(X2) Z Axis Rack

[nc cooter]

I have ordered a HF 44991 (X2) mini mill. I have been doing a lot of reading about the upgrades for this machine. The Z axis rack on the newer X2"s is 8.75 " long. LMS offers a Z axis that is 14" long.
Has anyone used the 14" rack? Advantages/disadvantages?

Thanks.

[blades]

I think the clear advantage is that the head won't suddenly drop when you lower it close to the table, which would be especially nice for doing flat work close to the table. IMHO, this is an obvious design flaw on the X2.
Disadvantages? None I can think of. Is LMS now offering this rack as a stand-alone part? Last time I looked, it was part of the gas strut lift mechanism package.

[jalessi]

http://www.littlemachineshop.com/pro...1486&category=

[acondit]

Originally Posted by nc cooter I have ordered a HF 44991 (X2) mini mill. I have been doing a lot of reading about the upgrades for this machine. The Z axis rack on the newer X2"s is 8.75 " long. LMS offers a Z axis that is 14" long. Has anyone used the 14" rack? Advantages/disadvantages? Thanks.

I guess it depends on your plans. I am taking the rack off entirely in my cnc conversion.

Alan

[cyclestart]

Originally Posted by blades Last time I looked, it was part of the gas strut lift mechanism package.

And maybe for good reason. On my X2 the arm for the torsion spring is (was) the limiting factor. More rack would have made no difference without other modifications. Note, my X2 wasn't purchased from Harbour Freight.

[blades]

Good point, cyclestart. I forgot about that, as the spring mechanism was the first thing to come off my mill.

And thanks jalessi, for that link! Says the longer rack was used on the older mills. Mine still has the extra mounting holes that are required though.

Edit: just ordered one.

[nc cooter]

Thanks for the input. Now I have more options to consider.