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I'm not sure why you'd want 99.999% pure Aluminum. The alloys are much more interesting and cast better. When choosing scrap metal, try to find things that were cast originally. For example,...

This is the best DIY arc furnace information that I've found online: Arc Furnace Experimenter

Also, there is the old/new Modern Mechanix page.

I found this link awhile back...

Is that what you had in mind?

Wow! I've been shopping for a CNC retro-fit for my X2 for some time now and I have to say this looks like the best value. I have a few questions:

#1. Where is the spring that helps with the...

Zip, Which Harbor Freight is carrying the X3? The one near me doesn't yet but I'd head towards the coast to check one out.
I really like my X2 and am glad that I started with this machine. The...

There is a school near me called Mid-Florida Tech that offers a night time continuing education course on Introduction to Machining. I took the class for a little over a year as a way to get my feet...

I just started out myself so I'll share what I bought (not an endorsement, just my experience):

Dial Indicator
Magnetic Indicator Base
Caliper
Chip Brushes
Drill Bits
Squares
Minimill...

ZipSnipe - Thanks very much for the advice. I ended up finding some drill rod at Fastenal (which was only 2 blocks away). I also followed your advice and found a nearby scrap metal yard. I think...

I'm pretty sure that you can you can use a common dimmer switch for variable speed to an AC motor... the only catch is that you have to make sure that the switch is rated for the Watts that the motor...

I am working on converting my X2 to CNC. I've seen all the commercial plans and kits available but none seemed like a good fit. Is anyone interested in working on an free set of plans?

Here is...

Maybe. Maybe not. The HF store near me does not carry the 8x12 lathe which I thought would be a great buy with the 20% coupon (and has been out for some months). I asked the manager if he could...

Are you sure? Does your local HF stock the item? Mine doesn't as of Tuesday this week. I'm pretty sure that the coupon says it is for In-Store use only.

Gotcha! Thanks. At least the Nema23 mount is good. Just curious, what would one do with such a motor? Maybe a small turntable for DIY 3D Imaging?

What's the difference between an AC and a DC stepper?

I was at the local salvage store today and found some Slo-Syn SS91 AC Syncrohous Stepper motors. I bought one for the motor mount and...

Here are plans for a DIY pneumatic auto toolchanger: http://home.insightbb.com/~joevicar3/Automatic_Tool_Changer_Plans.htm

Here is a site where the builder seems to have made his own auto changer:...

I'm still pretty new but the advice I've read over and over again is: Minimills (inc. Sherlines) are best suited to producing one-offs or prototypes but even limited productions runs require a...

I think you should be able to use a piece of threaded rod as a core in a sand mold and cast threads out of aluminum (Not sure about brass). This is Gingery's method of producing a split nut for his...

Hi Jesse,

Welcome. I can't answer all your question but maybe I can help a little. The machine that you've linked to is a CNC Sherline. I have seen some amazing items produced with the...

I found this link that shows a MicroMill spindle conversion running at ~8000 RPM. HTH.

http://www.balbots.com/article_info.php?articles_id=11

Hi, I'm trying to tram my X2 mill. I took a machining course where we layed a ground piece of steel on top of the table and then swept that plate with an indicator. I don't have a surface plate so...

Do you think Delrin is a good choice?

I thought about using dumpsterCNC's anti-backlash nuts, but in the "What kind of accuracy can I expect?" section it mentions that the plastic flexs and looses...

Did you see this?
No Backlash Nut Modification

What are your parameters?

I think this might be a better low cost setup:
HF Minimill - $375 (In Store, On Sale with coupon.)
HobbyCNC 4-axis kit - $400 (Including PS. You build it.)
X2 CNC...

voltsandbolts - I had a similar thought. It might still be a deal for someone. I'm pretty sure either the dovetail on the base or the saddle had a defect. Either part is about $50 so... I should...

What power supply are you using?
What stepping mode is the Z axis set to?
Have you tried different motors on the Z axis?

Thanks for all the help everyone. I decided to return the mill and get another. I have to say that HF has excellent customer service. I forgot my receipt and they agreed to exchange it without...

I use TurboCNC

Hi Everyone! I was looking for MiniMill information and stumbled across these links:

http://pergatory.mit.edu/rcortesi/portf/minimill/standard_minimill.ppt...

I can't seem to find any drill rod locally. The closest thing I found was smooth rod at ACE. Does anyone know of a good source for drill rod in the Orlando metro area? Is there another way to test...

Hi Alan,

Thanks for the reply and tip. I'll have to buy some drill rod to run the test.

Is this the thread you mentioned?

Thanks,
~Iggy