G0704 or a X-3

Hello all.

Been looking at this site a long time , lots of great folks. At the point to take the plunge into CNC mill pool. I like the G0704 , it has a nice work envelope, and more spindle speed. And all the great leg work Hoss has done on this Mill. The X-3 has been around the block for a while, bolt on CNC kit , more units in service.


Is the G0704 worth the wait for shipping ? Is the motor and driver board problums solved ( don't run at full load for long periods of time ) Is this like running it at 2000 rpm for 45min vs 2250 rpm for the same time


Is the X-3 more reilable ? What machine would you all conseider more ridgid ?

I'm not looking for a ( Pocket Bridgeport ) Just a nice solid benchtop machine that I can run Aluminum, 12L14, 303 and 4140.

Space and Weight and Cost all factors for me. I have no room for a large IH Mill.

Thanks for your time .... Mitch ...............

Mitch,
I was in the same boat as you! I finally settled on the PM25MV from Quality Machine Tools. (PM-MV Milling Machines) This is basically a BF20/G0704 or any other clone of the original BF20. The conversions are the same cost as any conversion for the X3 as well as the electronics. From my research the BF20's seem to be a tweakers heaven. I like to change and modify and tweak pretty much everything I own. Nothing is good enough OEM for me, and the vast amount of knowledge and documented mods to every variation of the BF20 seems to be only limited by a persons imagination. There are some small differnces between manufacturers like motor size and max drill capacity, but the basics are the same. Hope I helped and I look forward to your updates and hopefully a build log.

BTW, quality machine tools is supposed to be getting a shipment of the PM25MV's by the end of this month. Once QA is done then they will ship to customers some time mid June. This is the shipment that my mill is supposed to be on... Fingers Crossed!

I own an X3 I got it in Dec 09' right b4 the G704 came out. I was a little ticked off. When you look at price and capability the G704 beats the X3 in almost every way. With that being said I absolutely love my X3. I bought the CNC fusion Deluxe kit & had it up in 1 Saturday. I make very accurate parts without even trying. Thats a clear advantage if you want to be up and running quickly with a well designed and made kit . There has been a lot of talk about which it a more rigid machine. Unless you own both you cannot know for sure. However I have been able to make what every I want without much trouble. Im a journeyman Machinist and CNC programmer by trade. So I know the proper speeds, feeds, setup, tooling and programming techniques to machine parts. That can go a long way toward solving rigidity problems. I find that light cuts at a fast rate a feed works best but I can take a deep cut when I need to.

I haven't had any problems with my X3 so far Mechanically or Electrically so far. I would say If you want to be up and running quickly get an X3. If you dont mind waiting and think you can handle making your own kit get an G704. The extra Y and X travel is always really nice! I have been toying with the idea of picking up a G704 and sell the X3 after I covert the G704. But I think a RF45 will be next. Hopes this helps.

Nat

The rigidity issue isn't hard to prove.
This is what the G0704 can do.

Hogging Capabilities

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0nCthmPzKs&feature=channel_video_title"]YouTube - ‪G0704 Stainless Steel Milling‬‏[/nomedia]


If an X3 even with it's extra bulk can't cut at the same rates then it's not as rigid.
Hoss

Very Impressive Hoss !!!!! Thank you Both for great info.

Mitch ..................

I have a x3 manual and have to say that even being fairly new I'm thinking either g0704 or another x3 for my cnc conversion as I can not have my machine down for any length of time while I figure out any bugs I self inflicted in my conversion.

the hoss videos are the selling point... no way in #3// I would try half that on my x3... BUT he had also done a ton of work to it to get there. to further complicate things the newer ones have been modified more at the factory but to no one will know for several months what problems still exist. the motor controller and other issues scare me. I'm not interested in a hobby out of my mill... just function. maybe when I buy a tormach I can afford to spend time modifying my starter mill... in the footsteps of the AMAZING few on here who have the time, desire and talent to do the incredibly awesome things they share.

my .02 is if you have time to wait (while saving money like me) then just watch closely and see how the new run of g0704s come out and make your decision after you have the money and more info since any input will not be based off of a machine you will buy (new g0704) but a previous version.

I LOVE my x3 but there are several reasons I'm planning to get the g0704 if things look good. looks better machined, tapered gibbs, "better" expandable travel mods imho (for later), better column mount imo, ready to flip and mill z expansion (one of the few mods I will do before putting into service)... and the number one reason to buy a g0704... SUPPORT! not grizzly, HOSS. same reason I want a tormach... I know there will be every expanding possibilities and support :)

To be clear so not to confuse, the first 2 videos were done over a year ago on the stock mill
which was pretty much out of the box cranking the handles by hand.
The other videos were done under CNC with the belt drive but at rpms of the stock mill.
Nothing freaky needs done to get the same results.
I need to get around to bolting the mill down finally and should get even better results.:)
Hoss

Quote:

---

. the motor controller and other issues scare me.

---

I wouldn´t mind, there are options. One would be to get a KBLC motor controller and forget about the stock one in case you have problems.

If you want to spend more you might look at the Weiss 30/PM30.

It is more ridged than either of the smaller mils and I think is the best small benchtop mill out their.

The more you spend the more you save...