Retrofitting Sieg Super X3

[ints99]

Hi!

Could somebody pleasehelp me directing to the info, how to select suitable steppers or servos for converting Sieg Super X3 into CNC?

How big motors are needed (oz.in.) to be on safe side? Should I use bigger motor for Z axis?

What are cons and pros for steppers / for servos?

It will be probably Xylotex (for steppers) or Gecko (in case of servos) on controller side, or can somebody argue against this selection?

Best Regards,
Indrek
www.heli-web.com

[ViperTX]

Well I don't know what a Super X3 is...but 400 oz-in would be the minimum for a small mill...I don't believe the head is that heavy....so 400 oz-in will also work. On the z-axis if you're not sticking with an ACME screw then you'll need some sort of braking mechanism if using a ballscrew.

For Servos, I'd stick with Rutex and use differential encoders.

[CNCadmin]

I'm using 600 in oz steppers direct drive, using gekco drives.

[ints99]

I dont know all of those American brands/models what are actually using Sieg X3 to put their labels on it :-), but maybe the picture will help you to recognise.

And, Sieg Super X3 is based on original X3, equipped with tilting head and redesigned Z-axis drive.

Original X3: http://www.siegind.com/Products/br-x3-lathe.htm
New Super X3: http://www.siegind.com/Products/br-x3-super-lathe.htm

Best Regards,
Indrek

[ints99]

CNCadmin: could you please describe a littlebit closer your mechanical setup? Do you have just connected servos instead of rotary handles for all X,Y and Z axis? No any other mechanical modifications? Or do you use some gearbox on Z-axis?

600 oz.in... The same also on Z-axis and rotary table?

Do you have any problems of loosing steps using direct drive setup? But the speed is probably very good (the best available compared to some geared/servo setups?

Indrek
http://www.heli-web.com

[ints99]

ViperTX: I fount actually also some diagrams of X3 in web:

http://www.tedatum.com/thms/X3mill/X...0diagram-1.pdf

http://www.tedatum.com/thms/X3mill/X...0diagram-2.pdf

Could you have some basic drawing about adding ballscrew mechanism for similar mechanics?

Do I have right understanding, that ACME means basically "using the existing mechanics ment for rotating handles" and ballscrew setup is installing extra hardware to move axes? In such case, do you happen to have any good example, how such bracking mechanism can be solved?

Regards,
Indrek

[ints99]

Btw: Rutex web page, www.rutex.com seems to contain only index page not to much information put in... Do you happen to have any glue, where better information can be found?

rgds,
Indrek

[ints99]

Originally Posted by ViperTX Well I don't know what a Super X3 is...but 400 oz-in would be the minimum for a small mill... For Servos, I'd stick with Rutex and use differential encoders.

Could you recommend some particular Rutex item? And where I can get suitable differential encoders?

Rgrds,
Indrek

[Halfnutz]

Who sells the Sieg X3?

[ints99]

Actually, it depends from country. In USA (what you are probably asking), I have read some (rumors?) about Bob Bertrand at Lathemaster ( http://www.lathemaster.com/ ) who is selling X3-s, likely/hopefully in the future also Super X3 ones (if not allready, i really don't know). Super X3 is actually a very new product, so I dont think that too many importers have managed to order before summer vacations - it seems to be more realistic to wait they will be available next year or so I think, Sieg published Super X3 on their website about (maximum) month ago or close...

Regards,
Indrek