[Nickolaus]

Hey everyone! I recently joined the forums and thought I would share my recent project. I am planning my CNC conversion on my x2 mini mill and was sick of having it on a low table so I decided to build a stand with an integrated chip bucket. The chip catcher is just a standard size storage bin. I have a half height version as well which I will probably end up using as that super deep bin would hold an insane amount of weight in chips.

I will eventually add cabinet sides, top, and a door in front once I add the mounts and steppers. I didn't really know how much exactly it would add so I didn't want to make sides yet.

Outside of that it seems to work quite well and has stopped hurting my back as know I can stand comfortably.

The tubing I used was 2"x2" 16 gauge and I tig welded it up since the mig is simply too messy. I finished it off with some gloss white Rustoleum paint and some tube end plugs found on eBay.

Once the CNC conversion is done I will put a floor on it which will hold a computer and some tooling. Then I will enclose the lower sides to keep it clean looking.

[gd.marsh]

Nickolaus,

Welcome to the Zone, very nice work on the stand ..

It's dangerous to be bitten by the CNC bug .. symptoms include but are not limited to: Hours & hours of time & money spent on the conversion itself, a considerable amount of money spent on broken tools (as you learn to become efficient using the beast} and even more time & money spent once your condition reaches the point where you realize how cool all the extra bells & whistles are: Power drawbar, Flood coolant, Enclosure, Probing, ATC, Auto tool height, & Multitudes of other MUST HAVES!

Be sure to report your symptoms regularly so your condition can be monitored by the rest of us who have been smitten ..

gd.marsh

[LeeWay]

I think there are far more than 12 steps involved in this group though. Welcome aboard and nice job. I am 6'5" tall, so it is crucial that I not have to bend over too far to operate machinery. Old football injuries in the lower back.

[Kenny Duval]

It's more like an STD....you catch it just by touching someone else's thread that's already infected.

[Alax7]

Very nice work on the stand. Are you planning on using coolant later on or was that not part of the design?

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

[Nickolaus]

Thanks guys.

As for coolant when i do the conversion.... I am not sure yet. I originally though about doing air cooled, but I don't really have the experience with either enough to know what the limitations are. Either way if it is required then I will make provisions and a recirculating system in order to do it.

I am still at the end stages of determining which controller and steppers to use. So many choices and every places swears they are the best.

[Nickolaus]

Just an update on the stand. I recently added shelves for the computer and some white plexiglass to keep all the chips away from the books, supplies, and computer for the CNC conversion. Next I will be building the upper cabinet as soon as the CNCFusion kit comes (its been 4 weeks now).

[deuce217]

I just sold my x2 that was cnc'd. I would go more than 300oz stepper if I were you, I had a lot of issues losing steps and always had to leave the gibs a bit on the loose side. I was using the factory HF lead screws on the X and Y. The Z was the only one with a Ballscrew. Perhaps using the ballscrews on the x,y would help some. I am currently in the process of building the Hoss NC conversion on the G0704. Hoss did some serious magic with his X2 Freak. Have fun and thanks for sharing.

[Fastest1]

It's more like an STD....you catch it just by touching someone else's thread that's already infected.

Or maybe even by watching their video on YT?

[Nickolaus]

I just sold my x2 that was cnc'd. I would go more than 300oz stepper if I were you, I had a lot of issues losing steps and always had to leave the gibs a bit on the loose side. I was using the factory HF lead screws on the X and Y. The Z was the only one with a Ballscrew. Perhaps using the ballscrews on the x,y would help some. I am currently in the process of building the Hoss NC conversion on the G0704. Hoss did some serious magic with his X2 Freak. Have fun and thanks for sharing.

I ended up getting the 425oz Kelling Steppers: NEMA23 425oz/in 2.8A Stepper Motor
I purchased an ethernet smooth stepper, g540, and power supply. As soon as I get the CNC fusion kit I can get it all going. I just with the CNC Fusion had better communication.