[JMcDonald]

What small mods are possible to increase the travels on the X3 mill?

I have heard that you can grind a little bit off the end plates of the table to get an extra inch or so of X-travel. How much does it add?

How much Y-axis travel can be obtained with various levels of modification? I know on the RF45 you can grind the leadnut slot on the base out to get an extra inch or few of travel.

I know on the X1 and X2 mills, you can make a squared block to bolt between the column and the base to get extra column height and thus more usable Z-travel (after vices and such are factored in). Has anyone done this with the X3?

*edit*

Extra search terms since this info has probably been posted, but is lost somewhere in the forum since "X3" can't be searched:
G0463 , 93885 , extended

[cjdavis618]

I know on the X1 and X2 mills, you can make a squared block to bolt between the column and the base to get extra column height and thus more usable Z-travel (after vices and such are factored in). Has anyone done this with the X3?

*edit*

Extra search terms since this info has probably been posted, but is lost somewhere in the forum since "X3" can't be searched:
G0463 , 93885 , extended

I know that it would be easy enough to do this with the x3, provided you were able to get a longer leadscreaw for the z axis. It is built inside the column and would need to be extended as far as the addition.

The X3 table is pretty basic as far as mounting etc, and I could see where a replacement table could be fabricated and add quite a bit of space to the overall work envelope. I am comfortable with the travel I have now, but that may change someday.

With all the information about casting, etc on this site. There is hope for us all.

[Rodm1954]

There is a trade off when you extend the travel on a axis. On X and Y it results in less contact with the dovetails therefore more slop in the table.
Best solution is to get a larger table and modify it to fit the X3 base.
I did this successfully on an X2.
On an X3 the column height is good and even with a vice I can't imagine needing more travel in that axis. It would mean you have to get a longer leadscrew but if you are going to CNC the machine then you might want to use a ballscrew so it is not a big issue.

[JMcDonald]

Yeah on the X- and Y-axes I just meant as far as things like removing material that blocks motion, not necessarily how far off the slides one could go. I wouldnt assume more than an inch off the end of the dovetails in any direction.

[Greolt]

Just to give you an idea here are some pics of the extents of travel and dovetail engagement on my X3

X travel is 400mm and the Y is 160mm.

No matter what size a mill is you always want a bit more eventually though I can't imagine wanting more Z clearance.

But then again I have another bigger mill.

Greg