Syil C6 thoughts?

[cnczoner]

In need of a low-cost 110V CNC lathe, or kit to convert a CNC lathe. 9x or 10x would be ideal. So far I only know of the Syil C6 or Microkinetics 10x36. I can't find the voltage requirements on Syil's website, but I'm assuming 110V since this is the same as Grizzly's 10x22.

Microkinetics doesn't return phone calls, and they're out of my budget, so they're pretty much out.

The C6 looks ideal, but I think it's pricey. My conservative cost estimates are -- 9x or 10x lathe ~$1000, ballscrews ~$300, motor mounts, plates, belts, couplers, etc ~$200, steppers ~$200, wires/connectors/limit switches/etc ~$200. That's only $1900 so far. I figure even $2500 (without controller/drivers would be fair) so I could use the controller/drivers/PC from my mill. This would save me cost and space. Syil only sells it as a complete unit, and I can't see myself spending $2000 for a controller I don't need.

Anyone have other options -- turnkey or kit? I don't want to do any custom machining to convert one (time and experience), but a bolt on kit would be nice, most importantly the ballscrews and motor mounts/couplers/belts, etc.

Thanks,
-Neil.

[Guldberg]

Sieg has made a factory convert lathe as well, take a look at their websit

[cnczoner]

Okay, found siegind.com and they have a "KC6-MACH" that looks good. There's a 4-position toolchanger also. But I can't find a source to purchase this from in the US, so I've emailed them. If you know of any sources here, do tell.

Thanks,
-Neil

[wilko1]

After months of searching i finally settled for a c6, first impression is good i have done a few alterations to it but only bits.there is a lot of good little machines out there, but for me buying a machine ready to plug in and make things on is an advantage.The capacity of the c6 is excellent and also its a good weight,The instructions on the cnc side of it dont exist (but i knew that before the purchase) i think if syil made some minor improvements they will or could sell a lot of these machines.An instruction manual and wiring diagram would be great! All these thoughts might change as i havent made anything on it yet i am ordering mach 3 tommorow.
chris.

[Crevice Reamer]

Originally Posted by wilko1 After months of searching i finally settled for a c6, first impression is good i have done a few alterations to it but only bits.there is a lot of good little machines out there, but for me buying a machine ready to plug in and make things on is an advantage.The capacity of the c6 is excellent and also its a good weight,The instructions on the cnc side of it dont exist (but i knew that before the purchase) i think if syil made some minor improvements they will or could sell a lot of these machines.An instruction manual and wiring diagram would be great! All these thoughts might change as i havent made anything on it yet i am ordering mach 3 tommorow. chris.

Hi Chris. Welcome to the Zone! Thanks for the report. Don't be a stranger now.

Please start a new post with your working review and maybe some pics. I'm sure it will be well received.

CR.

[LEN1042]

HI Guys, you can get the basic MACH3 at no cost. I am not sure what the full version that you have to purchase has to offer. Anybody have any idea or experience with both the no cost and full version?
Len

[Guldberg]

The free version can only handle 500 lines of code. That is the only difference. That said, it is worth every penny. This many functions for such a low cost is unheard of

[PEU]

Im learning how to use the C6 (Im a milling guy ) and Im loving it, I agree, small modifications can make it an even better machine, for example, the wiring from motors/switches can be improved.

It also would be great to have a basic toolchanger option, 4 tools would be more than enough I guess. Or a gang tool plate.