X1 Belt Drive: Is it worth it?

[flashedarling]

I've decided to go with an X1 for my CNC conversion. Although I know it has less power I am still moving around alot and don't have a lot of space or energy to store and move anything larger. Mainly though I like the fact that with the extended table it has more workspace than the X2.

When I was on LittleMachineShop getting the extension table I noticed that they also have a belt drive for the Harbor Freight Micro Mill. So since I'm starting to buy up everything I need to have a good starter CNC conversion is this belt drive worth it?

Here is the link.

http://littlemachineshop.com/product...ory=1057823482

[HeritageAmps]

I did it... it's okay, but at the high speed setting (8000rpm), the spindle loses
a little too much torque and will "trip" the spindle controller unless taking VERY light cuts... even in plastic or wood. other than that, it's a good deal, no more stripped gears, is MUCH quieter, and was a simple install...

Les

[darkith]

I've got one, not installed yet.

I got it because:
-The X1 gears have been described as "cheese", either stock up on spares or go belt.
-Quiet "sounds" like a good thing.
-I wanted to do some small diameter milling in aluminum, and the small mills need a high speed to be effective.
-I want to mill PCBs, which needs really high speeds (20,000 would be nice). The belt drive goes to 8000, which is much better than 2000. The replacement bearings also go to 16k, so I might tweak it for a higher range.

D.

[DeusExMachina]

Really for the small bits the x1 is going to use (I've found 3/8" being about the largest you can use practically, and 1/2" is starting to push the poor little thing) spindle speeds in the 2-5k range are almost necessary to use it well.

I do not have the belt kit on mine, but I do plan on building my own in the near future. Once you start getting smaller then about 1/4" the extra speed is really necessary so you're not snapping the little ones...

I'm also considering replacing the motor/controller, or at the least the motor controller with a different one in the near future. I've had some issues with my motor controller acting a little.. 'goofy' occasionally, not even taking deep cuts, but for some reason it just decides to fault some times... Really really bad when you're 1/4" in the materials running cnc and then the motor controller faults :|

I've not broken a single gear yet on my machine, has about 10 hours running cnc right now, and about 20-30 hours before as a manual machine, not a single tooth is sheared or chipped. If you're careful and avoid shaving your vice I'd imagine the gears will last sometime (mine are going on 6 months now). That said, the things are LOUD, for that reason along I want a belt drive...