[bassmanss]

Ok,

I just special ordered an X3 from harbor freight...with 20% off it came to $847 after tax. I am totally new to machining in general...right now I'm sorta overwhelmed. I'm gonna start manual (learn the ropes) and at least maybe go cnc sometime in the next year.

I've seen the CNCfusion kits for cnc. However, I'd really like to know all my DIY options, and what plans are available. I like the DIY route to both save money and I figure it would also be a good experience.

[Crevice Reamer]

One option to consider is the G540. This reliable unkillable driver will save you money and time, whichever way you go with the mechanical parts:

http://crevicereamer.com/Page_30.html

And if you SHOULD decide on a Cncfusion kit, just ask for the CR G540 option, and the kit will come with the proper pulleys.

CR.

[vlmarshall]

I think starting with a manual mill is an EXCELLENT way to get started. It seems that too many people jump into metalwork expecting a CNC machine to magically turn out their parts in one big cut, and then blame the machine, the cutting tools, and even the workholding, for not standing up to what they're asking from it. Manual work will let you get an idea of what a good cut looks and sounds like, and how the load on the machine feels, as well as giving you time to think about what and how you're cutting, or even holding, a part, instead of everything happening at once when you push that big green button.

In addition to the great bunch of people here on the 'Zone, the group at HMEM ( www.homemodelenginemachinist.com ) are extremely helpful and friendly, and do a LOT of really nice manual work of all sorts.

[bassmanss]

So, DIY is not recommended...

For the CNCFusion kits, how much of a difference is there between the rolled vs ground ball screws? What kind of precision and repeatability could I expect with these kits?

I'm planning to doing mostly aluminum and some steel. Most of my steel work would be small. Any modifications (other than CNC), I should consider?

[Crevice Reamer]

Depending on the depth of cut you want to take in the steel, you may want to consider a really good column brace.

Ground Ball screws? One screw might cost more than the entire CNCFusion deluxe kit.

The kit DOES contain some very good precision rolled BS though, plus angular contact bearings and Preloaded ball nuts. The only thing keeping it from nearly zero backlash is the Lovejoy type couplers--and adding two helical connectors will fix that.

I think you should read some of this basic CNC info:

http://crevicereamer.com/Page_2.html

And there's a teardown guide on this page:

http://crevicereamer.com/Page_26.html

CR.

[bassmanss]

Well, I just got home from work and I have a message from Harbor Freight saying "They do not have and will not be getting any more " X3 mills. So that is bad news. I find this very irritating. What if I had already bought tooling or accessories for this mill? I guess in this case procrastination is a good thing.

If I can't get an x3 from harbor freight, I don't get 20% off and I don't get to pick it up from the store. That means I get it from Grizzly, and with freight (and lift-gate) it is almost 1200. That is almost a 41% increase in price.

What are my other options in that price range ($850-1200)?

https://www.machinetoolswarehouse.co...s-p-16248.html

https://www.machinetoolswarehouse.co...l-p-16135.html

What are the cnc options down the road?

[Crevice Reamer]

You can't go wrong with Grizzly quality and parts-shipping warranty--It's well worth the higher price.

You also have the new Grizzly G0704, which CNCFusion is planning a kit for:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/g0704

Or my personal favorite, the Grizzly SX3:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/g0619

I can't imagine why they would discontinue the X3--They must have been selling well at the price. Maybe HF is going to offer a BLDC version of the X3, so are cutting stock. Or maybe it is just not profitable for them with so many using the 20% coupon.

CR.

[mmprestine]

Wow you made me nervous!

I ordered the 93885 X3 with the 25% off coupon over the holidays so I thought dam and had to call the store.

I think your store is just feeding you a line of crap. The store here called the warehouse and the shipment will be here in 22 days. To confirm I also called the online order system and same story.

I would either find a different nearby store or explain this to them. Some stores will not backorder so say until it is in stock but my store will.

[bassmanss]

That is good to know. I may call the 1-800 tomorrow before I call the store. See what they say, I'm betting you are right. I could go to a different store. But I'd rather be a pain in the local store's side before I drive three hours to go somewhere else. You just have to make yourself a bigger pain in their ass than just dealing with an out-of-stock special order.

I think crevicereamer might be onto something with the customer-service. It would be nice to know when you pay for something, that you might actually get it. $400 is a long way towards tooling or cnc'ing...or a bigger machine.

[Crevice Reamer]

The 93885 X3 is still up on the HF website and no mention of discontinuing it. Sounds like a false alarm. Find another HF, or speak to the manager in that one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93885

CR.

[bassmanss]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93885

Now the price on the website is 699.87?

[mmprestine]

Ya and I got a great deal.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...81&postcount=3

[bassmanss]

Will go to the store tomorrow and see if they can do the same.

[Brassmonky]

how do you properly set the backlash? the manual doesnt say. when i try to tighten the bolts it just gets really hard to move the table. around .006-.008

[bassmanss]

Well I called and they made me go back to the store and they gave me a refund. They said it was in fact discontinued and they would not be getting anymore. Don't really see why I had to go back if they weren't getting anything. I guess some of the people who got them for $560 threaded the needle...and got the existing inventory. It has been nothing but a total pain in the butt. Just about the most inept and poor customer service I've ever seen...and I don't expect much from a discount retailer.