Where the project sits at this moment;
-> X2 mill with no cranks or graduated collars -- bought it this way
->3 axis xylotex ready kit -- the 425oz.in steppers seem to be running run ok in both emc and mach3
What step to take next is a bit confusing. The ball screw conversion kits available don't seem very impressive from a cost/quality standpoint. No knock meant on the folks supplying these kits but I feel with some patience and scrounging better results are possible. Obviously people in the kit business can't waste time scouring for one-off parts one at a time!
An intermediate solution, that allows for the making of some needed mounts and other bits, might be using what is already at hand. Two kits that use the existing leadscrews;
http://www.cncfusion.com/minimill1.html
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/pro...ory=1687114045
The cncfusion kit uses a locking collar by looks of things. How the other kit works is unclear.
Anyone have experience with either kit? Please don't suggest the purchase of handwheels, graduated collars and DROs. I'm eager to see the steppers do real work even if it's in a limited way.
Edit / Forgot to ask about splitting the bronze nut. A picture or diagram would be appreciated. An item like this is available for sherline and taig. Not aware of an X@ supplier.