[AVRnj]

I have an SX2L that I converted using a CNCfusion kit.

Overall I like it, but I find myself really yearning for more workspace, particularly in the Z axis.

I bought the G0704 DVD from Hoss and I would use that for my conversion if I upgrade to the G0704.


My question is to anyone who has/had both, do you think its enough of an upgrade particularly in space?

When reading the specs, it looks like my SX2L has 9.75" of Z axis travel, and a G0704 has 13".

The 4.25" does not seem like that much, but I was wondering if anyone can chime in.

My only other thought was to go up to a PM30LV, but it is more money than I want to spend, and I would have to figure out a lot more of the conversion on my own since it's not the same as the G0704.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[hoss2006]

According to the specs at PM the pm30 only gets you another 1.5 inches Z travel.
I've done a fairly easy mod to the G0704 that can get you 18.5 inches Z travel.
Projects
Hoss

[AVRnj]

Hoss, wow, that is a huge increase on the Z and a nice one on the Y.

I will have to look into it a bit more. Was this a difficult mod?

[hoss2006]

The flip part is super easy, just a matter of taking the z slide off and flipping it over, gains you the height to 18.5 inches above the table.
If you want to regain the travel close to the table it requires a little metal removal on the column which can be done with just power tools as shown in the video if you don't have access to another machine to do the work.
Hoss

[AVRnj]

Awesome, great to know.

The one other nice thing about the PM30LV is it has a 1.5 HP motor, I would assume that it would make it better for cutting steel than the 1HP G0704?

That is not a top priority since the overwhelming majority of my parts are Aluminum, but who occasionally I do need to work with SS.

[hoss2006]

You can cut pretty well with the stock motor but I actually have the 1100 watt motor from the bf30 on my mill now.
The rpms are pretty low with the stock mill for cutting aluminum but the belt drive on mine really helps.
Hoss

[AVRnj]

OK, good to know.

Thanks Hoss.

Sounds like either one I will need to do a lot of mods on, a project for doing other projects.

[AVRnj]

OK, I need someone to make a decision for me

This morning I was all ready to go with a G0704 or a PM25.

Now I am starting to think I want to go with the PM30VL.

My thought is that he extra $5-600 will prevent me from needing yet another machine down the road with it's extra size, weight and motor.

And even if I do go with a G0704 or PM25, I will eventually need a bigger motor anyway which is a few hundred extra.

It may take me longer to do the conversion on the bigger 30VL having to use Hoss's DVD as a guide rather than plans, but I do have my X2 to use in the meantime so it could be a fun project.

On the other hand the PM25/G0704 seems like a lot of mill and a great value, plus the plans from Hoss will make it much easier.

So torn.

Someone please help me spend my money!

[Fastest1]

Bigger will be better in the long run. Hoss and others will cheer you on and or help you with creativity when needed. There are some good threads on those conversions too.

[ChrisAttebery]

If I could have found a conversion kit available I would have gone for a PM30 instead of the G0704. The G0704 is a great machine for the size and money, but having 66% more iron and slightly more envelope to work with would have been great. I've made a return on my investment this year though, so it isn't like the machine hasn't pulled it's weight. Now that I've learned the basics I'm hoping that I can upgrade to a Novakon or Tormach sooner or later.

[AVRnj]

Guys,

Thanks fort the feedback.

[AVRnj]

I really feel like I want to go for the bigger PM30LV, but I am nervous about ordering from QMT.

Twice they have told me they would get back to me, or to me within a certain amount of time, and twice it was much longer, with one time I had to call back.

I understand they are small and that probably makes their resources limited, but Im just a bit nervous about dropping $2k and having a problem.

Also the post someone else made about Weiss not liking them has me a bit nervous as well.

Anyone have any positive feedback on these guys?

[AVRnj]

I ended up going with the PM30LV from QMT.

I really wrestled with the decision, but more than anything I wanted the BF20 design with the extra weight and HP that the PM30LV provides.

My fear was if I went with the smaller 25 or G0704 that I would be looking to upgrade to a BF30 or RF45 sooner than later, and I would rather upgrade the bigger 30LV than have to sell and buy another machine.

I plan on using Hoss's DVD as a guide, and I will do a build thread when I receive it.

Thanks to everyone for chiming in and your opinions.

[Arich0908]

If I could do it again I would from the beginning purchased the big dog of em all . IH rf45 or mtw rf45 . I will never be happy until I have one of the biggest or best. I do own a sx1 6x26 knee mill and a g0704CNC and still want an IH RF45
Buy it once and be done with it.

[AVRnj]

If I could do it again I would from the beginning purchased the big dog of em all . IH rf45 or mtw rf45 . I will never be happy until I have one of the biggest or best. I do own a sx1 6x26 knee mill and a g0704CNC and still want an IH RF45
Buy it once and be done with it.

I was very close to buying a Bolton ZX45 which I believe is a RF45 clone for this reason.

The PM30LV has similar workspace dimensions, but is only about half the weight and not as much HP.

I think the PM30LV should last me a very long time, I plan on doing the conversion as well as possible and not cutting any corners, but I am sure at some point in time I will be yearning for a RF45 clone as well, but hopefully not.

[hoss2006]

I don't think you'll be yearning, I would have bought the pm30mvl instead of my rf45 had they been available then, would have been easier to get in the basement.
Hoss

[AVRnj]

Glad you think so, I was torn right up to the last minute when I needed to make a call since they were down to 1 last PM30MVL.

Yeah, getting any of these things into a basement must be no small task at all, even a 250 lb machine like a G0704 must be a bear to move down steps.

[hoss2006]

Yeah it's a good thing they come apart into more manageable hunks, still a bear if you do it alone like I did.
Get some help if you can.
Hoss

[AVRnj]

Yeah it's a good thing they come apart into more manageable hunks, still a bear if you do it alone like I did.
Get some help if you can.
Hoss

I can only imagine what a job that was.

I'm on my own too but I'm lucky that everything is in my ground level garage and I have a cherry picker so I can usually manage.

[DandyDutch]

How is your X2 running. Any progress on the Z-height?

Dutch