Any advantage for X3 over X2?

[Chevy-SS]

Newbie here

This will be my first mill. I am into RC cars and trucks (radio control) hobby. I want a benchtop mill that will do accurate work on small pieces. My dedicated mill benchtop area is 2 feet deep by 5 feet wide.

So, I'm looking for somewhat small size machine, and I want good accuracy. I think I could fit a X3 on my benchtop, but would a slightly bigger machine be worth it for accuracy? As I said, small RC parts is all I will be doing.

Many thanks for any opinions...................

[Alan Wright]

The X3 is more than slightly bigger. It is much larger (almost 4x the weight). It also has a quill and a better Z axis mechanism. The X3 may be slightly more accurate, but the main advantages come from the different design. If you have space and budget, the X3 is certainly preferable.

[project5k]

i would agree from a theoretical point of view, as i have none thus far, but reading all i have, and knowing that once you can do this, you'll wanna go bigger the larger machine will allow you to do it... plus from everything i can find its a stronger machine, so if you stick to little stuff, you'll be working it much less and it should last all that much longer...

[in2steam]

I always say you can never have enough machine, even though the price is more I would not think twice about the x3, if space is the only consideration.

chris

[project5k]

let me throw this into the mix.. i'm also considering either an x2 or an x3 from syil... they have a package that has a bunch of extras for the x2.. like bobcad.. im just wondering, since i already have rhino, would i be better off getting the bigger machine, without all the extras, or should i get the smaller machine, with all the extras?
since i'm starting from scratch, i need everything...well except rhino that is..

[in2steam]

Originally Posted by project5k let me throw this into the mix.. i'm also considering either an x2 or an x3 from syil... they have a package that has a bunch of extras for the x2.. like bobcad.. im just wondering, since i already have rhino, would i be better off getting the bigger machine, without all the extras, or should i get the smaller machine, with all the extras? since i'm starting from scratch, i need everything...well except rhino that is..

I suppose that has as much to with what you are going to as what you need.
Keep in mind you still have to get a computer, and tooling. The tooling can be several to several hundred dollars depending upon what you need, again that also goes with the change in size of the machine also. I was also told that several times this last week that syil does not have x3's right now, I would contact them and see. I know that of the 2 phil is starting to sell me on the tormach(vs syil), but I have not researched the tormach all that much yet. If I was to go the out of the box route that is.

I know that my wife said she was concerned when I threatened to borrow the torch from work this week and start melting the snow. I have a spot cleared and a nice shinny table sitting there waiting for that sieg mill.

chris

[project5k]

well i have a pretty good idea what kinds of things i will be making... i have a buddy that had told me that he wants a custom set of emblems for his new car, some accent peices and things of that nature.. i have also been working with a local bike shop and thier interested in having thier buisiness logo's made, and some keychains and things.. so it looks like i'm going to be doing some piece part stuff and maby even some production run types of items... thats exaclty the kind of business i wanted to do, so finding these prospective clients is great news...
99% of what i will be doing is alum parts... but i'm sure that some of my own projects will include some mild steel... from what i'm seeing the bobcad is going to take considerable additional monies and quite a learning curve, while i already have a computer and rhino, i cant justify that cost of the bobcad right now, unless it comes bundeled, but again there is still the learning curve.. it sounds like i would be better off just sticking with the rhino, and finding a good post processing software...

as for tooling, i'm holding a budget of $1k just for tooling and the occasional "OOPS" situation, either when i break a cutter, or if i find that i need something additional... if i can get the machine and the basics up and running, for about $5-$6 then i think i should be in pretty good shape...

[Chevy-SS]

Well, I've decided to go with the X2, simply as I don't want to do any larger pieces. My hobby is RC (radio control) and I just don't have a huge garage or workspace...................

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[project5k]

I'm currious, if you dont mind telling, what kinds of parts are you looking to make for your RC's?

[Chevy-SS]

Originally Posted by project5k I'm currious, if you dont mind telling, what kinds of parts are you looking to make for your RC's?

For now, just odds and ends, nothing spectacular. Plus. I'm modding some existing parts to increase durability.

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[LongRat]

Chevy-SS, just to give you some RC inspiration - here are some parts I made on my converted X2 for my RC hobby. You will love it. I use my machine pretty much every day.

Alloy drift car wheel:


Custom race suspension arms, c-hubs, shock towers...:


Ventilated brake disc parts:


Complete custom vehicles:

[Chevy-SS]

Thanks! That DOES give me some inspiration, LOL!

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