[ellik]

Hi folks.

This is my first post, been lurking for some time. I have been converting my X2 to CNC for the last few months. The actual CNC upgrade was done months ago but it this hobby seems to have a tendency to snowball. There is always something to improve or add.... I am not sure if or when I will finish this project but I am having fun doing it.

Lots of inspiration from you guys. Thanks.

There are some picture in my gallery

http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/showg...0&ppuser=78827

Regards
EK.

[ellik]

I just finished a power drawbar, based on the one HOSS made but a bit more compact (Thanks for the idea hoss). I used a bit more expensive, $CAN 25, cylinder but it has a bigger diameter so the unit can be a little more compact, less leverage needed. I also skipped a link between the cylinder rod and the lever, saving more space but a spring is needed to pull the lever back up. The drawbar itself is just a 1/2 inch bolt I put in the lathe and threaded. I needed a longer drawbar anyway and this also reduces the over all height of the unit.
For now I am just using a stack of 1/2 inch lock washers instead of the usual Belleville washer. They will be replaced as soon as my order from Reid arrives. The lock washers actually work but I am not sure how much force they actually apply. The next step is to build some tool holders.

Thanks again for the the fantastic ideas that float around the forum.

EK

[austin.mn]

Looking very nice.

I have drooled over Hoss's creativity regarding the X2 and have been thinking that I should do something with mine. My other machine is a Bridgeport Boss, which works great for what I use it for, but it sure would be nice to have a machine with an auto tool changer. Heck, even a power draw bar would be an improvement.... anywho, keep up the good work and keep us posted on your progress.

[hoss2006]

Awesome work! X2's can be fun little mills with lots of possibilities.
Hoss

[ellik]

Thanks guys, appreciate it.

Yes the mill is fun but I must admit I am not sure what to do with it now when its "almost" done. I bought the mill to make small parts for Nitro RC cars I raced. After getting bit by the CNC bug I have not touched that hobby, for more than a year now.

oh well I can probably do some more upgrades or get another, bigger mill.....hmmm

EK

[hoss2006]

I haven't made any gun parts in 3 years, it's addictive.

[Teyber12]

i can't believe what im seeing! You really did a number on that mill Very clean and compact... Love everything about it

[ellik]

Been working on a 4th axis using parts I had laying round, most notisibly the fine feed worm gear from the z-axis. The gear ratio is 29/1 which makes it impossible to use for manual work but should be fine for CNC. I think I managed to get rid of any backlash without to much binding but time will tell. Does anyone have an extra stepper they want to sell?



Backlash adjustment screw accessible from the bottom.


Facplate for the 3in mini lathe chuck


The mill as its currently set up.

[hoss2006]

Nice piece of work!
Those fine feeds are just sitting in lots of peoples parts boxes
now they have a use for them.
A small stepper from Keling is pretty cheap $39-$49.
Hoss

[Teyber12]

I have a stepper that's wires are reaallly short. How much do you want for it?

[ellik]

I recently ordered a ball screw and bearing blocks from linermotionbearings on ebay. I am quite happy with it so far but the bearings that come with the blocks are crap, but usable. Given the price I payed for the whole thing have no complaints. I measured 0.001" backlash in the bearing block(the amount the screw moves up and down). I might be able to increase the preload but I want to try this out first. Total backlash is about 0.002" measured at the nut, compared to 0.006" with the ACME lead screw I had before. I now get 120 IPM rapids, a huge improvement from 40 IPM, and a 11" of travel, if I unhook the gas strut.

Peck drilling test 1: Rapids 120 IPM, Feed 10 IPM, depth 1.25" in 0.1" increments. Acceleration 25
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9p2vl_PGLM"]YouTube- Peck Drill Test after Ball Screw Update[/ame]

Peck drilling test 2: Rapids 120 IPM, Feed 60 IPM, depth 1.25" in 0.1" increments. Acceleration 40
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EowzgwN71EU"]YouTube- Peck Drill Test after Ball Screw Update[/ame]

Now when I know what to expect from those ball screws I will order 2 more for X and Y.

[ellik]

Here is a better view of the z-axiz with the ballscrew and blocks.