[independent-cnc]

Hello,
I'm new in the forum. I have some very limited experience and training with a Fadal VMC and Surfcam.

After lurking in the boards here and searching and reading as much as I can find, I am planning to purchase a Syil X2 or X5.

I see that the X5 retains manual hand wheels and the X2 does not. In my past experience the Fadal had a manual jog that allows manually moving an edge finder to touch off stock. How do you go about jogging and job setup on an X2 without manual control?

I also see that the X2 has switched homing while the X5 does not. Do you have to manually return the X5 home?

X2 uses R8 while X5 uses MT3. I did find some discussion on this matter. It appears the R8 may be more cost effective. Probably not a big deal either way I guess.

By the way, mostly planning to cut models and contoured prototypes in Ren board, plastics and probably at some point dabbling in some metals, starting with aluminum.

Anyway, guess I'm official now with one post. Thanks all for the valuable discussions that I've been learning from and enjoying.

Those 1911 handgun clones machined on the X2 (Grizzly) are amazing!!!

-independent-

[hoss2006]

Welcome!
I'd go with the X5, it has much more travel than the X2 for the extra $.
Syil America says it's available with either the R8 or MT3 so R8 would be the better choice.
Manual hand wheels aren't really necessary unless you have a drive failure
and really need to get a part done the "old fashioned" way.
You can jog the table around with keyboard keys, a joystick, MDI input, a pendant or an MPG (my preferred way)
Hoss

[independent-cnc]

Hi Hoss,

The extra travel of the X5 is what really interests me. It's not likely I will ever be saying I wish I had less travel. The 3" of Y on the X2 is pretty tight for my needs.

So for jogging there are other ways. I suppose Mach controller software allows you to key manual movements with arrow keys? The add-on MPG sounds like a good way to go. I have more research to do.
Centroid has a cool little MPG device......$670 though, ouch! I'm sure there are less expensive options out there.

Thanks for the welcome and the advice Hoss.

-independent-

[hoss2006]

Hey independent,
Plus the Z travel is HUGE on the X5. Could come on handy.
You're right that you can use the arrow keys with mach for jogging or setup any other keys too.
I picked up an MPG wheel from Cnc4pc for only $69.
Just have to run a few wires to the breakout board and set it up in Mach 3.
It's a bit more work to set up an axis selection switch but you can always pick up one of his pendants with it ready to go.
Hoss

[philbur]

You can also use a shuttlepro express for USD 79. They work just great straight out of the box.

http://www.dvshop.ca/perifs/shuttlepro.html

Phil

Centroid has a cool little MPG device......$670 though, ouch! I'm sure there are less expensive options out there.

[independent-cnc]

Thanks philbur. I thought there would likely be some input devices that would work at the level of the controller software.
Another device I'm wondering about is the SpaceNavigator by 3D Conexxion. It's made to work with a number of CAD systems. I don't know if it could be adapted to XYZ jogs in Mach.

http://www.3dconnexion.com/3dmouse/spacenavigator.php

[philbur]

I think the norm is that you physically switch between x, y and z. With the Spacenavigator it looks like you might have a risk of moving an axis that you did not intend to move. Depends on exactly how you intend to use it I guess.

Phil

Thanks philbur. I thought there would likely be some input devices that would work at the level of the controller software.
Another device I'm wondering about is the SpaceNavigator by 3D Conexxion. It's made to work with a number of CAD systems. I don't know if it could be adapted to XYZ jogs in Mach.

http://www.3dconnexion.com/3dmouse/spacenavigator.php

[BrassBuilder]

I'm using a ShuttlePro controller. The knob on that will creep those motors as slow as you want to go. I just learned that yesterday.

If money is not a huge issue, I'd go with the X5...you are right...you will never wish you had less travel.

Mike

[independent-cnc]

Thanks for the input Mike. The shuttlepro seems like a good solution. Definitely want to be able to jog nice and slow once you get close.

I'm leaning toward the X5. It's a good 50% more expensive than the X2 but the x travel is attractive. Weight and overall size seem to be fairly close.

I may contact Syil to see if they can put together a software and accessory package for the X5, similar to the package they offer for the X2.:idea:

-independent-

[ataxy]

Thanks for the input Mike. The shuttlepro seems like a good solution. Definitely want to be able to jog nice and slow once you get close.

I'm leaning toward the X5. It's a good 50% more expensive than the X2 but the x travel is attractive. Weight and overall size seem to be fairly close.

I may contact Syil to see if they can put together a software and accessory package for the X5, similar to the package they offer for the X2.:idea:

-independent-

not only that but the x5 is more like a x3 then a x2