New guy looking to do an SX3 conversion

[Syph007]

I'm new to CNC conversions but not new to machining/electronics/computers and DIY, so Im hoping I can pull off this conversion with as few hiccups as possible.

I found the crevice reamer page that discusses the X3 and SX3, and I'm mostly going with the SX3 since there is a good deal on one local to me with easy delivery.

There are a few things I'm hoping to clear up before I make the SX3 purchase.

1. Is the conversion any more difficult for the SX3 vs regular X3?
2. Do I have any less options on conversion parts?
3. In this (and I guess any) conversion, is manual control over the mill still possible? I guess I was hoping to have the best of both worlds, CNC control and the option to use the manual dials or control still for non complex or freeform machining.

Thanks in advance, and this is quite the massive and intimidating forum for a new guy, but im trying to learn as I go here.

[cornbinder23]

1. Is the conversion any more difficult for the SX3 vs regular X3?
2. Do I have any less options on conversion parts?
3. In this (and I guess any) conversion, is manual control over the mill still possible? I guess I was hoping to have the best of both worlds, CNC control and the option to use the manual dials or control still for non complex or freeform machining.

1) conversions are pretty much identical
2)Options are pretty much the same as well, only limitation on the SX3 is being able to control the spindle via gcode. But little machine shop sells a board "claiming" to add that feature for the BLDC motor on the SX3 I have not heard of anyone using it yet.
3) There are a lot of people that want to have manual control of the mill after the conversion, the short answer to your question manual control is possible. BUT now you have a remote control mill that can be control "manually" through the keyboard, MDI, external switches ie: joystick, console, Manual pulse generator, Xbox controller. I could go on.
Manual milling after a ballscrew conversion is not recommended as the efficiency of the stock screws can allow an axis to be pulled into a cut.
Good luck and welcome to the club!!

[Syph007]

Ok thanks for the answers! I'm going to go ahead with the SX3 for sure then.

I understand about the manual control not being practical anymore now. I like the idea of programmable potentiometers that can remote control the steppers, and that's likely the route I'll go, but that's a looong way from where I am now, so I'll cross that final bridge when I come to it.

Thanks again, I'll be sure to post my progress once I get the machine in. I've got to build a bench to hold it as well first.

Cheers!

[WOTDesigns]

I remember thinking the same thing about "manual" control... its hilarious now. day one with only the arrow keys and page up/page down I was "manually" controlling my cnc more easily, efficiently, and accurately than hand controls or potentiometers could. Even today after programming for almost a year (almost every day) I still use the Z-Bot hand wheel to "manually" do a lot of simple work that doesn't require programing. gently turn the wheel and the X is steadily moving 3ipm, slightly more pressure and its going 7ipm, 15ipm, 30ipm etc. without looking away from the part I tap the y with my pointer and I'm jogging the y.

It seems intimidating, but its a heck of a lot easier than manual machining. Seriously.

[cornbinder23]

I have a joystick and switches mounted in my console, but I find I
use the MDI quite often to hand write simple code