New X3 cnc mill getting started

[Runner4404spd]

Well i've finally got some time to start on my X3 mill. i just finished building a wooden bench for it and got my mill disassembled. i am slowly cleaning off the cosmoline. i really can't believe how awful the ways are on this machine. mine came from HF if that makes a difference. i don't think it does. but my mill will be using nema 23 servo motors on all three axes and i plan on using 5/8 ball screws for x, y, and the z.

i just got done lapping th ways on my x and y axis last night. what a night and day difference between how they were and how they are now. also at one point i saw someone post that they have a cad model of the X3 and chance i can get that? and lastly i will post some pics of my mess in its current state tonight when i get home from work. i do plan on upgrading the spindle motor and redoing the spindle bearings. i want about 5000 rpm out of this little mill.

[yantra3d]

Hey just wanted to say congrats and welcome aboard from a fellow X3 conversionist. Sorry to hear about your ways. I'm curious to know how you checked your ways for flatness (what method did you use)? I got mine from Grizzly and the ways seem to be nice and flat although the gib strips on the X and Y were majorly warped. Do you plan on installing a gas strut on the Z to help the nema23? Good luck and keep us posted!

[Runner4404spd]

I ran an indicator across the ways and they seem pretty flat, however, both axes were rough as can be and i had a hard time gliding the axes once the screws were removed. this prompted me to lap them in. i started at 80 grit and then 120, 220, 320 and 500. now the axes are smooth as can be and i can glide one over the other without having any points that stick. once i get some oil on there it should float really well. my gibb strips are a disaster as well.

[Crevice Reamer]

Hi Runner.

Where are the pics that you promised us? I am particularly interested in details of your plan to power the Z axis with N23.

CR.