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Consider putting the dryer between the compressor and tank.
The hot/warm air leaving the compressor holds the most moisture
and the dryer might be able to cool it enough to cause condensation...

Smrtman5 - usually the reason the bottom is bigger dia
is from chip buildup in the reamer flutes.
Have you checked to see if all flutes are cutting equally?

About 1/4-1/2 the drilling rpm is...

Thanks for your feedback on the KX1.

Looking forward to your pictures.

Keep up the good work!

Pres

Are you cuttine the concave (inside) or convex shape?
(that affects cutting tools, chip removal, lead in, etc)

Of course, there are a number of ways to do it, depending on the coefficients of the...

Anybody have info/experience with this new HF/CNC mill?

Like type of lead screws, table size & travel, lube systen, etc.

tia,
Pres

That certainly looks more like $5k to me than $700.

One way to get a feel for pricing is program one (similar) cavity,
machine it and add a runner/vent/gate/etc.
Multiply the machining time by...

FWIW:
Reaming holes less than 0.5" I never cut more than 0.010".
(0.002-0.003" seems good without getting flutes plugged)

Also, use 1/2 drilling rpm and 2x drilling feedrate for the reamer.
...

I've had one of these for a number of years and it works fine for its size and my applications.

In the next building I've got access to mig/tig/gas etc. but it's setup for bigger jobs.
When I...

Belt drive provides:
Easier adjustment in axis inertia/resonance and gearing variation.

Much more flexibility in motor drive placement -e.g. less overhang, if desired.

Less critical axis...

Mike,
Just get the collets. They work for everything (e.g. mill or drill) whereas a chuck is ONLY for drilling (just axial thrust) as you found out.

1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 & 1/2" sizes would...

Mike
Yeah, I mentioned that one time to a Harbor Freight rep and he suggested that they will probably just leave off the chuck. :)

FWIW: Seldom does anybody seem to mention "break-in" of a machine tool.

However, I think it helped my X1 quite a bit by running the spindle at varying speeds (slow at 1st). Also used low range...

I use Mobil 1 (5W-20) car engine oil.

It "wicks" very well into the slide gib areas where, for some reason, the mfg neglected to provide lube provisions.

Good luck with your new tool.
They...

What are you using for coolant?

What are you using to remove the chips from the cutter flutes?

2 flute offers the most chip clearance but rattles the most.

3 flute can be a pretty good...

Congratulations Robin on accomplishing what you have.

I particularly like the caliper extension board that gives a decent cable connection.
-Much needed.
Would you provide details on how it was...

Since the spindle on the X1 is light duty I'd stick with 1/4"-3/8" end mills.
4 flute has less space for chip clearance and can load up quick.
2 flute can cause quite a bit of spindle "rattle" on...

Hi Leppya,
Welcome to the forum.
You have asked a lot of (variable) questions but it would help if you could provide a picture (or drawing) of about what you have in mind.
It saves everybody time,...

Try "normalizing" it first by laying it on a flat surface and SLOWLY heating it to about 180-200f. Then SLOWLY let it cool down.

The high speed, typically used in extrusions, leaves a lot of...

I'll 2nd the Dick Z observations.

Belt drive has a number of advantages: backlash, easier inertia/resonance mods, can be more compact, and adjustable ratios.

The attainment of 0.001" on home...

cocodet thanks for the post and video.

Do you machine alum parts on your machine?

If so, what kind of part thickness, cutter type/size, depth of cut, and coolant do you use?

tia,
Pres

What type (& viscosity) of "way lube" might that be?

How do you get it on the lead screw nuts and into the middle of the gib area?

Just wondered.
tia,
Pres

Yep, that's been my experience also with sand vs glass bead.

The glass bead gave a bright satin smooth appearance.
Not as shiney as a freshly machined anodized surface does but it still looks...

I think you can use about any feed and speed your spindle rpm will permit.
2 flute for max chip clearance is best.
Chip load 0.001" to 0.010"

Main concern will be keeping the chips cool enough...

Very nice conversion! Congratulations.

I will be interested to see how well the lead screws and nut hold up with a small amount of backlash.

What are you using for way and lead screw lube? ...

With that cold of temp it seems likely he would have more of a problem with
"cutter chatter"? :)

That's why I mentioned Mobil 1 "0W-20" oil.
(low temp viscosity is minimal.... and it's cheap -relatively so :)

I don't mean to be a smart a$$, but what is a "sweet spray bottle" vs, say, a sour bottle
or unflavored bottle?

Or perhaps, you got it at a sweet price?

or, or ?? :)

Pres

Apparently, you neglected to mention that you had upped the feedrate?

Most of the suggestions were assuming you were running the same setup/params that you had used successfully before.

If that...

Try keeping the screws/nuts and slides "wet" with lube.

Mobil 1 0W-20 synthetic has excellent wicking action.
(lasts longer, but still do it, at least, every 4hrs of machining)

hth,
Pres

How do you "mix" CO2 gas with "Sodium Silicate mixed with normal home depot sand"?

How about a step by step to clarify your procedure?

tia,
Pres