My new HF X2 mill -"cnc"version

[DogWood]

free shipping code for Enco orders over $50 good till june 5th

FSAPR4

[JustSomeGuy]

Originally Posted by DogWood free shipping code for Enco orders over $50 good till june 5th FSAPR4

Thanks but Enco free shipping does not apply to Canada.

[apache405]

Originally Posted by nc cooter Jeff, I haven't tried any precison work yet. Still just playing and learning. I am going to check the tram again this weekend, just to see how it's holding up.

i see. i have heard all sorts of nasty things about their accuracy, and i haven't got the type of money nor the space to go out and buy one and find out...

also, how throughly did you have to clean the machine before you used it?

[LeeWay]

I did have quite a bit of backlash on my X2, but if it's not cnc'ed, it really is a minor issue. It was plenty accturate to cut some small steel and aluminum parts. I only saw the column flex issue when I cut too deep anyway.

I actually used a power feed of sorts on mine. I just used an 18V cordless drill to turn the nuts on the handles. This kept my arms from getting any more Popeye like than they are already and made short work of some jobs.

[JustSomeGuy]

Originally Posted by LeeWay I did have quite a bit of backlash on my X2, but if it's not cnc'ed, it really is a minor issue. It was plenty accturate to cut some small steel and aluminum parts. I only saw the column flex issue when I cut too deep anyway. I actually used a power feed of sorts on mine. I just used an 18V cordless drill to turn the nuts on the handles. This kept my arms from getting any more Popeye like than they are already and made short work of some jobs.

I like that idea of the cordless drill. I think I'll try that.
I already use one with a one way bearing as a cheap starter for my radio controlled gas cars...
When it comes to buying stuff for expensive hobbies, "Cheaper is Gooder"

[nc cooter]

Jeff, what kind of accuracy are you looking for? A lot of variables come into play with any machining ie. tooling,technique,material and the inherent accuracy of the machine. The weakest part of the mini mill is the Z axis stiffness.This can be greatly improved by various means. Lots of ways to skin this cat at a moderate cost. Backlash is something you can work with in manual milling. If you are looking for a mill that is ready to go right out of the box, you will have to spend a lot more $$$$.

[apache405]

Honestly, I don't know yet. I'm still doing my design. I am thinking it will have to be between 1/100th and 1/1000th, but again I still designing my robot. This what it looks like (http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/showp...der/perpage/12).

It is 16mm around. The materials I am planning on working with are aluminum, UHMW, unistrut, and some steel.

In terms of technique, I have done a lot of woodworking, but I am still learning about metal working.

I was leaning more toward to an X3 or getting an X4+ from syil when they are available here in the US.

[nc cooter]

I don't think the X2 would suit your needs.

[LeeWay]

Nope. I was thinking the same thing. A Taig might though. I would however, get an X3 or 4 before I bought a Taig. Not that Taigs are bad. They aren't. They are just smallish.

[apache405]

got it . thanks guys.