X2 Mini Mill Cnc Help!

TheArmedTuber

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Hello, I'm a total noob at cnc'ing but I want to build a cnc as cheap as possible out of a harbor freight mini mill. I plan on milling finding knife scales out of composites and aluminum. I have a computer, mach3, and the mill. The amount of information on this topic is overwhelming so I need the help of you pros! Can you post everything I would need to have a functioning 3 axis cnc (on the cheap) below. Thanks!

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Welcome Aboard!

It can be a little overwhelming. You have a good start with the equipment you have. Next you will need stepper motors, drives, and a power supply(s). Preferably ball screws also. There are full kits available for your machine.

The real question at this point is: What is your budget for this project? That will help us point you in the right direction. A machine model number would be helpful also.
 
Welcome Aboard!

It can be a little overwhelming. You have a good start with the equipment you have. Next you will need stepper motors, drives, and a power supply(s). Preferably ball screws also. There are full kits available for your machine.

The real question at this point is: What is your budget for this project? That will help us point you in the right direction. A machine model number would be helpful also.
Honestly as cheap as possible so I can get some scales made/ sold and possibly upgrade stuff down the road if needed but I want the initial cost of the CNC build to be low. The mill is model 44991 from harbor freight.

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Honestly as cheap as possible so I can get some scales made/ sold and possibly upgrade stuff down the road if needed but I want the initial cost of the CNC build to be low. The mill is model 44991 from harbor freight.

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I just need a list of items you recommend to buy all at once lol

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I'm not going to try to specify exactly what parts to buy, but I'll give you a general idea of what is needed. I'll give you links to the first hit I get on ebay, you have to determine if the parts will fit your machine. These are not recommendations, but rather just pointing you in the right direction.

First, if you are not going to use ball screws, then NEMA 34 motors will be needed for extra torque, something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Ship-3-A...277906?hash=item35e7ec1e92:g:ljoAAOSwHnFVxC0-

The above come with the breakout board and cable for Mach3. I think the 1800 oz/in stepper is big enough to operate the Z axis. But you may have to counter weight it.

Then you need a way to couple the motors to the lead screws. Something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/5mm-x-6-35m...hash=item2a7010bb49:m:m9QujlhH9qTtJLUSb5X9j8Q

You could buy a ball screws and reduce the X and Y motor sizes. A quick Google search indicates that NEMA 23, 425 oz/in steppers might be OK on the X and Y axis if you are using ball screws. Ball screws will give you much more accuracy. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Zyltech-Ant...918611?hash=item4b0c5c3c93:g:jQMAAOSw2x1XL6Wx

There are full kits available for your machine, here is one vendor: http://www.cncfusion.com/index.html

Then you would have to make mounting brackets for the motors. Then also you would need a few limit switches for the travel limits. http://www.ebay.com/itm/5pcs-PACK-M...647537?hash=item1c6c7454f1:g:8UcAAOSwa~BYRQFH

Then some wiring, and other cables, and an E-stop switch something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/22MM-Emerge...109626?hash=item463dd5737a:g:ROcAAOSwjVVVn-8X

Then some type of a box to put all of the electronic s in.

I hope this gets you started.

Sounds like a fun project:)
 
I converted an X2 mini some years ago. The process is covered here: http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/x2-cnc-conversion.9791/page-2#post-95934

At the time, I think it cost me around a grand to do the conversion, plus lots of machining time. Some have done the conversion using the original lead screws, but changing to ballscrews gives you a better machine in the end. More accuracy (less backlash), less resistance for the motors to overcome.

My CNC got damaged somewhat is a house fire I had (mostly rust damage), but I finally got it back up and running a few weeks ago. I prefer manual machining, but some things are just a lot easier to do with CNC. I'm glad to have it back.
 
Thank you for your responses. I believe I'm going to get kit #2 at cnc fusion. I was reading a tutorial on how to convert the mill into a cnc and the site said I need to buy 3 of the Heli-Cal zero backlash coupling that cnc fusion sells for $24 a piece. Is this correct?

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I need to buy 3 of the Heli-Cal zero backlash coupling that cnc fusion sells for $24 a piece. Is this correct?

Yes, you need some coupling devices. Theirs are a bit pricy, but since you are ordering from them anyway, it makes sense to buy from them. Not that much price difference.
 
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