X1 questions

[307startup]

What is the spindle taper in the X1?

What is the OD of the spindle/spindle liner in the X1?

I'm asking because I'm interested in developing a CNC'd version of the micro-mill for small-scale projects (micro-miniature).

I am considering replacing the stock spindle with a high-speed spindle, such as the Kavo or Hofer.

I plan on buying the base castings from www.littlemachineshop.com and converting to linear slides and miniature ballscrews. I'm aware of the shortcomings of this mill...I am not trying to burden this mill with work better suited to a larger mill, I am attempting to optimize this size mill for workpieces suited to its dimunitive stature.

[sansbury]

Really the only good thing about the X1 is the price for the complete machine. Every part of it is full of compromises in order to meet a very low price point.

If you're going to all that trouble you might as well build from raw stock, as it's not like the castings are dirt-cheap. That way you can make the design really use the precision parts you put in. If you don't have the tools to do a scratch-build, I'm inclined to doubt you'll end up with a machine better than a Taig or Sherline, though it will probably cost more.

[escott76]

It would seem to me that the reason a lot of guys go with the chinese mills as a base for a CNC project is that they lack access to other tooling to make parts that the linear guides would sit on. Reasonably operating dovetails for cheap are better in that case than nothing.
To go through the trouble to convert such a machine to linear guides seems counterproductive. I have a Sherline, but rather than try and convert it directly I'm building an entire new machine with similar travels. Specifically because it doesn't make sense to try and retrofit a design that features low diameter lead screws and dovetail ways with decent ball screws and linear guides. I'll have the work envelope of a Sherline but a far more rigid machine that uses the components I want, and I don't have to go through a lot of trouble to fit things into places that weren't designed to accommodate them.