Tramming my Sieg SX2P mini mill (identical to LMS 3960)

[petcnc]

After cleaning and degreasing my new mill I made some measurements to test X and Y axis using simple tools:
an indicator (metric 0,01mm/div)
an extension about 12,5 cm (5”) and
a small mirror to read the indicator when rotates and faces the mill column.

The procedure is quite simple. Place a surface plate on the mill table, put indicator in a collet (or in the drill chuck), zero it to a corner and then rotate it a full circle BY HAND writing down each corner reading.

To manage this procedure without a surface plate I used a piece of glass from an old scanner (as the flattest think in possession).

I found mill column to lean 0,2mm to the front and 0,4 mm to the left so I decided to shim the column.

Initial efforts using paper (0,06 mm thickness) failed miserably, so I looked for better and more robust shims.
Most convenient of all available materials was beer tin (nasty habits, I know) at a thickness 0,1 mm and kitchen aluminum foil at a thickness of 0,01mm.

After several trial and error settings I managed to make table stand vertical and the best readings I had were:
X axis 0,01 mm end to end
Y axis 0,02 mm end to end.

I’m quite happy with that and I can start use the mill now.

Petros

 

[MCRIPPPer]

that is an interesting mill. it looks like it has an x2 head, but a totally different base and table. im pretty sure the lms one has a normal base and table(except a little longer travels)

 

[petcnc]

This Sieg X2 plus mill is made according to specifications for ARC eurotrade in UK. It is very similar to LMS 3960.
They are both High torque with a brushless 500W DC motor.
They have different tables though. Although the 3960 has a longer X table it uses part of it, (only 30 cm) the Sieg X2 uses all 33 cm of table.
The only think I envy in 3960 is the X and Y table lock levers. Sieg X2plus uses two plain bolts for that function and they are practicaly useless.
I have to work something out on that..

 

[MCRIPPPer]

you might be able to thread in the standard x2/sx2 lock levers as long as the thread pitch on your table is M6x1.0mm.

 

[petcnc]

I'm afraid is only 4x1.0
I might have to make new threads there... on the other hand it is brand new... and it does not feel right to grab my drill and start drilling and threading...

 

[MCRIPPPer]

is the locking bolt the same thread as the column gib screws? if so, the normal x2 locking levers will work.

it seems like a m4x1.0 would be extremely rough thread. actually, take off the z axis lock lever and see if it fits the other axis.

 

[wm460]

Very interesting reading your way of tramming your mill, will be referring back to this when my mill arrives.

 

[petcnc]

Have you ordered the Sieg or another brand name in the X2 category?

 

[wm460]

Hi Petros,
I haven't actually ordered I was just about to get the Sieg X3 when they put the Sieg SX3 on special
so now reading every thing I can about these.

 

[Richard King]

Have you ever check the accuracy of that glass plate? In another post someone told us how a glass pane miked .002" out. I would indicate the top of the table. The glass looks cool but I have never seen that done in a professional shop.