Re: Please take a look over my shoulder –base machine

> My present system contains a MicroLux Milling Machine #82573
> purchased from Micro Mark. I also have a MicroLux 7x14 Lathe #82710,
> so I can do fabrication to mount servo motors, and or build new x,
> and y axis slides. I'll start with the lead screws that came with
> the
> milling machine. Need information about, do I need to modify the lead
> screw nuts, as an example. I plan to measure backlash.
>

Hi,

To make the responses easier, I sniped the other stuff and also
changed the subject line.

SEIG is the supplier/manufacturer of the micro-mill and it is the X1
model. Yahoo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hf47158toCNC


The X2 is the Mini-mill that so many people have written conversions
about and there is a yahoo group as well.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mini_cnc_mill/

The X2 is a little bigger, and you many need the room. if you put on a
rotary table, for example,

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47052

the spindle to table is 8.66 inches (see data sheet)
http://www.siegind.com/Products/br-x1-super-lathe.htm

With a fixture of any kind to hold collets or a chuck, the center is 2
inches off the table at least. (assuming a 4" rotary table.)

That leaves 6 inches to the work. Assuming a 1 inch mill, and a 1
inch dia part, that leaves 4-1/2 inches in the vertical.

The bed has a X movement of 7 inches, less 2 for the rotary and
another 2 for any kind of chuck, more for a collet, and that leaves 3
inches of work space.

so, the work envleople is about 4-1/2 by 3 with a rotary table.

The X-2 is a larger machine and has a vertical clearance of 11 inches
and an X travel of 9-1/2 inches.

The X-2 motor is 350 watts to the 150 watt of the X-1
and lastly, the X1 has a MT2 taper whereas the X-2 has an R8 collet.

The price difference is not all that much, but with the larger X-2,
you have a lot more room to put in ballscrews.

Since you have been talking servos, it is assumed you will use
ballscrews. Also, since your work is so small, it is also assumed you
will put all the wear on one small section of the screws and bed.

And, that brings up another comment.

the machining of the ways is horrible. There are a lot of people who
put some grit on them and "lap" them to remove the high spots.

Although it has been pointed out that this is not really lapping, but
is considdered premature wear, the results have been praised as really
improving the accuracy and sturdyness of the machine. Scraping or
grinding is preferred if you have those abilities.

There are companies you can buy a fully conveted machine, complete
with ball screws and servos and the like.

There is also a plans set for converting the X-2 to ballscrew and CNC.

For more information about the basic machines, surf thru the
mini-lathe site
http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_mill/Main/mini-mill.htm

Hope any of this offers some interest.

Dave