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Hi all
Can anyone with X3 CNC conversions experience, tell me if there is enough room in this machine to use 20mm (0.79") ballscrews?
The Y axis looks like it may present a problem from some of the pics I've seen.
Looking to purchase a mill I can match up with some very nice THK screws I already have.
Cheers
Kosa
Possible.... but I wouldn't. You would be left we very little material in your bearing blocks. Could pose a problem on the rigidity side.
please check here:http://koeienuiers.nl/
it is a customer of us from europe.he make good working and good report of our converstion kits.
Hi Kosa,
I done/doing a conversion on a X3 at work with the Promica X3 kit using the 16mm ballscrews.
There is a little room inside so the screw will fit but I dought the nut will fit under there.
I have a small mill with the same problem at home and the only way I could see it to fit is if the nut is not on the table but mounted in front on the Y-axis.
Eg mount it to the base of the machine.
Then you only need clearance for the screw and the top of the nut under the moving slide.
I hope you can understand what I am trying to explain. If not let me know and I'll send a picture.
The only problem with this design is that you will need to make more room on the front of the Y-Axis to let the nut go into it.
I have a 20mm THK screw at work so I'll check the clearance tomorrow for you.
Other than that get a HM-45 and put the screws in it. A much bigger machine and will take those screws nicely.
Cheers
Bones
Thanks very much for your comments guys. Yep I think I can see that the nut is most probably the main limitation.
Kosa
Wait a moment...
I am converting using 20mm screws myself. The ballnut diameter is 35mm, they fit with no issue at all.
Only annoyance was buying the 60 dollar tap that I will only use 3 times.
I should mention that my screw is a Hiwin ground, not sure if your THK has a different dimension for the ballnut. One nice thing was that instead of trying to turn down the end of this thru hardened screw, I was able to simply buy a 20mm ID bearing and after a little emery cloth sanding on the end, slip the bearing right on.
Thanks for that info phantomcom2. The nut I have, from memory, (THK BNF2005) the max barrel dia is 44mm and the flange has a dia of 67mm but flatten at the top making the distance from to top to bottom 55mm and width 67mm. Does that make sense?
The top to bottom dimension is the relevant one I think. I can always flatten the bottom section of the flange if necessary, making the flange top to bottom about 42mm. That would still leave me 4 good mounting holes.
Still 7mm larger than yours. You think that would fit?
Cheers
Kosa
Looking in there, I don't think 44 would fit. I have about 5-6mm to spare as far as height goes, you would need to mill away some material to have it all fit. I recall that my X axis had an even tighter fit, with maybe 1mm to spare.
It would work for your Z axis though.
If you want nice ballscrews, the same exact that I have, contact the seller here:
http://myworld.ebay.com/kit06035/
Hi Kosa,
I checked the clearance and you have about 38mm under the slide as the nut is 46mm it's not going to fit under there.
Looks like the only way is too mount an alloy block in the normal position but make it long enough to come out the front a bit.
Drill a hole in it for the screw to come through. The nut will be out the front a bit and drop it down for clearence where the sloped part is at the front of the mill.
Otherwise these screws are great. A lot of guys here in Perth Australia have used these. Get the preloaded nut.
http://www.homeshopcnc.com/page3.html
Cheers
Bones
phantomcow2 and bones, thanks for checking. Really appreciate your contribution.
I think I'll still go ahead and buy the Super X3 as it looks like the best Mill for its price. Should be able to use one my screw assemblies on the Z axis. I'll also check to see if THK has a low profile nut for these screws that will work. If not I'll buy something smaller for the X and Y axis.
Thanks again and happy milling.
Kosa
Hi Kosa,
No worries, but before you go buy a X3 have a look at this.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/DOVETAIL-GEAR...QQcmdZViewItem
I'm buying one of these instead of an X3. Heaps bigger. The next size up and cheaper than and X3 Super.
It was about $300 or so to get it to Perth, so not much more to get to Brisbane or the same.
I'm collecting 20mm screws for this one. It's the same as a Hafco HM-45.
A guy at work has this exact one and another mate has a genuine HM-45.
There is no difference between the two and probably came out of the same mold.
It will cost you a little more in motors but you have just saved heaps.
Check the specs the capacity is nearly double.
Eg. Max drill capacity X3 25mm-----HM-45 40mm
It's in a completely different league and cheaper.
Have a good look at the two.
Cheers
Bones
Bones,
This looks like a good mill. Who makes it? Is it available in the U.S.? Is it available in R8 taper?
Thanks,
Nancygal
Hi Nancygal,
I'm not sure sorry. All I know is that you can buy them from this guy in Australia and they come from China. Give the guy a yell, He is very helpful.
You probably have them there under a different name.
Or have banned the import of them. lol.
Cheers
Bones
Bones,
I found something similar with R8 taper, the G0519 Mill/Drill/Tapping Machine.
At: http://www.grizzly.com/products/G0519
Nancygal,
Yep that looks like it, except that one is driving on the righthand side for the Z-Axis (US version). lol.
Our runs on single phase or 3 phase as we have 250V here.
After a bit of a search a found a few things.
They come under many names. RF-45, ZX-40, WS-40 all the same item.
You will be looking for a clone.
Looks like they are dearer in the US.
I surpose China is closer to us. :)
Cheers
Bones
Hi bones
Funny you should mention the HM45. The place I'm buying the SX3 from has a HM45 standing right beside it, about $250 more. It is one beast of a machine, more than twice the mass of the SX3.
My ownly issue with it, is the spindle vertical axis, supposedly for fine tuning the Z axis. For conversion to CNC this would present further unnecessary complications. Depending on what type of tolerances you were after, you would have to ensure this mechanism was up to scratch.
That HM45 Copy\Clone on ebay is an absolute bargain! It is very tempting :)
Cheers
Kosa
Hi Kosa,
Nah rip the handle off, fit a ballscrew with the motor at the top.
If you have enough power in the motor there won't be issues. If so fit a air ram. A lot more solid, more casting to absorb vibrations therefore better finish.
Oh and you lock the spindle part all the way up and move the whole head.
As soon as I get back from holidays I'm getting one.
I used the x3 at work with a 10mm bit taking 1-2mm cuts from alloy and it was ok but didn't like it too much.
I used the guy at works machine hm-45(ebay one) 6mm cuts in alloy like it was butter. Orsm 1 or sometimes 1.5hp motors. It certainly is a beast.
Seriously have a good look at it.
I was once told. "You can fit a small job on a big machine but you can not fit a big job on a small machine".
You will not need to upgrade for a while.
(I'm away without internet for 4 days so don't think I'm rude for not replying)
Cheers
Bones
Hi,
How did you go? Make a decision?
Did you go the big machine?
The problem I have is I have a 3X8 garden shed to fit mine in when I get it.
With the base I will need to fit a whirly bird in the roof so the motor can go up into it. lol.
Bones
G'day Bones
Yeah decided and purchased SX3. Currently sitting in my garage awaiting strip down and clean up.
Reasons:
1. Plenty big for intended use.
2. Variable speed.
3. Readily available speed upgrade to 3800rpm. I need this for intended use.
3. Motor is actually bigger than eBay HM45 clone.
3 x 8 lol, you are kidding arn't you? Hope its got a roller door or you'll need a dirty great can opener as well :) It would most probably be easier to place it in a nice suitable position in your backyard and re-build your shed around it cos you'll never get a crane in there. You do know how heavy that thing is don't you?? LOL
Cheers
Kosa