Well... I BROKE My Mini Mill... Little Machine Shop Belt Drive Installation

It's time for the plastic gears to go! They're loud and weak! This video is a detailed installation guide for replacing your mini mill's plastic gears with a belt drive system from little machine shop. The Sieg X2D is a great sized mill for knife making; and these modifications make it really nice to use! Cheers! 🙌
LMS Belt Drive Kit (2560) - littlemachineshop.com/2560?So...
LMS Air Spring Kit (2258) - littlemachineshop.com/2258?So...
LMS Sieg X2D Mill (3990) - littlemachineshop.com/3990?So...
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00:00 - Removal of Broken Gears
03:02 - Belt Drive Install
05:43 - Running Shots
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A Notice from Red Beard Ops LLC:
The information provided on this channel is for entertainment purposes only. Any action you as the viewer takes upon the information on this channel is strictly at your own risk, and Red Beard Ops LLC will not be liable for any losses, damages, or personal injuries in connection with the use of this content (including injuries, damages, or losses sustained while you were trying to emulate the actions and projects on this channel). Attempting to emulate any of the actions or projects put forth by this channel should not be done without training and even then, at your own risk.

[@RedBeardOps]

*Correction at 00:33 - The LMS mill is not direct drive... it's a belt drive system inside the head.

[@randytravis3998]

I have a mini mill /drill press like that but the wires come apart up by the switch need to find a wire dia ,, so I know where all the wires go ..

[@slingerssecretlaboratory]

Thanks for the video. I broke my upper plastic gear, but still removed the whole head to remove unnecessary parts, gears etc. I filled any holes in the head with plastic plugs to keep out debris. The mill runs MUCH quieter and smoother with the belt drive. Although without the gear breakage I most likely would not have made the change. Still I think it was great move. Thanks again.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it helped!

[@larryohara6513]

I have had my Grizzly mini-mill for well over 15 years and have yet to strip the gears. I bought a spare gear set from Grizzly at the same time, since even back then it was the most talked about repair. Knock on wood I don't have to do this repair, but the belt replacement is on my list. I save this one KZbin video just in case. I thank you

[@RedBeardOps]

Awesome Larry, yeah I was being a little rough with it when it happened.... 😅

[@alwayscensored6871]

Been over a decade ago but the belt drive conversion on my X1 made a huge difference. Managed to get 4 ratios using 6mm toothed belt turned inside out.

[@johnhinton2003]

I installed my belt drive system today. Your video and informative narrative was a big help. Unfortunately the drive gear on the motor didn’t slide off easily like your video. I had to fabricate a gear puller to get the dang thing off! After that, it was an easy day. Well done video and thanks!

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it helped!

[@MrSoloun]

Good vid, interesting mod and good to see its simple to fit and good quality.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! It does seem to get the job done nicely.

[@elluisito000]

Hello. Thabks for this video. I had this mini mill in the test lab of the factory I used to work at. The are not the fanciest machine around, but they do deliver good value for what they cost.

[@RedBeardOps]

Right on Luis! I completely agree.... very nice for the home shop!

[@nickminderman7380]

Been spending the last week researching mini mills that I may be able to afford. Going down the rabbit hole is exhausting.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Nick, I feel you man. Sneak peak here for you and anyone who reads this comment..... I'm going to be doing a head to head comparison between this harbor freight Seig X2D and the Little Machine Shop Seig X2D (3990 high torque) in the coming weeks. The LMS version has some very nice upgrades compared to the models from Grizzly, HF, Klutch, Wen, etc... So if you have time to wait.... that's coming. Cheers man.

[@nickminderman7380]

@@RedBeardOps perfect. What about precision Mathew’s ?

[@RedBeardOps]

@@nickminderman7380 I've heard about those being good machines; My head to head will be of the HF and LMS mills though.

[@duron700r]

Good video! I just pulled the trigger on a harbor/central mini so I'll see how long the gears last. Still going in the old mini 12 lathe. Thank ya sir!

[@RedBeardOps]

Nice!

[@armadilloforge]

Thinking about getting one of those cheap 200.00 DRO's off ebay. I've seen a few vids on KZbin, they seem to work fine. Great job on the Belt change over, enjoy the quiet drive.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! I've been talking with Little Machine Shop... I may be trying out one of their DROs. I like that they have a kit already made.

[@user-gp1gl6wf4n]

Сэр! Отличный Станок 👍👍👍👍👍! Удачи вам и новых успехов.

[@RedBeardOps]

Спасибо!

[@timstevens3361]

great video rb

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you enjoyed

[@BecksArmory]

I did the same thing with my Grizzly G0704 but I had to make my own belt drive kit as all the kits that exist increased the RPM. my mill already had zero torque below 1000 rpms so I made it's new max rpm around 1200 rpm. I could then run larger drill bits and small taps without it stalling out constantly. Overall it look like a nice kit!

[@RedBeardOps]

Man, it sure does make a difference! Those plastic gears were just no good...

[@BecksArmory]

@@RedBeardOps After I purchased my Grizzly I wished I had gone with one of the Precision Matthews Mini-Mills. If you ever upgrade you might want to give them a look.

