My new HF X2 mill -"cnc"version

[nc cooter]

I received my new mill about 5wks ago and have been building a stand and adding some upgrades. (BTW, in my case, cnc means "crank n cuss")

The stand is an old Kennedy tool box. It was the right price, free. It needed a good cleaning, new paint, one replacement handle and new drawer liners. Made a top from scrap 2x4's and 3/4" plywood to give more height. Don't laugh too much at the color, it was what I had on hand.

The mill is mounted to a 1/2" scrap steel plate and a 9x7x6 angle plate was added to stiffen the Z axis. An air spring kit and a belt drive kit were added to improve performance.(LMS)

Spent most of yesterday tramming and mounting a 3"heavy Kurt clone vise.(LMS) Being a total newbie probably tripled the time involved, but I am very satisfied with the results.

Late last night I finally tried my hand at milling. Took a small piece of 3/8" scrap mild steel and took it down to 1/4" and milled a 1/8" through slot about 1" long. It only took about 20min to make the slot. Most amazing was the fact I didn't break anything with all those RPM's, chiploads, feed speeds, etc running around in my old brain!

Here are some pics.









Thanks for all the input and help.

[LeeWay]

Nice work on this. I used my X2 for a couple years with the crank and cuss method.
Looks nice and solid. I like the angle plate on the column. This is a known weak spot on the X2. Looks like you fixed it on yours.

[JustSomeGuy]

LOL.
I opened this post and began reading. When I got to part about the colour, I scrolled down to see and WOW... Yellow sure is bright
I like the angle plate in the back. Where did you get that angle plate like that?
My X2 is mounted on 3 layers of 3/4 inch MDF that I glued and screwed together to get me two and a quarter inches clearance to turn that Y axis handle.
I like what you did. Effective simple and, need I say, bright...

[nc cooter]

The angle plate came from ENCO. It was about $25.

Mike

[Crevice Reamer]

That's a very nice looking and practical X2 milling station ncc! You have solved most of the X2 weaknesses. When you get tired of cnc and decide to go for CNC--It will be relatively easy to plug in a G540, some steppers and a computer and GO! The top drawer of the tool chest is perfect for the keyboard.

I incorporated a tool chest into my X3 work station. I also use one as a dual mini-lathe station. Did you leave the wheels on that tool chest? If so do you notice any undue motion during milling?

CR.

[spaceballs_3000]

Originally Posted by nc cooter The angle plate came from ENCO. It was about $25. Mike

Do you happen to remember which one you got from ENCO, there a few of them at http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?P...MITEM=418-4330 and I like to get the one you got (with the slots in it.)

Thanks!

[Crevice Reamer]

Here you go:

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=418-4540

CR.

[spaceballs_3000]

Originally Posted by Crevice Reamer Here you go: http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=418-4540 CR.

Sweet it's on sale too! $20.99 vs $37.92
9 X 7 X 6 ACCU-PLATE WEBBED END SLOTTED ANGLE PLATE

[nc cooter]

Spaceballs, that's the one.

Crevice, I left the wheels on. My shop is small and all of my major work stations have wheels, ie:floor model drill press, table saw,horrizontal metal saw,grinder table. The mill is rock solid with all of the mass. Lot's of stuff stored in the old Kennedy.

[apache405]

nc-

have you tried to do any precise milling with the machine? if you have, what kind of tolerances are you getting from it?

[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.

[JustSomeGuy]

Originally Posted by Crevice Reamer Here you go: http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=418-4540 CR.

Excellent. Gonna order one this week...