X3 Belt Drive?

[pzzamakr1980]

I've been looking for a X3 belt drive conversion for some time because I would like a broader rpm range for this machine. Something similar to the X2 would be preferable. I'm away from home for about another month so designing the conversion myself before school starts up again would be a bit of a problem. Also, I am not sure how to find the way to figure out what the proper size of pulleys I would need and how I would go about making them. The biggest problem wouldnt be the pulleys, I know how to machine those, it would be the keyways which are a mistery to me. And yes, I have seen the "ArcEuroTrade.Com" pdf file but I would like to get rid of the gears so that I can expand the rpm range and quite the machine. Any suggestions. Thx

[Smitty911]

Originally Posted by pzzamakr1980 I've been looking for a X3 belt drive conversion for some time because I would like a broader rpm range for this machine. Something similar to the X2 would be preferable. I'm away from home for about another month so designing the conversion myself before school starts up again would be a bit of a problem. Also, I am not sure how to find the way to figure out what the proper size of pulleys I would need and how I would go about making them. The biggest problem wouldnt be the pulleys, I know how to machine those, it would be the keyways which are a mistery to me. And yes, I have seen the "ArcEuroTrade.Com" pdf file but I would like to get rid of the gears so that I can expand the rpm range and quite the machine. Any suggestions. Thx

Well for RPM figure what the machine can turn and figure how fast you want it. Say it turns 500 RPM and you want 2000 RPM Small pulley 4" and larger on 12" put the big one on the motor and the small one on the spidle.

The Keyway you need to buy a "Broach" they run around $45.00 for both part.

Smitty

[pzzamakr1980]

Well, after the less than stellar response to this thread I have decided to make the thing myself. However, before I can start to purchase materials I need to know the pulley diameters. I intend to design and mount the motor just like this gentleman has done on his x3: http://homepage3.nifty.com/rockhill/index.htm.
I dont intend to replace the motor so what I need to know is, how fast is the motor turning at max rpm. I cant find the info on the motor itself nor in the manual pages. So help with this would be appreciated.

[digits]

Originally Posted by pzzamakr1980 Well, after the less than stellar response to this thread I have decided to make the thing myself. However, before I can start to purchase materials I need to know the pulley diameters. I intend to design and mount the motor just like this gentleman has done on his x3: http://homepage3.nifty.com/rockhill/index.htm. I dont intend to replace the motor so what I need to know is, how fast is the motor turning at max rpm. I cant find the info on the motor itself nor in the manual pages. So help with this would be appreciated.

I believe that the max motor rpm on an X-3 is 3750 rpm - I think I've seen it in the manual of Grizzly's version of the X-3, and it's what I used to try and figure out my pulley sizes - I have an X-3 motor on an X-2 head. I have a 1.5:1 pulley ratio to give me about 5500 rpm top speed.

[pzzamakr1980]

Thx digits. I will use those numbers than in figuring out the pulley ratios.

[turbocycles]

Smitty,

Don't you mean 16" for the larger pulley?...

Jordan

[digits]

Originally Posted by pzzamakr1980 Thx digits. I will use those numbers than in figuring out the pulley ratios.

Here's the link to the manual page I used - I can't guarantee that your motor has the same specs as the Grizzly one though - use it at your own risk...

http://www.grizzly.com/products/G0463

[Smitty911]

Originally Posted by turbocycles Smitty, Don't you mean 16" for the larger pulley?... Jordan

Jordan,

Your right, unfortunatly I talk/type without fully thinking. It could have been 1/3 reducer also. LOL

Smitty

[daedalus]

Look at the last pdf on this page, its a belt drive mod for the X3, with pulley sizes etc.

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/projec...CNC/index.html

[skullworks]

Originally Posted by daedalus Look at the last pdf on this page, its a belt drive mod for the X3, with pulley sizes etc. http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/projec...CNC/index.html

The mod that Dick Stephan did was mainly to reduce the gear noise - it had little effect on spindle speed. Note also there are still the High/Low gear sets which are inside the main head casting.

The stock motor runs about 4000rpm, I am thinking of a 3 pulley direct drive and bypassing the gears completely.

Low............ 8:1
Med............ 2:1
High ........... 1:1.25

This gives 50-500 in low
200-2000 in med
500-5000 in high

[project5k]

i have to wonder what the life expectency of the bearings would be at these increased speeds...

[skullworks]

5000 RPM is right at the upper limit for the OEM X3 spindle bearings. However most people are not going to be running the machine 40 hrs/wk like a business would so even at these speeds they should get many years of service.

Replacement with a higher quality aftermarket bearings would let you run 7000 RPM all day long if the bearing bores and shafts have the exact press fits Keep in mind this machine was made in a factory in China that has only 1 CNC tool, a FADAL mill. All these shaft parts are run on manual equipment.

So YMMV, and good luck.