[@RedBeardOps]

@@BecksArmory They do have a nice mill for sure!

[@harleyd2900]

I likely need one of these....

[@RedBeardOps]

I mean... what knife maker doesn't!?!

[@mlminto]

I have a LMS Hi-Torque mini-mill, but the clear housing on yours is VERY cool, they should all be like that, IMO.

[@RedBeardOps]

It is cool! I'll say that in the Hi-Torque the belt drive comes stock. I also think it's a "belt with nubs" or "teeth" on it so better in that regard.

[@mlminto]

@@RedBeardOps Yes, it is a "ribbed" belt. I damaged mine recently after having drill bits catch in metal. I'm currently waiting for 2 replacement belts from LMS.

[@RedBeardOps]

@@mlminto Gotcha, maybe I should order some of those to have on hand!

[@evaderknives]

I wanna see/hear all the cut footage, hahaha. Projects like this always take a few tries, the next time you could do it eyes closed, but there never is a "next time". Hope all is well, take it easy.

[@RedBeardOps]

For sure that's how things go! Cheers sir!

[@jmkmusicpedals]

Hi, Have this mill and it's been working fine, but one thing has been bugging me. The lock lever contacts the Z wheel shaft before it feels like it has really tightened. Do you know if that's adjustable? Do you have to get inside the head/column in order to adjust it? Thanks.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Joe, I don't fully understand your question, but I think you can tighten the gibs on the z-axis to remove some of that issue.

[@slesarka_art]

Добрый вечер , хорошая работа ! Станок мощный а шестерни пластиковые - непонятное решение! Тоже недавно реставрировал старый сверлильный станок . Удачи!

[@RedBeardOps]

Спасибо! Ваше здоровье

[@stacybelinskey2007]

I have a similar problem and I also want to remove the inner gears my question is do I need to leave the gears on the spindle as spacers for the main upper and lower bearings

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Stacy, I'm not sure about that, but I don't see a reason to remove the gears on the spindle.

[@jwspock1690]

Does the V-belt have no slippage? No problems with milling? The power is transmitted well? If so ... perfect. regards Jürgen

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Spock, I haven't noticed any slippage when milling mild steel with a 2'' face mill... so I think it's good to go! Cheers

[@rickpoteet371]

Leaving the large plastic gear in the head, does it rattle any? In hind sight would you now have taken it out or good leaving it in.

[@RedBeardOps]

Nope, no rattle here. Leaving it seems fine

[@robertregalado1015]

I was thinking of buy one. But everybody ends up doing the pulley swap and brushless motor. Might as well get one of higher grade to start

[@RedBeardOps]

Yeah, I'd suggest the 3990 from Little Machine Shop if you're interested in one this size

[@Musicpins]

good upgrade, I mean plastic gears? oooh no.... Build quality of this machine doesnt seem bad otherwise.

[@ericdayrit4600]

Hi there can i get all the parts that you upgrade like the gears and the belt drive kit, thank you and much appreciate the video you made.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hi Eric; the links to the parts are in the video description. Cheers

[@flabiturbo1]

Hi, friend. Could you help me by telling me the measurements of the pulleys of the conversion kit. since I have to make them because here in Argentina I can't get them. I need to know the outer diameter of the steps of both pulleys. thanks for your help!

[@RedBeardOps]

Hello sir! You should contact Little Machine Shop. They'll likely have that info

[@hpds1145]

Is there a direct drive motor upgrade instead of the belt drive?

[@RedBeardOps]

I'm not 100% sure; but don't think so. You'll want to reach out to Little Machine Shop

[@jacobmcglothin105]

Do you have a place you sell knifes? Just found your channel today and like the videos I've seen. Very talented

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey man, I sell them from time to time on instagram, but I really don't produce a large volume and am not taking custom orders. Cheers!

[@jacobmcglothin105]

No problem man just thought I'd ask. Thanks for the reply. Keep up the good work

[@Codevil.]

Are you the honest outlaws brother?

[@RedBeardOps]

I am not 😅

[@ClenioBuilder]

👏👏👏👏💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@Coopdeville06]

That fly cutter is why your gears broke lol I know because I did the same thing with mine. Pushing it to its limits lol my fly cutter was 2 inch I think yours might be 1.5 kinda hard to tell from video.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the tip! Probably right!

[@levinrio7685]

Ok I have heard the you lose a significant amount of torque by doing this conversion, I actually saw a guy video himself being able to stop the spindle with his bare hands! How much torque do you think you lost by doing this?

[@RedBeardOps]

I haven't seen any issues on my machine. Maybe belt tension comes into play?

[@nickatronic1721]

[@RedBeardOps]

Have a great day!

[@adrewfis925]

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

[@RedBeardOps]

Did you upgrade your gears?

[@adrewfis925]

I purchased a belt drive assembly for Grizzly 0759. Plastic intermediate gear wore down and is too much of pain to keep replacing.

[@johnbauby6612]

Based on the machinery I have seen this guy using I would say you get what you pay for. Stop buying cheap throwaway things.

[@RedBeardOps]

The belt drive has been working great. The 3990 from LMS is even a better machine!