MetalworkingFun Forum

Hey guys, the electronics and Fusion CNC conversion kit I ordered has finally arrived for my Busy Bee X2. Over the next few weeks I will be converting it over to Cnc and will use this post to update and ask questions. I have removed the spring balance and replaced it with a counter weight many months ago in preparation for the conversion so that part is already done, I also converted it to belt drive at the same time.

The first of many photos, this was taken shortly after buying the mill.



Shawn

Shawn, if you get the chance, increase the Y-axis travel. I added almost 2" to mine, but I wish I'd added more.

The X2 mills make great little CNCs. I haven't done a lot on mine, but it's fun to watch it following a program I put together. Sometimes there are moments, but that's all part of the learning process.

I remember seeing the photos you posted Mike of the extension you built, that would be a great mod to make. It will have to be further done the road for me, I already have the ball screw. The CNC Fusion Kit is really nicely done and I think its great value for the price. The casting on my mill is another story, it's going to require some modifications to allow the axis to fit without binding. I can see where a real newby could get quickly overwhelmed trying to install the kit.

Shawn

The irony of using the most outdated tool in my shop to build the most technically advanced tool was not lost on me I had to remove .125 from the side of the mounting block so the plate that mounts to the column would line up properly.



The Z axis is installed and runs smoothly from top to bottom with no hint of binding. I did have to grind a bolt down (it was either that or enlarge a hole in the casting) but otherwise the Fusion kit fit better than I expected considering how many variations there are of these mills and how poor the casting quality can be. I'll finish up the other two axis tomorrow, I don't think they should require as much finagling.



Shawn

So I actually finished the other two axis last night. Only took an hour or so and everything fit nicely accept for the two cap head screws that hold the x axis lead screw nut in place. The heads needed to be cut off and a slit cut for a flat head screwdriver. Now I just have to figure out how all this gets wired up. That will have to wait till after the holidays though.

One question about my counterweight setup; the head is almost perfectly balanced, it takes the same pressure to lift it as it does to lower it. Will this be an issue when cutting? Do I want more downward pressure on the head or should the steppers be able to hold it?



Shawn

I didn't have much time today but did manage to build some swarf guards for the Y and Z axis. The Y axis is held in place with two magnets so accessing the lead screw is simple, the Z axis was boxed in as much as the casting would allow and is held in place with a single cap screw. I had never worked with aluminum sheet and a brake before but I can see that being incredibly useful in the future. Limit switches and the wiring left to go.





Shawn

Being a closet computer geek I was pretty pleased to see a computer setup in my machine shop (I like that better than saying garage)



Shawn

Shawn!

Looking good, and even better, making progress!!

Can't wait to see some chips flying!

Best Regards,
Russ

Thanks Russ, I'm just waiting on some 18/4 shielded wire and an emergency stop button to arrive in the mail. I bought a small tool box today on sale and will convert that to hold the power supply, breakout board etc. I'm hoping to see it in action soon, I do have a backlash issue with one of the ball nuts but hopefully the company will respond to my email soon and we can get that sorted. I don't think its a preload issue but I might be wrong?

I saw an item on the net once that mentioned replacing the balls with a size bigger to tighten it up. Apparently, you can order loose ball bearings in very specific sizes.