New Smithy 516 Sieg) KX1

[pixel]

Hi all,
I have a new base Smithy 516 to be delivered Thursday the 15th. I ordered the base without a controler. I will build my own using PMDX boards and GECKO drivers.
I'll keep posting as I go along.

[pixel]

I received the 516 mull. It was very well packed in a wood crate.
I am now building the electronics. So at this time all I have been able to do is take the cover off and look it over.
first impressions:
1. It is verylwell made.
2. bearings on both ends of the x,y an z axis.
3. Very pleasant hammertone paint job on the metal covers.

Smithy customer service is very good. Pleasant to talk to and follows up on questions after the sale.

I have a seig mini-mill and the quality and construction is much better on the Smithy 516.

[Crevice Reamer]

Hi Pixel. Welcome to the Zone! Congrats on your purchase! Can you post some pics please?

CR.

[wonfa]

I'm also looking for a lightweight cnc mill like the KX1... I'm curious, how was it shiped, with the low weight i think they could use ups if they wanted..

[pixel]

Hi,
It was shipped by freight for $229.00. Smithy would not ship by UPS. It was very well packed.
The difference in cost was very little I think $19.00.
So far I am very pleased with the 516 I will post pictures later.

[wonfa]

so have you cut anything yet with the KX1? Any new observations/opinions on it?

[pixel]

No I have not made chips yet. I am still working ont the electronics.

[nachman]

Hi Pixel

Can you please post a few pictures of the machine. Did you get it with the axes motors of just ready for mounting your own motors but with all the couplings and motor mounts ?
I'm also thinking about getting this machine and put my own system on it.
Thanks

[wonfa]

Hmm, I wonder if it is a good sign or a bad sign that we have heard nothing more from pixel about this mill.

Hopefully the mill is so good that he's had no time to post because he's been using it so much...

Has anyone seen anything from anyone independent of smithy talking about a smithy516 they have purchased and actually used?

[pixel]

Sorry about not posting recently. I have had some health problems including hospitalization. The 516 is still setting on my work bench, the Gecko drives, power transformer, and BOB still in the box.
Hope to start on the project next week.
Will try and post some pictures in a few days.

[wonfa]

Sorry to hear that. I didn't mean to be impatient or anything, I was just a little worried that maybe you gave up because of problems or something... It's hard to find any real info about the smithy 516 anywhere on the web... It looks like a nice machine for people who have to keep things lightweight and want something smaller than an X3... the 516 looks like a nice balance of size/capacity/weight... I'm very constrained space-wise and also like the idea of a machine i can pick up on my own... please keep us updated once you are able to get back into things...

[wonfa]

I have noticed that for the past week the smithy516 is not on the smithy webpage anymore.... Just the 1240 and the 622...