[sudoshi]

I've looked up many conversions but it seems all of the them require other machines. Some have a lathe to turn the ballscrews, etc. Has anyone completed a DIY/scratch conversion using only the very same X2 that is being converted without disassembling and assembling back and forward?

[Fastest1]

Hoss' plans allow you to build most if not all of the parts with the manual mill prior to CNCing it. That being said, most people arent skilled enough in the beginning to do it all ( I am speaking from my experience and lack of knowledge is this arena upon entering). If you had shop experience and or mentors around that too could change the outcome.

[Fastest1]

Btw, to get it right on the first assembly is not realistic in any way. Especially considering the vast differences in finished machines even of the same manufacturer and model.

[sudoshi]

That's what I was thinking too. But I thought I ask anyway in case someone developed a clever plan and drawings to do the conversion with bare minimum tools. It seems like a cool concept.

With Hoss's plan, he uses a lathe to turn the ballscrews for termination. This may be a stupid question, I am a novice... But are there any alternative? Something like ballscrew clamps/coupler that terminates the end? I've searched around and don't see such product exist. It seems such product would eliminate the need for a lathe to turn the ballscrew for customization. What that in mind, it mean anyone with a hacksaw can custom make ballscrews. Does it exist?

[Potatohead908]

You can buy the screws already machined. I believe there is a guy most use here on eBay. I want to say his user name is linearmotion208. If I am wrong on his user name someone will chime in but rest assured you can buy the screws already machined.

[Fastest1]

Almost right, Linearmotion2008. His name is Chai. If you can send him a drawing he will work with you.

[Fastest1]

Btw, BD Tools kit requires no machining, nor does Arizonavideo's kit IIRC. Sorry I was thinking 0704 not X2

[hoss2006]

Don't know of anyone making adapters for ballscrew ends though this pops up on google.
Jena Tec Ballscrews, Spindles and Linear Motion Systems and Components: BTA Ballscrew End Adaptor Allows Rapid Customisation of Ballscrew End Detail
That would be a bigger pain to fit imo.
Several have made their own on the zone before similar to this.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cn...ballscrew.html
Most do this so they don't have to machine hardened ballscrews, a hacksaw won't cut it by the way.
This isn't a problem if you anneal the ends first.
Ballscrews - Annealing the Shafting For Easier Machining
The C7 ballscrews from linearmotion have nuts with flanges that require a lot more massaging of the saddle and table to get them to fit unlike the roton nuts used on my conversion.
There are some conversions that have been done here using the stock screws that don't need a lathe iirc.
Here's a couple.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/bencht...sion-hope.html
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/bencht...tto-cheap.html
fignoggle had plans for converting with the stock screws, don't know if they are still active though.
http://www.fignoggle.com/plans/cncplans.htm
Hoss

[rythmnbls]

fignoggle had plans for converting with the stock screws, don't know if they are still active though.
CNC Conversion Plans for the Sieg X2 Mini-Mill! Harbor Freight 8x12 and Sieg X2 Mini Mill, DRO, CNC Conversion Plans, Machining/Metalworking How-tos and Resources

I used these plans, bought them in February this of year. I didn't go with the stock screws, but they are a solid set of plans.

Regards.

Steve.

[sudoshi]

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/bencht...sion-hope.html
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/bencht...tto-cheap.html[/URL]
Hoss

Wow, these two are way cool. Very simple, I like it. Thank you for the links. I would have never found them on the site. Google didn't lead me anywhere close either. I thank everyone for their inputs. Time to think this over and decide which route to go.

[gtrdude]

I have the X and Y axes done for my mill (everything is mild steel, my own design). I would have to say that using the X2 as a manual mill is a frustration, but it can be done. I would also definitely get the ballscrews pre-machined. It will save you a tonne of time and frustration which will only delay your conversion anyway.

[tjbaudio]

When I did mine I built the electronics first. Then started with the X axis and used linux CNC manually as a power feed. Then I did the Y axis and now can do XY cnc. I used the LMS upgrade board to put the spindle under computer control as well. I still have Z manual but am working on the parts to make that CNC. I used 1 to 1 belt drives on the stock screws. I feel belts are more forgiving of alignment. And that is good when learning. Here is a link to build thread. http://www.cnczone.com/forums/bencht...questions.html