How to get more Z Clearance on Syil Factory Converted X3 Mills

[Chrisjh]

Hi All Syil X3 Users,

Please find in the link below my method of increasing the Z movement from 200 to 300mm. The original gas spring fitted at the Syil Factory only has a stroke of 200mm, limiting the clearance above the table. This simple procedure gives an additional 100mm of movement by fitting a new gas spring with 325mm of stroke.

Have a great 2008.

Chrisjh

http://www.cjh.com.au/Z_Height_Mod.pdf

[neilw20]

I'm going to do it too.
Just got to find a strut in melbourne.
By the way the head weighs 45KG (Somebody else weighed one.)
PM me. I have a surprise for you.

[Greolt]

Chrisjh

Turn you gas strut up the other way. You have it upside down.

Good write up. Thanks for taking the time.

Here are a couple of pics of my effort. I went for one on each side. I get a full range of Z travel.

Also in an attempt to overcome what I see as the major weakness of the CNC'd X3 I have angled them to lift from the center of mass.

Got them charged to 17kgs each. Should have gone for 20kgs. 34 total is not enough to achieve what I wanted.

My mounting method will of course not suit every situation. Rotating the head for example. But I have never done this and they are very easy to disconnect if needed anyway.

Greg

.

[LeeWay]

Greg is right about the spring orientation. I am guilty of having mine upside down as well.
http://www.guden.com/pdf/AD103.pdf
I like your write ups as well. Nicely done.

Apparently these springs will fail after a long period of time. I do have a spare for mine, but it might be a good item to have on hand for these as well. They really aren't expensive. I got mine here.
http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.as...name=hydraulic

$2.99 each.

They do a nice clean job without taking up much space.

Here are some nice ones with 90 lbs of force. 40 something kilo's. Almost 15" travel.
http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.as...name=hydraulic

I don't know if these guys ship down under though.

[Chrisjh]

Hi Greg and Lee,

Sorry about the delay reponding. I have been busy becoming a Grandfather for the first time. I now have a beautiful grandaughter born 1am 17Jan.

You are both right re the orientation of the gas spring. I made the mistake of copying the original Syil orientation. I will reverse mine as soon as I get a chance. Makes sense now I think about it. The "heavier than gas" oil inside the cylinder will be at the seal end of the cylinder if mounted correctly. This must increase reliability because the piston shaft and seal will be permanently lubricated.

My next modification is the addition of a Dremel High Speed Engraver (supposedly 10000 to 37000 rpm) to the side of the head. This project is held up due to a larger project to keep the wolf from the door. I will let everyone know as soon as I have time to get it going.

So far I have CNC machined two clamps to secure the top and bottom of the Dremel. There is only the matter of designing and making a suitable bracket to mount the clamps to the side of the head.

Regards

Chris