Newbie with a new X4+ and many questions

[Mac Tech]

Hello everyone. There are tons of great info on this site. I've been reading through posts for the last hour or so. good stuff.

So I have a new X4+ and lots of questions. I know some of these will seem pretty basic to you guys, but I just want to make sure I've things covered.


1. Do I need to disassemble the X4+ to clean and lube everything? I have a "Introduction to your machine" PDF that is for the SX3 that shows this procedure for a new machine. The manual I received with the X4+ is basically a part list with not much other info.

2. What type of oil do I need for the one shot lube system? What do I need to look for to know that all points are being lubed with this thing?

3. What adjustments or setup do I need to make to a new mill?

4. What's a good coolant/tapping fluid to start with? I will be just spraying this from a bottle to start with and most all of my work will be with aluminum.

Thanks for any info.
Keith

[metalworkz]

Hi Keith,
I bought a SX3 a couple years ago and yes I did dis-assemble it to clean the cosmolite shipping grease and re-lubricate it before re-assembly. I am not sure what they recommend for the X4, but it was probably coated with the protective grease and it will most likely need to be removed and re-lubed with a good lubricant/grease. I used an EP2 type grease on mine for reassembly as it is a good quality light grease and have had good results since. I am using a light oil(tellus 32) manually applied since my mill does not have the one shot lube system.
I have seen posts where some other people just jogged the axis to clean what was accessible and then relubed, and this may be a workable alternative with less downtime. If you do dis-assemble the X4 you will be able to lap the guideway surfaces if wanted, and some report an increase in performance by doing it. You will need to adjust the gib screws when you re-asssemble it.
I do a lot of aluminum work and for the bulk of it WD-40 works very good. It is light weight, can be sprayed or brushed on and does not coagulate and get too sticky. You can mix it 50/50 with isopropyl alcohol for mahining plastics to reduce heat or with other oils to get a thicker consistancy.
For tapping, Tap Magic makes a fluid for tapping aluminum that is very good but a bit pricey, and it works very good for producing clean fine engraving paths.
Maybe someone will reply with information more relative to the X4, but hopefully this will help some.
Regards,

[john_t_h]

I cleaned my X4+ with a rag and kerosene without disassembling.

I went to a local machinery shop and they gave me some oil to use in the one shot system. From memory it stuff that doesn't have detergents in it.

Make sure you adjust your gib screws on all axis.

Some use methylated spirits for machining aluminum as it evaporates and you can then just vacuum up the chips. Using WD-40 they do get a little sticky - I currently use WD-40 but will try metho one of these days.

[ataxy]

check the post i made i list a couple of thing that need adjustement when you get it

[Mac Tech]

Good info guys, Thanks.

Does anyone have any specifics for the breakdown/cleanup of the X4+? Do I need to do anything special with the DRO setup? Should I be concerned with lubing anything inside the mill head (spindle bearings, etc.)?

What's a good process for adjusting the gibs on a CNC mill?

Going through this is partly a bit of OCD with just wanting to make sure this thing is cleaned and ready for work. But, I also want to move the mill to the bench while it's a little lighter.

Thanks,
Keith