X3 X-axis travel mod

[pzzamakr1980]

I noticed on this guys website a mod for x-axis of the X3. Has anyone else ever done this. It seems very simple, although I think I would like to just make a whole new side plate rather than modify the one on the mill. Is the travel use-able, ie, not too much flex, etc. Thankx

Heres the website. Just page down a bit.

http://www.rulezman.com/workshop/ws/index.htm

[MetalBlade]

Sorry, for some reason the site didn't open up for me right or it is down.

I'm in the process of making my own stepper mounts and with only slight modification on the left axis plate will allow the use of the rest of the table length. I think the reason that left mount is made that way is to allow room for an assisted drive to be mounted on.

I think it's an easy modification that will give good results.

[cadmonkey]

Site didn't work for me either. But same as MetalBlade I made my bearing mounts to allow the table to move fully into the saddle. I've only got the X axis assembled right now sitting on the computer test bench and it runs from 0-15.25 with no problems. I'll have to see how it performs when really working with all that mass cantilevered.

edit - just tried to go again and found the section you were pointing us to. what he's done is the same as our designs, but he's running in much farther minimizing the amount of way he's resting on. I'm only running to where my ballnuts start to get in the way.

[pzzamakr1980]

Okay, I had expected some interference from the ballnuts, but if you are getting more than 15 inches that should be more than enough to add the tool holders for my ATC. Thanks cad

[cadmonkey]

Glad I could help - I might be able to get a tad more than 15.25 but not over 15.5 I'd say. I'm still setting up, testing, tuning, etc.

I need to sit down and review all the optical interrupter offerings to find the best option(s) so I can install the limits/homes before I do the final assembly. I'm lazy like that. I don't have anything pressing to get it up and running without limits.

[BrendaEM]

I found this on the site you linked:
http://www.rulezman.com/workshop/ws/...7;20travel.htm

Sometime back, I posted a thread asking about extending the X3, X-travel. I am surprised that LittleMachineShop.com hasn't made a 24" X-travel table kit yet.

[BrendaEM]

I'm (still) surprised that no one has made a 24 inch X-travel kit, yet.

[MetalBlade]

Originally Posted by BrendaEM I'm (still) surprised that no one has made a 24 inch X-travel kit, yet.

I'd say it's in the works.

[BrendaEM]

It would be nice if the table and screw/nut were sold separately, so that people who are going to CNC their machines anyway won't have to spend money on those parts.

Someone was custom making iron tables for some machine or another, but I don't remember who.

[There seems to be a very large gap between the X3 at 300 lbs, and the IHs, the RF45s, and Zays at 600 to 900 lbs.]

[cadmonkey]

Originally Posted by BrendaEM Someone was custom making iron tables for some machine or another, but I don't remember who.

I remember that thread - I think he was making them for use with linear slides.

I'm not sure how much extra I'd want to put onto the X3 table - the ways aren't that beefy on the base once the dovetail is cut into them and they're going to take all the cantilevered force of a heavier/longer table + a workpiece.

I wouldn't mind getting 24" though

[MetalBlade]

Originally Posted by cadmonkey I remember that thread - I think he was making them for use with linear slides. I'm not sure how much extra I'd want to put onto the X3 table - the ways aren't that beefy on the base once the dovetail is cut into them and they're going to take all the cantilevered force of a heavier/longer table + a workpiece. I wouldn't mind getting 24" though

It really doesn't seem worth the extra cost.