Part 3 Harbor Freight Mini Mill X2 CNC Conversion Step by Step

[@glennfelpel9785]

Thank you for the Roton heads-up. Also, thank you for all the source materials in this series. Good Job all around!!

[@SelfMadeProject]

+Glenn Felpel Thanks!

[@SelfMadeProject]

I just noticed that someone has went through and thumbs downed all the videos in this project. Not that I'm particularly moved one way or the other over that fact, but I am curious. Is it me? The subject matter? The style of the videos? The info? If there's something I can improve upon let me know. I'd rather see a negative comment than a thumbs down, at least I'd know why that way.

[@SelfMadeProject]

Thanks!

[@kkknnniiiggghhhttt]

Don't sweat it man these videos are awesome learned alot.

[@SelfMadeProject]

Thanks, more to come on this project, just haven't had much time lately. Stay tuned.

[@coburnlowman]

Self Made I cant see why anyone would down these. I'm watching because I have an antique Bridgeport small mill that's nothing but a dust collector and have wished it would grow up to be a CNC knee mill. Way back I was a trim automotive tool maker but very little CNC involvement with no experience in stepper motors. In short i had no idea where to start on this quest. There seems to be lots of finished table top CNC's and folks showing them in action but no complete builds. Like number 2 video was common knowledge to me but for alot of people it would be a building block of information. So go into anything with an attitude to learn something and if you already know be quiet and wait for the information you need and be patient because the person next to you may need to learn. I've been in classes where people act as if they know more than the instructor. Its activation for the ones who signed up to get information.

[@tagrav]

it was prolly a Roton representative... lol

[@rodhawkins5037]

That look when your bits keep breaking when your trying to get sumfing done. Priceless. Keep up the great videos!!!

[@SelfMadeProject]

Ha! Thanks.

[@toddk.5873]

This series is very interesting for someone like myself who's looking into doing the same thing. I bought my neighbor's Sieg X2 with the intention of converting it to cnc. I tried to get a hold of Fusion cnc before buying a kit. It's looking like a futile effort since they don't seem to like to communicate with potential customers. That seems to lead me to having to make the ball screw conversion myself since as far as I know, they're the only game in town. Watching how you're doing this is a big help. I'm waiting for part 6 to come out. Good job so far.

[@SelfMadeProject]

+Todd K. Thanks. I don't know for sure, but I thought I heard somebody was selling a kit on ebay, but that's been a while back. My primary hobby is knife making and I"ve got a lot of orders to fill with that. So, this is kind of spare time project, should have another episode out soon.

[@ped8015]

Thank you for making the video. Never listen to negative comments unless they state why. But $50 for shipping is CRAZY!!!!

[@SelfMadeProject]

+Phill D Thanks. I've decided I've just got a hater that has subscribed. There have been a couple idiots that have left comments on other videos and I called them out. So, now, every time I post a video I immediately get a thumbs down, no matter what the topic is.

[@torquelimiter6776]

I did figure out by watching the video you said it took you 3 or 4 cans before you got it right. So what I learned was drink the beer one day and cut the can the next day.....lol....also thanks for the video I like the way you did the Z eliminating alignment issues...I watched a guy with a kit and he had a heck of a time with the alignment of the ball screw...so I am like you I will make all my own parts.

[@vmaxtur]

you are one slick dude! love the thread protector!!

[@billsmith5166]

Good vids! Four cans to get it right.. Gave me a chuckle.

[@SelfMadeProject]

Ha! Thanks for checking it out.

[@kensendelofski3761]

the last couple of days I've watched several videos on the harbour fraight milling machine. and many other's. But it seems people are spending a thousands of dollars to turn a harbour fraight tool into something they could just buy.. I'd like to buy a harbour fraight milling machine. But funds are limited at this time. I have no problem with harbour fraight tools. enjoyed this video. I watched it twice already.

[@SelfMadeProject]

Thanks for checking it out so far, this project is still in the works. But, I'm not spending thousands, not at all! Now if you want to go out and by an already converted machine you will spend thousands. The little mills are an inexpensive way to tinker with cnc or milling in general, just don't expect a lot, they are tiny.

[@londel1767]

Great videos, keep up the good work.

[@williamweesner1191]

No surprise on the shipping. A lot of places pull that pull that crap.

[@airgunningyup]

china based ballscrews on ebay are dirt cheap now , about 28 a rod for the size you used.but this is late 2018 lol

[@CncObsession]

Great job.

[@markadams8452]

Hello! First let me say THANK YOU! This has been so useful to me! I’m in the process of gathering everything I need. I have a question about your Ballscrews, could you tell me the finishing specs? Like length you cut for each axis, how far in to the screw did you cut the thread?

[@SelfMadeProject]

Well, I purposely didn't give a lot of specs. I was just wanting to show that this could be done with hobbyist tools without spending a ton of money. I did buy some plans from Hoss Machine and downloaded some others free. Since I'm using a mix of "paid for" info and some free, I thought it best not to share every detail. Hoss' plans are still available I believe, but it's really more just a CD full of drawings, not so much a how to. At least that's what I got, maybe he's updated them.

[@vmaxtur]

I just wonder what the shipping would have been had the item total been in the thousands?

[@SelfMadeProject]

No kidding! I won't buy without a specific shipping price now. I've encountered a couple other sites that are vague about shipping price upfront. I hate that.

[@philliptoone]

You got them to refund you the difference in shipping? You rock!

[@activegrandpa]

Great videos but I can't seem to find part 4 in the series, can anyone help me with the link?

[@SelfMadeProject]

I think I have 6 installments up on this project. But, just to forewarn you, I did have to put this project on hold for a while though, but I'll get back to it one of these days.

[@activegrandpa]

I can get 5 of them fine but for some reason I cant find the 4th video

[@SelfMadeProject]

+Keith Haworth kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZLHZqqoe9yKd6c

[@kirkjones9639]

Always have a copy of Machinery's Handbook. I've used mine since making parts for the space shuttle back in the 70s, if it it isn't in there, you shouldn't be making nuclear power plants in your garage anyway.

[@deonceevans4394]

So when you purchase this mill, these are the things you have to make and buy? Forgive me, never used a mill before and I have been looking at this particular one.

[@SelfMadeProject]

The mill is a manually operated machine. I want to convert it to operate via computer control, so the factory parts have to be replaced for all that to happen. I can't say how well the machine works as it comes, but keep in mind it is very small, so keep your projects small.

[@deonceevans4394]

@@SelfMadeProject Thank you very much.

[@yatessmyrna]

Most machine parts orders are commercial orders from businesses. The usual customers want to be able to get it quick, track the package, have it insured, etc. Since the USPS cannot be trusted to deliver the mail in a timely manner. That is why the shipping is so much.

[@markrainford1219]

You know what? That would have taken me 30-40 cans to get that shim right.

[@SelfMadeProject]

Hey, whatever it takes, right? Ha!

[@3dsmackdown]

Painful to watch that broken carbide.

[@SelfMadeProject]

Yeah, my little lathe isn't stiff enough for carbide.

[@mccwho]

Just don't do business with Roton !