X2 CNC PARTS .... Best prices, best setup?

[CNC74]

Hi,

I have an "X2" (Harbor Freight 44991) I purchased to convert to CNC.

I have read a mountian of posts on the subject and am still unsure on the answer to this question:

What is the best of the best for both electronics and hardware?

Here is what I have gathered:

1. CNC FUSION makes an exelent hardware conversion kit and the "#4" kit can be had for $550.00 (Anything Cheaper?)

2. Nema 23 425 oz steppers should be good for X, Y, and 4th axis and can be found for $49.00 each. (Anything Cheaper?)

3. Nema 34 640 oz stepper should be good for the Z axis and can be had for $90.00 (Anything Cheaper?)

4. A model #7212 - 72VOLT 12Amp power supply should be good to drive these steppers. $150.00 (Anything Cheaper?)

5. C11G controller should be good to go for a 4 axis setup of this type. $110.00 (Anything Cheaper?)

6. Geco G203V STEPPER CONTRLLERS = $140.00 x three!!! (OUCH!!) (Anything Cheaper?)


I am chomping at the bit to order the right parts at the right price but in these tough times am taking extreme caution and asking around before making such an important purchase.

Please respond with sugestions pricing and where it can be found for purchase please.

Thanks!!!!

[acondit]

I would think that you could easily use a Geckodrive G540 and a 48v power supply. I don't remember for sure but I believe that Hoss26 uses a Nema23 stepper for the z-axis as well.

Alan

[tumutbound]

I also have just bought an X2 mill and have been looking around at CNC options. There is lots of good info in this forum about CNCing the X2. What I found so far:

Use a gecko G540 and a 48V supply. (Already ordered!)

Motors. NEMA23 for XYZ but there is some difference of opinion as to what the necessary torque rating should be. Anything from 285oz-in to 425oz-in have been mentioned. Trying to find an affordable source of these.

Not sure on a CNC kit. The $A is not that strong at the moment and freight from the US is a killer. This also makes the motors an expensive exercise.

Look forward to seeing what you go with for your conversion.


Belt drive. While not part of the CNC requirement, it's certainly rated as a 'must have' accessory.

[Regnar]

1. Yes CNC Fusion makes a great kit I have one my self. I recommend that you purchase the Helicals at the same time. There are cheaper kits out there. Some have a little diy in them and some have a lot. Hoss I think sells 2 different kinds of kits. One that you have to machine yourself ( He provides plans and stock) and another that requires some machining but the screws are already cut and threaded. Dont qoute me though I havent been to his site in a long time.

2. 425oz is a little over kill but is not to bad. 50 dollars sounds about right. You can check out Keling and Xylotex for motors. Beware of crap on ebay.

3. Completely over kill. I should tell you I have 269oz on all 3 axis and have no problems. I can jog at 45ipm, rough cut at that speed and cut at 20ipm.

4. I have a 24v power supply on mine.

5. I dont use a breakout board. My controller has it built into it.

6. Overkill again for this machine. If you plan on moving up in the future and have the funds then 203v are the way to go. If this is the end of the line for you the Gecko 540 or its little brothers would be more than enough. I use a 3 axis kit from Xylotex. By the way you would need three 203 drives. So
$420


Most of what you are looking at should be for a x3 which is bigger and heavier. Im not saying that none of this would work, but I am saying it is overkill. I just posted a video of chip load and I am waiting for it to clear. As soon as it does I will post it here too so you can see what mine is capable of doing with the above components.

Belt drive. While not part of the CNC requirement, it's certainly rated as a 'must have' accessory.

+1
Made machining much more enjoyable. Worth every single red cent!!!!!!

[Regnar]

Video cleared customs.

1/2 endmill @ 45ipm with a depth of .05 cut. Old HSS endmill with a chipped tooth that came in a china package set from Enco (all 12 for 20 dollars)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3518469489970451444&hl=en

[CNC74]

Regnar,

What was the model of your controller and can you give more details on you parts? I beleive you are running what I didnt know I should be running but am getting the drift.

Thank you!!!

[CNC74]

Is there a cheaper solution for Drive controllers than the GECKO'S G203V at $140 x 3 of them = BIG BUCKS!!!!?????????

It just seems like alot to spend for what it does.

[CNC74]

IS this for real?

EbAY Item: "4 AXIS CNC Router or Mill Stepper Motor complete kit"

Complete kit with everything for $290 +S&H or $325 with BuyItNow

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-AXIS-CNC-Route...3A1%7C294%3A50

It looks like a good deal but seems to good to be true.

Anyone have the skinny on this???

[tumutbound]

Originally Posted by CNC74 Is there a cheaper solution for Drive controllers than the GECKO'S G203V at $140 x 3 of them = BIG BUCKS!!!!????????? It just seems like alot to spend for what it does.

Do you NEED 7 amps at 80 volts?

If not, then the G540 is only $299 for 4 drives. 3.5A at 50V.

[jalessi]

The Chinese stepper driver in the kit is based on a Toshiba TA8435H Driver IC, it only has a 1.5 amp output or 2.5 amp peak.

It would be marginal with the stepper motors suggested for use with the X2.

You will be taking a very big chance purchasing cheap drivers off eBay, most likely they will not provide the power needed and you will have to spend a second time to get what you really need.

Be very careful you don't $crew yourself in the process.

Reinventing the wheel wont be pleasant, many of the members have already been down that path.

Jeff...

[tumutbound]

Originally Posted by CNC74 IS this for real? EbAY Item: "4 AXIS CNC Router or Mill Stepper Motor complete kit" Complete kit with everything for $290 +S&H or $325 with BuyItNow It looks like a good deal but seems to good to be true. Anyone have the skinny on this???

It would depend on just how good the drive controller is. $290 for 4 stepper motors and a power supply is a lot of money

[jalessi]

If you want an inexpensive kit that will work well take a look at this:

http://www.kelinginc.net/ThreeXCNCPackage.html

$379.00

Hoss2006 runs the same system and it works very well.

http://www.hossmachine.info/

Jeff...