X2 Y-axis extension

[X2cnc]

I extended the Y travel of my X2 by milling the front of the CNCFusion Y motor mount and a little out of the front of the table. I now have 4.7" of travel.

I had some idea of using countersunk screws to anchor the top edge, where CNCFusion used two Allen screws, so I left a .100" lip for the screw heads. To get a little extra travel I milled the front of the saddle. Note I also left a step at the front, so the lower Allen head screws were not exposed. This required a small clearance cut on the saddle.

Now that I've done it all, I recommend leaving the saddle alone and just milling the Y bracket until the coupler is exposed. Mill it as far as you dare, drill and tap two new holes on top to hold the way cover, and the two screws CNCFusion uses to hold the parts together are fine. Drill and add two more down lower if you're paranoid. All the hack-whackery will be hidden by the way covers anyway.

[X2cnc]

I added an inch to the -Y travel. I just got back from the steelyard with a piece of 1x3 steel. This will move the column back (and up) one inch so the saddle can move another inch +Y, for a total of 5.7" Y travel.
Well, after I get a new ballscrew... <sigh>

It's not Hoss' X2 Freak, but it's coming right along!

[Jay C]

Can you show photos of it installed? Or are you waiting on the new ball screw? I'd love to get more travel out of my Y so this interests me a lot.

[SScnc]

Originally Posted by Jay C I'd love to get more travel out of my Y so this interests me a lot.

I agree, me too !

[acondit]

Here is how I did the Y-extension on my X2. I found the original info on which I based my implementation on the GrizHFMinimill Yahoo group.

Alan

[X2cnc]

That's it!

[SScnc]

Simple but ingenious !

What is the thickness ? .5 in. ?

Thanks for the pics and info

[acondit]

I used a piece of 3/4" steel that I had. I was worried that with counterboring for the cap screws a thinner piece might not be strong enough.

Alan

[SScnc]

Right, that makes sense to use 3/4".

I have a couple more questions,

(1) I was just getting ready to mill the CNCFusion block as shown in the first post of this thread but my table only slides out about 1/8" past the front of the base. The Y ballscrew nut appears to be hitting the front of the slot in the base.

Did you guys have to remove some of the cast iron in order to keep this from happening ?

(2) When doing the column relocation with the new steel plate did you have to mill your X2 base in that area down flat ?

Thanks,

Steve

[acondit]

Originally Posted by SScnc Right, that makes sense to use 3/4". I have a couple more questions, (1) I was just getting ready to mill the CNCFusion block as shown in the first post of this thread but my table only slides out about 1/8" past the front of the base. The Y ballscrew nut appears to be hitting the front of the slot in the base. Did you guys have to remove some of the cast iron in order to keep this from happening ?

Yes, I milled the end of the slot out almost to the inside edge of the front casting wall.

(2) When doing the column relocation with the new steel plate did you have to mill your X2 base in that area down flat ?

Yes, I milled the whole area where the new plate fit in order to provide a nice flat mating surface.

Alan

[SScnc]

Thanks for answering those for me Alan, and the pics.

I got the front CNCFusion block done today. I milled the block all the way down to the top of the bearings and all the way to the channel piece of the mount.

I also took a little more out the front of the X2 base than you did Alan, just to get as much Y travel as I could from this. I'll be doing the column modification just as you did after I get the adapter plate made. Thanks also for posting the CAD drawing of that plate.

This lack of Y travel has been my only real complaint with the X2 for what I'm using it for. I really think that CNCFusion should make a couple of changes in their design, this front block and the mounting of the Z drive (of course). Other than that, or even considering those two things, the kit is fine and very well made.

Thanks,

Steve

[acondit]

Steve,

You're welcome, I was feeling a little guilty posting this in your thread.

Alan