Super X3 conversion with 20mm Ballscrew?

[nancygal]

Bones,

This looks like a good mill. Who makes it? Is it available in the U.S.? Is it available in R8 taper?

Thanks,

Nancygal

[bones]

Hi Nancygal,
I'm not sure sorry. All I know is that you can buy them from this guy in Australia and they come from China. Give the guy a yell, He is very helpful.
You probably have them there under a different name.
Or have banned the import of them. lol.

Cheers
Bones

[nancygal]

Bones,

I found something similar with R8 taper, the G0519 Mill/Drill/Tapping Machine.

At: http://www.grizzly.com/products/G0519

[bones]

Nancygal,
Yep that looks like it, except that one is driving on the righthand side for the Z-Axis (US version). lol.
Our runs on single phase or 3 phase as we have 250V here.

After a bit of a search a found a few things.
They come under many names. RF-45, ZX-40, WS-40 all the same item.
You will be looking for a clone.

Looks like they are dearer in the US.
I surpose China is closer to us.

Cheers
Bones

[Kosa]

Hi bones

Funny you should mention the HM45. The place I'm buying the SX3 from has a HM45 standing right beside it, about $250 more. It is one beast of a machine, more than twice the mass of the SX3.

My ownly issue with it, is the spindle vertical axis, supposedly for fine tuning the Z axis. For conversion to CNC this would present further unnecessary complications. Depending on what type of tolerances you were after, you would have to ensure this mechanism was up to scratch.

That HM45 Copy\Clone on ebay is an absolute bargain! It is very tempting

Cheers
Kosa

[bones]

Hi Kosa,
Nah rip the handle off, fit a ballscrew with the motor at the top.
If you have enough power in the motor there won't be issues. If so fit a air ram. A lot more solid, more casting to absorb vibrations therefore better finish.
Oh and you lock the spindle part all the way up and move the whole head.

As soon as I get back from holidays I'm getting one.

I used the x3 at work with a 10mm bit taking 1-2mm cuts from alloy and it was ok but didn't like it too much.
I used the guy at works machine hm-45(ebay one) 6mm cuts in alloy like it was butter. Orsm 1 or sometimes 1.5hp motors. It certainly is a beast.

Seriously have a good look at it.
I was once told. "You can fit a small job on a big machine but you can not fit a big job on a small machine".

You will not need to upgrade for a while.
(I'm away without internet for 4 days so don't think I'm rude for not replying)

Cheers
Bones

[bones]

Hi,
How did you go? Make a decision?
Did you go the big machine?

The problem I have is I have a 3X8 garden shed to fit mine in when I get it.
With the base I will need to fit a whirly bird in the roof so the motor can go up into it. lol.

Bones

[Kosa]

G'day Bones

Yeah decided and purchased SX3. Currently sitting in my garage awaiting strip down and clean up.

Reasons:
1. Plenty big for intended use.
2. Variable speed.
3. Readily available speed upgrade to 3800rpm. I need this for intended use.
3. Motor is actually bigger than eBay HM45 clone.

3 x 8 lol, you are kidding arn't you? Hope its got a roller door or you'll need a dirty great can opener as well It would most probably be easier to place it in a nice suitable position in your backyard and re-build your shed around it cos you'll never get a crane in there. You do know how heavy that thing is don't you?? LOL

Cheers
Kosa

[bones]

Hi Kosa,
Yeh fair enough on the mill. There are a few good things about the X3S.
I want brute force for mine. lol.
The shed is a 3M X 8M. Come on we are Aussy land. Metric here.

Just not that high enough for me.

Cheers
Bones

[david_geng]

Hi,

How much the benefit can you get from a 20mm ballscrew compared with 16mm one? any test report?

Thanks
David

[bones]

Hi David,
I don't have exact figures but it is mainly on a large machine on a long run away from the bearing under a large load that you can get flex on the screw and therefore loose accuracy, so I'm told.
Plus you can use more force with a bigger screw.

Bones