And so it begins… another X2 CNC Conversion.

[beehphy]

After many months of researching my upcoming conversion, I’m finally starting my own project thread as I am about to begin.

Thanks to Hoss, and the likes, I think I have a pretty good idea of what I want, what I need to get there, and how to get there. I know, wishful thinking. So many other projects start this way, only to stumble and struggle during the build. And unlike some others, I don’t have access to another mill, to make modifications to the one under construction.

I already have the MicroLux mini-mill (harbor freight model of the X2). I have enjoyed using it for the last year or so, putting ~150k turns on the handles. Small, functional, inexpensive; perfect for my projects.

Also, about a year ago I began putting some focus on my small business, Jopel Designs. I installed a Car-PC and immediately noticed there was something I needed that was absent from the market. I had to build it. Anyways, If you want to learn more about that project look here and here.

In taking that project to small scale production, I quickly recognized the HUGE impact a CNC mill could have on my productivity. There are only a few pieces that need machining, but cutting each one by hand when your making 200+ is a little dull and tedious. Not a good combination.

I figured if my machine was CNC, or NC, I could make my most complex pieces in 2 machine steps (chuck, cut, re-chuck, cut, remove, repeat) instead of the 12 it currently takes. And after ~60hrs on the mill over a couple weeks, I had made up my mind. CNC it is.

Here’s what I’m planning
CNC fusion 3 axis ball screw kit (#4).
Keling 4Axis 270 Oz. Kit.
Mach3 software
My own brew NC controller, Probably the hardest part.
Flood cabinet, on a cart, on casters.
And eventually I’ll add a 4th axis like Hoss’s (Link) and maybe a high speed spindle.
I'll also be re-enforcing the Z axis with supports integraded into the cart.

My current Setup:
I built a cart to mount my mill, lathe, grinder, and air compressor, as seen in the pics below. since the pics were taken I’ve added drawers and stuff to organize my tooling on the middle shelf. Once the mill is off this cart, I think my drill press or a vise will take that spot.

I plan to build a second cart, very similar, specifically for the cnc mill, with room for electronics, tooling, flood system, computer, etc. By the end, the mill cart should be stand alone system capable of doing my bidding.

My current conserns are whether the 270 Oz. motors will be enough for the Z and 4th axis. Suppose we'll get there when we get there.

[sansbury]

If you do a 4th axis using a worm-gear drive, then the motor requirements are minimal as there is a reduction ratio of 45-360:1 in use.

I'm hoping to finish my X2 Z-axis based on the Hoss design this weekend. When I do I'll tell you how much torque it needs. I got 425s and am pretty sure they will be overkill on the X and Y.

As to the point of the whole exercise, I've said it many times before here: if your purpose in building a CNC mill is to make money, consider me friendly but highly skeptical. Having them manufactured by a local shop or even in China if they're relatively simple, will be an even more efficient use of your time than converting an X2 and using it in your garage.

OTOH, if the main point is to justify the purchase of new toys to your SO, then by all means go ahead.

[beehphy]

Originally Posted by sansbury OTOH, if the main point is to justify the purchase of new toys to your SO, then by all means go ahead.

I'd say 50/50.

I want the projects and products I make to have that profesional feel.

As far as my production future goes, that definately includes outsorcing the big jobs.