I would have more funds for tooling. But, sadly I will not be able to get it due to the fact that the ower and his wife had gone out for the eveing.. and when they got back.. it was gone.. along with a lot of other tools that he had. Sadly he had not yet learned that one can not use a self storage space as a tool shop.. I wish it could be so. It would be more convient for many of us to be able to do that.. but with so many preditors out in the world these days that just can't leave others alone, so sorry to work for something that they have to steal it.. it just breaks my heart!

Randy

PS

I can get a x3, but that would leave me about 350 left over for right now, but I could just get exactly what I need for right now then add on later as I go. budget is tight.. but the moment is right.. for what me and the other musician have been talking about could very well develop into a full time biz with the possibility of lisence to a major company.. we are that confident of it. The design in my head i know for a fact for the results that we want will work and that others once they find out about the product will want it.

[FroggyOne2]

I found this page this morning, I believe that I am going to go with this x2 and 7x10 combo deal from Wholesale Tool.. I will get the R8 spindle model mill.

http://www.wttool.com/product-exec/p...Combo_Packages

[FroggyOne2]

Well I didn't after all order that combo set from Wholesale tool. I found out that the town that I live in has a Harbor Freight outlet, went over there with a friends discount coupon and bought a x2. After reading what some others have done with their x2, I was kinda inspired in that direction. The adventure begins.. and yes.. I have decieded that in the near future, I will need to set this mill up for CNC.

Randy