Cnc fusion - Buyer beware
I purchased the x3 conversion kit from cnc fusion. Generally it is a great kit, but there are a few things you should be informed of before you purchase.
The ballscrew upgrade is a must for this project.
The tolerances on the mill or the bolt on kit (or both) are not right on. You will have to grind, cut etc if you plan on using this kit.
On my mill, things weren't quite right, and I ended having problems with my ballscrews binding. Contact with the company only indicated that indeed I would need to grind and cut metal in order to make it work right. Some of this work was offered for free after shipping costs by the vendor.
I would suggest you not attempt this kit unless you already have access to a metalworking shop - or really know what you are doing.
I ended up selling my mill at significant loss due to the poor matchup of parts. I spent the extra cash for no backlash, and smooth operation. This is not what I ended up with.
I know others have had better experience, but I seem to be the exception to the rule. I admit that my issues could have been due to lack of experience, or knowledge - I will admit this quickly.
Keep in mind the limitations of your skills and abilities before you purchase this kit.
I am a happy CNC Fusion Customer
I want to chime in here as another thumbs up for Michael and CNC Fusion. I had a great experience from beginning to end with my Grizzly SX3 conversion - First I bought the double ballnut kit, but before I got around to installing it I learned about his new Deluxe kit. When I mentioned in passing in an email that I wished I had waited to get the Deluxe, he offered to take the original ballscrews back and replace them with the Deluxe kit ballscrews for just the difference in price. I happily took him up on that, and the exchange was completed in no time at all. I had a few questions on the installs, and Michael was available via email with answers. He even got a laugh and a few extra bucks when I thought the two Z axis timing pulleys were the same, when actually one was 1/2" bore and the other was 12mm for the ballscrew; and I merrily reamed the one I thought undersize. I emailed him asking for the part number so I could order a new pulley from the distributor, but he sold me one from his stock for a price better than I could get anywhere else.
Perhaps my Grizzly X3 was made to better specs than others, but my kit was truly bolt-on. I didn't have to modify anything. But given my experience with the varied quality of Chinese mini-mills, I wouldn't have been surprised to have to drill and tap extra holes or grind away problem areas. I think Michael's prices are extremely good, his machined parts are of excellent quality, and his support of customers is all I could hope for. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Michael and CNC Fusion to any buyer, of any experience level.