Is this too loud?

[asm]

Hi all,

After 2 weeks of playing with my mini-lathe, I can't resist and got my self a mini-mill!! That's the good news, and now here comes the bad news.

As soon as I turn on the mini-mill, I noticed a unusually loud chatter noise coming from the drive train. Is this normal? I even noticed a ever so slight viberation when the mill is running at about 500rpm.

Should I take it back to the store and exchange for another one?

~Brian

[Harryman]

Ummm, sounds like a problem to me. What kind of mill?

[Mike Nash]

Try loosening the screws holding the top plate (that the motor is mounted on) and adjusting the position while the motor is running (but not cutting!) This allows you to get the tooth mesh adjusted somewhat for less noise. But it is a noisy mill.

[asm]

It's a mini mill from HF, or AKA X2.

Already tried adjusting the gear mesh by moving the motor plate. It did reduce the noise a bit, but not much. So, I suppose the noise is normal for this mill?

B

[Mike Nash]

I don't know if a "chatter" is normal. Both of mine whine and maybe growl some too. I'm guessing you've tried both gear ranges. You might also want to make sure the motor brushes are seated properly. I've read of instances where this was a problem, although I can't say whether it would or wouldn't cause a chatter.

[asm]

Good idea, I will check the brushs.

[cjdavis618]

I have the same mill from Grizzly. I was annoyed by the constant noise from the gears a well. It didn't matter if it was lubed or not, they still made a lot of noise.

I ended up buying the LMS belt kit for it. Hoss has a plan on here for his version as well if you want to make one. You should be able to find the plans on his post here. X2 cnc finished for now maybe it is a good read for all owners of this mill, even if you aren't CNC'ing the mill.

The LMS belt kit is well built and has good step by step instructions for the install. It is easy to do and worth the money. You end up with more speed and a very quiet mill. It is about the equivelant of having a piston knocking clunker vs having a finely tuned supercar. Huge difference in the mill after the addition of that kit. I had problems when I first installed my kit because a keyway was loose and making noise. I have since found that problem and now all I hear is the motor turning and the speed of the bit cutting through the air.

If you would like to hear the difference, I can post up a short video with the belt running to give you an idea of what is possible.