The best conversion kit for X3

[triump]

Who makes the best conversion kit for the X3?

I have seen alot of kits that use a gas spring and other that do not. Is the gas spring really needed?

Thanks
Pat

[Greolt]

Triump

There are a few

CNCfusion http://www.cncfusion.com/ .....Not the best IMO others may differ

Syil from China http://www.syil.cn/ .....Look at a thread I have going for more info

Promica http://www.cnckits.com.au/ ......Looks good to me.

KDN Tool & Automation are supposed to be developing one. Don't know much about them.

I don't doubt there are others.

Some have used a gas spring successfuly others say it takes away from the rigidity of the head. Seems like a good idea to me.

[phantomcow2]

Overall the Syil kit seems to be good quality. He uses higher quality ballscrews with preloaded nuts and angular contact bearings. I have not purchased this kit, but I do not believe there is sufficient documentation. ALso, there is a significant language barrier.
If it was me, I think I would go with the CNCkits one. It also utilizes angular contact bearings, looks clean and well made.

[syil]

Originally Posted by phantomcow2 Overall the Syil kit seems to be good quality. He uses higher quality ballscrews with preloaded nuts and angular contact bearings. I have not purchased this kit, but I do not believe there is sufficient documentation. ALso, there is a significant language barrier. If it was me, I think I would go with the CNCkits one. It also utilizes angular contact bearings, looks clean and well made.

thanks for your kind conclusion for our products.of course we will sent the instuction in future to every clients.

[mhuett]

The PROMiCA kit includes full instructions with photo's and/or drawings identifying each and every part in the kit along with the appropriate relationship to corresponding components from the X3 itself. Instructions also cover possible 'gotchas' and clearly identify step by step the process all the way from removing the existing components, through the new fit-out, on to wiring the kit and finally dedicated instructions on configuring the supplied Mach3 software.... basically 'go to woe' is covered... and if you still get stuck then there's email support too (usually less than 24hr turn-around).

I should point out that the instructions supplied are appropriate for the kit purchased ... ie if the kit doesn't include the controller and software then the instructions relating to those components isn't included.



Thanks GreoIt & phantomcow2 for your support & praise!

[OilMan]

Triump, I notice that some of those kits vary in price by hundreds of dollars. If you're like most of us, budget plays a big factor in your choice.

Hey phantomcow, do you know what brand those ballscrews are that come with the syil kit, or where they are made?

[Ron111]

Mhuett,

Welcome aboard!!!!

Who makes The PROMiCA kit. Is there a website link?

Ron

[phantomcow2]

According to my google search, the Promica kit is the name of the one at the CNCkits.au website.

The CNCkits one is 750 I think for a mechanical kit, plus shipping. THe Syil is 900 plus shipping. Either way shipping wont be cheap coming from across the globe!

Oilman, I don't know who manufactures the ballscrews Syil uses. You should probably ask him, I remember reading him saying that they are made in Italy.
Are you trying to avoid the standard black rolled ballscrew most use? I am almost positive that Nook industries makes higher grade ballscrews like Syil uses. You may have to buy from them directly though, I've not seen it offered by retail. Ask them for a quote.
Also, Hiwin makes higher grade rolled and ground ballscrew. THis I know for a fact. You may be able to ask them for a quote as well. I don't know if any Hiwin retailers, maybe automation4less.com?

[Greolt]

Originally Posted by phantomcow2 The CNCkits one is 750 I think for a mechanical kit, plus shipping. THe Syil is 900 plus shipping. Either way shipping wont be cheap coming from across the globe!

You should enquire with CNCkits as to cost. He sugested to me freight to the USA would only be about $50

[OilMan]

I'm on a pretty limited budget, so I'm looking at the Fusion ballscrew kit, its $549. I should be able to order it, a xylotex board, power supply, enclosure, steppers, cables, etc.. and come in under $900, depending on shipping charges. I think I can replace the balls in the ballnuts myself to achieve a preload and save a little $$ there as well.

I also emailed Fusion about install instructions, and they are supposed to be very close to finishing an installation video. I dont know, we'll see.

I was wanting to go the the manufacturer web page of the ballscrews that syil uses. Curious as to the manufacturers posted specs on them.

[mhuett]

Ron111 ...the website for PROMiCA is http://www.cnckits.com.au.


Regarding shipping ...
When I first approached Australia Post regarding the costs for shipping to the US I was misquoted ...in typical style they entered the incorrect weight and then gave me the SEA only rates!!

Shipping can be relatively cheap but it comes down to how quickly people want to recieve their goods which is why I don't include shipping in the base price. I prefer to determine the best method to suit the customer ... somebody on a tight budget may prefer to wait a bit longer and have it shipped by sea ...the next person however may want it tomorrow ... and that winds up the charges accordingly.

For example ... 3 days delivery door to door from Australia to the US is around $350 Australian or approx $260 US ... 9-12 weeks by sea is around $130Au or $97US. It also depends on what is purchased (ie which kit) ... the hardware only kit is much lighter than a full kit (hardware, motors, wiring & controller).

Have a look at the offered kit levels and determine which kit you are after ..then send an email using the links provided on the website and let me know where you are and how quickly you want the kit delivered (there is some lead time at the moment too...) ...I will email back all of your options ... it doesn't cost you anything other than your time..... happy to help!!

You may find it suits you to order just the hardware and then source motors and controller locally for example ... I sell complete kits but also will provide individual parts.

I will also work with people to modify the kit to suit the various models as there are several out there ...varying in column height, table length etc. And with those that I'm working with to create these various models I won't just make it then dump you ...if it is right I'll keep going until it is - I want to have a good name and reputation of helping.


Regards


Marc

[Greolt]

Originally Posted by OilMan .......so I'm looking at the Fusion ballscrew kit, its $549...........

Just be aware that kit does not have proper dual angular contact bearings as the others do. Need to compare apples with apples
It reuses the existing bearings which IMO are inadequate when aplying the greater forces involved in CNC over manual.