I just ordered a Syil America X2!

[cyclestart]

Jeff

Apologies for dragging up this old thread, but I'm seeking a bit of advice.

On you're website you mention some dissatisfaction with the Z axis design. Did you ever get the z better than the .003 backlash ? I lucked into a nice ground screw complete with bearing blocks etc. I'm debating whether to mimic the syil design with these parts or save the screw for a future project.

The other option I'm considering for the z is a Stirling Steele/ HossMachine type design. This is more direct but not as tidy. Oh yeah, the mill is an X2.

Purchasing a syil from the get-go would have saved a lot of hassle. Ahh, the wisdom of hindsight.

[InspirationTool]

I never got it better than about .002", and most of that was from adjusting gib tension.

I feel strongly that the closer to the dovetail you can get, the better you will be.

That said, the backlash didn't seem to cause any problems.

Mine is still available for sale.

-Jeff