X3 Conversion, need advice

[アダム]

I have been reading the forums pretty much non stop the past few days trying to sift through all my options, and I think I'm close to a verdict, with just a few loose ends to clear up.

So here is what I want to accomplish, machine small parts in delron, aluminium, and occasionally steel. About the only thing I will be doing in steel is gears, and I have no problem going as slow as the machine/tool needs me to go.

For gears I obviously need a 4th axis, but I have not seen a wealth of information on this topic. Who sells a 4th axis, and what do I need to know about it regarding gear making? Any issues converting it to CNC? Kits available?

About tooling, where does everyone go for tools? I would like to start shopping for tools, and calculating feeds and speeds to make sure everything is within the limits of the machine.

For the main axises, I was thinking of going CNC fusion with ball screws. However I have read some posts about the Z axis screw being in a bad place limiting access to a adjustment screw? Does this issue still exist, is it really a big deal?

And lastly, the fusion kit comes with timing belt style belts, does that take away the ability to change spindle speeds? How many different speeds can you achieve?

[ViperTX]

CNCFusion kit is the way to go. On the Z-axis the adjustment screw you're talking about requires a spanner wrench to tighten up...most of us and like Kevin at MCModels have used a locking vise grip with a towel, rag or leather wrapper around the nut.

The timing belts for the CNCFusion kit (Deluxe) are only used to drive the Z-axis, the X and Y are driven directly off the stepper. I would not bother with the Lovejoy couplers, just ask Michael to sell you the helical coouplers.

For cutting tools stay with a US brand, for vices Shars or Phase II, for collets ETM or some other precision collet is best, measuring tools Interapid, Fowler, or one of the Japanese brands. LittleMachineShop.com or use-enco.com

What size of gears are you trying to hob? Get familiar with gear hobs.

Do a goole search for 4th Axis, there a few but pretty expensive. Most of us make out own using anything from the spindle of an X2 to a rotary table mounted to a homemade or precision right angle, add a stepper and correct the backlash and you're in business.

That's it for me, I'm sure somebody else will chime in with additional hints.

Paul

[アダム]

I found the post about the z axis complaint: Planning an X2 conversion. Is that what you are talking about also?

It never occurred to me to make my own 4th axis, I suppose I might just do that. I have done a bit of searching, and I have found some semi reasonably priced tables, so I will keep both options open at this point.

As for the size of the gears I want to hob, well I don't really know. I guess that depends on what I can hob, and then I will design around that.

Thanks for clearing up what the belts are for, I thought it seemed a bit odd for a CNC conversion kit to be replacing the spindle belts :P

Do you guys have any favorite websites for tools?

[Matt McColley]

ENCO and Grizzly are going to have the lowest price tools....

Grizzly is all import..

ENCO has both import and domestic

Shars has good prices but pay attention to the shipping cost... esp. on heavy items like a vise.

ENCO often has free shipping deals... and that's how I got my vise

[アダム]

I think I'm using the wrong term, I mean tools as in tooling, endmills and stuff like that, not vices and pliers.

[hoss2006]

I get most of mine from MscDirect.com
Sign up for emails, they just sent me one for 35% off cutting tools, there's an ad on the main page.
I usually get them shipped to me in 1 day but I'm pretty close.
Hoss

[Crevice Reamer]

Hi and welcome to the Zone!

That CNCFusion problem is only for the X2 machine. The problem does not exist on the X3.

I recommend the PMDX-132 for BOB and G203Vs for drivers:

http://pmdx.com/PMDX-132

CR.