[J S Machine]

I just bought myself the LMS version of the SX2 mini mill (hi torque 3900). Got it set up on my bench last night and mostly unpacked. I still have to bolt it down and get it situated. One thing I am going to have to have is a x axis power feed. MUST have..lol. What are some good suppliers or options for this?

After reading a little, I have seen where people actually convert these things to CNC, using stepper motors and other stuff. I'm not sure what all is involved, but it may be something I'll try to take on one day. I am fluent in CNC and do it as my day job, but actually building one is out of my range of knowledge. I'll be honest, When I read some of the threads here, I am just overwhelmed and I don't understand what anyone is talking about. If anybody could lay out the steps necesary and explain what has to be done and aquired, I would appreciate it. If you could point me towards some threads with good info that would be cool as well.

I understand there are stepper motors that actually move the axes..but what tells them what to do? Is there an on-board pc or control?

All in all, if I built every single part for the conversion except what I have to buy like stepper motors and computers..What would I be looking at as far as costs - ballpark??

I do have a desktop PC with windows XP. I have mastercam and gibbs cam.

I think it would be a neat project.

[Al_The_Man]

I understand there are stepper motors that actually move the axes..but what tells them what to do? Is there an on-board pc or control?

Visit the Mach3 web site.
Al.

[hoss2006]

Check out The ABC's of CNC
it gives a good overview of what's involved.
Also read thru my conversion page, plenty of info there.
Hossmachine_Cnc Conversion
Hoss

there's some videos on youtube too.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQ_HjhFP704"]Intro to CNC Part 1- Overview - YouTube[/ame]

[J S Machine]

Check out The ABC's of CNC
it gives a good overview of what's involved.
Also read thru my conversion page, plenty of info there.
Hossmachine_Cnc Conversion
Hoss

there's some videos on youtube too.

Intro to CNC Part 1- Overview - YouTube

That gives me a pretty good idea of what is going on. Thanks!

It is definitely something I would be interested in doing. I just don't know about cost. I spent money I didn't really have to buy the mill and some tooling, and I'll have to get that paid for. In the mean time though, I could easily build all the parts that you have prints for. It looks like all I would really need is the stepper motors, ball screws and nuts, and the electronics involved with controlling the motors.

How capable are these machines once they get set up? They seem like they would be decent little cnc machines, as long as you are doing work within the limits of the machine.

[jeremy0203]

You work with cnc machines for a living and don't know what is involved in making a machine able to be cnc operated...you should be fired.... haha jk... or am I : /

[chipslinger69]

You could go this route for the conversion mechanics.
CNC Fusion

And this route for the motors and drivers and such.
NEMA 23 CNC Router Stepper Motor kit

[hoss2006]

You work with cnc machines for a living and don't know what is involved in making a machine able to be cnc operated...you should be fired.... haha jk... or am I : /

A lot of people know how to drive a car quite well but couldn't build one from scratch, could you?


J S, once setup up and like you said, run within it's capabilities, they are ok little machines.
People make some pretty cool stuff with them.
Hoss

[jeremy0203]

Im just messing with him. I operate a nuclear reactor but could I build one...not unless I want to severely shorten my life lol

[J S Machine]

You work with cnc machines for a living and don't know what is involved in making a machine able to be cnc operated...you should be fired.... haha jk... or am I : /

I run and program 3 axis vertical mills, lathes, and also three wire EDM machines.

I can work on the machines. I can make them do some pretty cool things.

However, I don't quite understand what is what when it comes to what actually happens within the machine when inputing code = Moving machine. There are things there that make it do those moves that I am not familiar with, and that's why I'm asking.

[hoss2006]

Im just messing with him. I operate a nuclear reactor but could I build one...not unless I want to severely shorten my life lol

I'm just messing with you too, or am I : /

J S, The cost breakdown needs updating but it's in the ballpark.
Hossmachine CNC Conversion Cost
Hoss

[sabastion]

originally I was going to get an SX2 because of the newer motor but went with the X2 instead. The reason is I was talking to LMS and asking them about the belt drive conversion they told me it wont work with the SX2 because the head and motor are different design.

I wanted more RPM range than the stock SX2 provides and I didnt want to be the one pioneering a belt drive conversion for the SX2. So if you want a broader spindle RPM range dont go with SX2 unless you can make a drive conversion for it
Richard

[chipslinger69]

originally I was going to get an SX2 because of the newer motor but went with the X2 instead. The reason is I was talking to LMS and asking them about the belt drive conversion they told me it wont work with the SX2 because the head and motor are different design.

I wanted more RPM range than the stock SX2 provides and I didnt want to be the one pioneering a belt drive conversion for the SX2. So if you want a broader spindle RPM range dont go with SX2 unless you can make a drive conversion for it
Richard

So where were you going to purchase the SX2 from and where did you get the X2? You do realize that the SX2 is already equipped with belt drive right? Read through this link below very well. Then ask yourself why you were on the phone with LMS asking if the belt drive conversion would work on the SX2.
http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_mill/...%20SX2/SX2.htm

[sabastion]

So where were you going to purchase the SX2 from and where did you get the X2?

Answer...as I stated in my post "The reason is I was talking to LMS (little machine shop)"

You do realize that the SX2 is already equipped with belt drive right?

Answer...as stated in my post "I wanted more RPM range than the stock SX2 provides and I didnt want to be the one pioneering a belt drive conversion for the SX2."

Read through this link below very well. Sieg SX2 Mini Mill

I have already read that review on the SX2

Then ask yourself why you were on the phone with LMS asking if the belt drive conversion would work on the SX2.

Answer...Because I was going to buy the better (3900) LMS version LittleMachineShop.com - HiTorque Mini Mill (with longer X,Y,Z axes travels and better motor) of the SX2. The SX2 is single groove pulley design LittleMachineShop.com - Belt Drive Conversion Kit, Mini Mill where the conversion is dual groove pulley design and as stated in my post..."I wanted more RPM range than the stock SX2 provides and I didn't want to be the one pioneering a belt drive conversion for the SX2".

Sieg SX2 Mini Mill[/QUOTE]

I haven't seen any retail conversion kits with single OR dual groove pulley for the SX2. If you know where I can purchase a dual pulley conversion that is simple bolt on procedure I'd like to know. My credit card hasn't been billed for X2 yet so it's not too late to get an SX2

re-read my original post and your own review link then ask your self why you posted with your reply...your questions were already answered in my original post and your own review link.
Richard :cheers:

[chipslinger69]

Good answer, good answer.

[B-RAD]

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/bencht...uild_help.html

We are in the same boat - I received my Mill just 2 days before you!