Getting my Syil Super X3

[jinu117]

Well, after some delays per parts, modification than miscommunication in shipment, the mill will be in tomorrow. In preparation, I have made bench for it (I might make cross bracer if there is enough movement to warrant it).
Sort of going to keep this as "noob"'s work log on this machine
Design of bench top is directly from Lou (thank you so much for the advices!!!)

Bench is made with 4x4 and 2 layers of 3/4 panels. In retrospect, I could have gone 3 layers with mid as MDF to give it some more mass I suppose... but it's already done and I am bit too tired to do more... for now...
Seems pretty sturdy with my wife jumping on top of it for test.
First time I've used this fiberglass stuff so there was some improvement I could have made (such as stretching the fabric really tight so I don't have as much bump and sanding to do), but I am quite happy with the end result
I don't think I will paint it as I am not sure how coolant and some paints go together and going to play it safe for now. It's hard to see but the edges are grooved in to let plexiglass go right in and I plan to just put seal string there to hold it and waterproof it. Maybe some u channels of rubber molding on corners so I can easily take one out if I need to work on odd position of machine)...
I will update pic as more progresses...
PS) I had moment to talk to Richard of Syil America and it was pleasure chatting with him on MSN. I will give them a call once it is my time to setup the machine for some assitance

[dscamero]

you will find out quickly that when the mill is added the table structure will matchbox. Matchboxing is structural slang for the top displacing parallel to the ground with the legs leaning in concert with each other. I would brace prior to adding the mill. Stiff structures are good.
Dr.Dave

[jinu117]

Well truck rolled in, I WAS DEFINTELY not happy to see the condition of crate it was in.
#1. It was laying on side whole time! In fact, when I questioned the driver he told me that it was like that from warehouse to begin with..
#2. Big dent on the box. Obviously someone drove the lifter bit into package. I've heard horror stories of these... I get to see it first hand for once. Makes me think twice about how should I pack my some of more expensive (about 150 lbs - 200lbs, flammable gas inside however small qty it is), costing from $1700-3000 for customer cascade cooling system (this ones do go cryogenic temp as in -100c or below)... Very disheartening to see.
One comment to Syil on this part, there are some tapes that read "THIS SIDE up" with red marking, arrow and all. About 4x5" or so. It's bit hard to ignore when you can really see it instead of what looks like doodle Something that my cost a dollar more (and save time instead of getting those markers and drawing) per unit shipped by posting it maybe 4-8 times.
I use such label and so far all has been good (keep in mind, it's like shipping refridgerator on common carriage... I need to take upmost care on anything I can do).
Another thing. The pallet spacer was useless to pallet transporter here. Probably reason it came to me on side as well as in warehouse. I understand there was additional wood piece to brace unit better but I am thinking maybe using thicker piece of wood on bottom and leaving it easy to move by pallet would have been better option.
Believe me, I don't think you guys want to deal with RMA. For my units each RMA can eat up to profit of 2 units. I do everything in my power to avoid that. I am not sure how situation is for you guys on this.
Now to Syil again. Controller boxe was fastened with a single rope? I got an idea for you on this one look for something called "instapak" not the cheapest packing but I wouldn't mind paying few more $$$ to make sure things are here safe. All other accessories were just placed in another side from controller with no fastening really. That includes coolant system and chuck set, and the spindle, and chuck for my rotary table. You might want to make a card board box to be able to be placed tight with the machine with say 3-4 compartment that can accomodate typical accesories that this mill might come with. Just my 2c.

Here are some pics:

[jinu117]

Now to happier tone of voice...
here are more pics of accesories that came in
First is the mounting stuff for rotary table Came with some T-slot nut and bolt and jaw for chuck that is already installed what seems 4 inch and what seems 3 inch chuck I especially like the look and quality feel of 3 inch one but I will probably end up using 4 inch one most of time.
On what seems to be factory supplied box was some goodies I probably won't be using too much of...
Next picture is the water pump. I am glad to see 110v pump in there I looked at wiring and it looks quite simple. (but than I deal with pump and motors quite often...)
Next is coolant system (rest of it). It looks to me that the pump will mount right into to the box and everything should be breeze to use...
Collet set I ordered. R-8 set.
Most of this things are extra's I've ordered with system.

PS) Well, found out from inspecting closer that the spindle is 4 inches and chuck with adapter is only 3 inches. I am going to have to figure out a way to mount 4 inch chuck...

[jinu117]

now the sneak peek at controller box. It seems to be more matured version than Lou has gotten while back
I easily found how to connect this system up but will talk with Syil America to double confirm before I power it up (actually need my computer prepped anyway... which WILL take time).
Anyways, It looks easy enough to install with all the things' i am seeing. Only part it seems like I will have to connect would be power... (duh), spindle speed control to another controller, and emergency stop wire to another controller.
Now here is something that WORRIES me A LOT.
I see 220v to 12v power transformer powering the controller. Does that mean I need transformer sitting in between to use this? Also, does that voltage apply to rest of system as wel or just controller. The PSU to power stepper seems to be capable of running regular voltage here as well...
If the 220v is must than how do I draw it when the power line from Sieg machine itself looks like 110v to me?
If the transformer was a mistake, I can easily find replacement one... if DC is okay that's even better as I have about 100 switching 12v dc psu rated for 2A... I use it to power fans on my builds.
Overall the system looks VERY complete to me and well made Only thing I would like to see improve really which I believe in progress are Manual, and better packing and shipping strategy for now I will keep this updated as I go alone

[jinu117]

Got the machine up the bench and got computer configured (installing of windows, etc).
I have no hold down, toolings, etc yet as I am looking into what would suit me best for now.
But ran some dry run of things (milling air with air?:P)
First problem was 4th axis wasn't working. I open up and find out wire very loose so plug it in firmly. Now it would halt in middle of turning with grinding noise... bleh. Found out the alignment of stepper must have been out and sure enough it was. Easy enough fix.. .few mins there.
Now, Z axis seem to have problem traveling at 100% of speed. If I manually go through mach shuttle control to move Z axis, it would halt in middle with grinding noise. I was able to jog around at 80% but there are some uneven tone when moving. Could it be something got damaged in shipping?
Next, spindle control. I need some explanation on how to as I wasn't able to use it successfully. From manual control from controller seem to work but not from mach 3. Also, the sound doesn't quite sound as smooth as I was expecting especially on low RPM as gear might have gone out or some tight binding and RPM reading fluctuates quite a bit.
I didn't expect it to be very easy going without some adjustments once I get it due to long shipping but I am starting to get bit stumped... Hopefully I will hear back from Syil America soon. (what is the time of operation anyways? I never got through phone during day time... maybe it's night time operation? :P)
Also, it seems to me that there is no cut out when the table reaches it's limit? I managed to get to end of table with nothing stopping me other than it physically stuck and stepper whining which certainly can't be good.

Let's hope all this little things are as easy to fix/find out as my 4th axis problem I initially had.

[SyilAmerica]

Your unit was the last unit sold directly from the factory in China, and the first with the spindle control. That is why we open the crates here, adjust, bench test, and re-package in the states. It makes it more difficult to troubleshoot over the phone/text/internet.

I got your message and will call you in the morning.

[jinu117]

I talked to Richard of SyilAmerica. Awesome support over all.
We managed to get some issues with axis (more of configuration issue than anything else).
We had some problem with spindle control and the fact spindle turning doesn't quite soudn right. I suspect shipping damage on pulley or manufacturing proces (it doesn't turn concetric on motor mount side as well as screw holding the pulley is really stripped).
Richard is looking into issue and we will touch base again shortly.
One thing for sure, I can definitely see this company evolving each sales they make just like I do with my small business.
(I really understand how it can be sometimes time consuming and stressing when trying to diagnose things over the phone when someone doesn't have full knowlesge or practiced in field).
Over all, I probably will be delayed a little over a week from actual cutting of my things in perfectly operating machine but I have no doubts at this point that I will get there with Richard and Xusho backing up on their product.
Big Kudos to you guys (and let's keep it going smooth so I can keep giving you more praises :P)

[diarmaid]

Hi jinu. Great thread. Did you order the full cnc kit with your machine or seperately, and if seperate, from where?

The bench looks great by the way. But I have no experience of mills so I dont know if its strong or weak for the X3.

Thanks.

[jinu117]

Thank you diarmaid. It was before SyilAmerica was made so I had to order direct from Yuyao Syil. I don't think SyilAmerica skimps on packing as people in US generally are bit more into safe shipping and Richard and I have talked about issues with the manner it was shipped and it sounded like his got it under control. Basically, all this minor quirks I am running into will be reviewed by SyilAmerica and than handled accordingly before getting to customers hand. I call that attention to detail

[jinu117]

Well what a good day it was. I was on phone with SyilAmerica again for spindle issue I had.
We got the spindle to work as well as flood relay Wooohooo.
Now only remaining thing left is spindle replacement, and the missing 1600RPM on my mill (could be software configuration we don't know about).
I am so happy.
Through the whole thing, SyilAmerica proved to be not only professional, reliable and caring. Which I can't say to many other US based business
You wouldn't happen to have worked at Nordstrom have you?
I can't wait to get to 100% shortly with your help.

Sincerely, Jin

[CNCadmin]

I have the same package on the way to me, looks great! Just a little question did you disassemble any of the machine it get it on the bench? I have to get my machine in my basement.