What do you do when you want a CNC machine, but don’t have the room or the funds for a massive professional machine to build your custom parts? I found myself in the same dilemma, so I chose to scale down my purchase and invest in a manual mill that I could eventually convert to a CNC machine.
Before purchasing my X2 Mini Mill from LittleMachineShop.com I did some research to investigate what it would take to make the switch from a manual mill to a complete 3-axis computer numerically controlled milling machine. These small hobbyist mills are manufactured in China and Taiwan, and then shipped to companies like Harbor Freight, Grizzly and Micro-Mark who paint them various colors and sell them under different names. Since the basic foundation is all the same, a small community has formed around this popular mini mill platform to share ideas and hacks. When opting to convert to CNC, there are numerous kits and conversion designs to choose from. These options range from simple PDFs with diagrams and schematics to high-precision hardware and electronics bundles.
CNC Fusion is a small company that machines high quality conversion parts made from 6061 aluminium stock. The company started in 2004 when Michael Rodgers, a machinist by trade, wanted to build a CNC machine but realized that he could not build the parts he designed without first owning a CNC machine.
That initial desire has led Michael to design and fabricate CNC conversion kits for small manual mills and lathes, and now his kits are sold around the globe (40% of CNC Fusion production is shipped to overseas customers). The household garage has been converted into a machine shop where Michael machines the majority of the kit components using a huge five axis CNC mill while wife Sharron runs the massive CNC lathe to machine the ends of the ball screw threads sold with their kits.
The X2 Mini Mill kit is the most popular from CNC Fusion, primarily because the mini mill platform is considered a great tool at a modest price for hobbyists. With the X2 Mini-Mill CNC kit #2 all the new upgrade parts bolt to existing features and you replace the factory lead screw with high-precision ball screws and new motor mount adapters to accept NEMA 23 stepper motors. The hardware installation is very straightforward and requires the disassembly of the X and Y axes before reinstalling the ball screws. You will also need to drill two holes into the central column of the mill to install the Z-axis ball screw hardware. Besides this step, the entire process is completely reversible in case you ever decide to switch back to manual machining (but honestly, why would you?).
I will provide steps for setting up the electrical components and required software in a separate tutorial. This project will only cover the physical hardware conversion.
When fixing the z Axis make sure that you can get unbounded travel of the z Axis from top to bottom. I (mistakenly; and I do mean it was my fault) followed the directions here got everything put together only to find that my z-axis started to bind when the head approach to the top of its movement. To remedy this, I had to drill three new holes in the CNC Fusion plate and in the vertical stock. To be fair, mine was a Microlux conversion and not one from the Little Machine Shop.
Lesson re-learned, measure twice and drill once.
When will the tutorial for the Electronics and Software be available? I am part of a robotics team that could really use one of these!
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Hey Nick. I went ahead and ordered a cnc conversion kit from cncfusion. How long did you wait for your kit??? Mine is going on a month and after numerous emails I have yet to here from them!!!
I figured since I have a lathe and mill I would build my own, these parts are not that hard to make. I have already built a mill using 80/20 parts so all I really want right now on my X2 is a power feed on the X axis, since I am using a stepper motor for the drive I can go from my home built driver to hooking it up to my PC’s existing controller in a matter of minutes. Nothing that you ordered could not be made on the machines you own.(Figuring you own a lathe as well.) BTW have you got your stuff yet?
Does anyone else make a conversion kits for this machine. Because CNCfusion is a MIA !!!! You send them money and they dont send you shit!!!!!!
I was concerned due to Mr. Hernandez posts. I emailed the company. Got back a short note letting me know that they are indeed a small company working to meet a huge demand for parts. As such, they are working on a long lead time, as I clearly see on their webpage. If Mr. Hernandez is still concerned or has gotten his kit. It would be appreciated if he would post again to counter the extremely negative posts he has put here.
Why not make your own parts? Making things is why you got your mill is it not? This was the first thing that occurred to me when I saw what they were asking for their kits. The only reason to buy a kit is you already have parts you need to make ASAP to sell. If your like most of us then machine your mill parts yourself. Nothing makes me happier than making a tool I continue to use.
Hi guys, this is Michael from CNC Fusion, we are definitely still in business! The comments about our shipping delay were due to a large queue we had, and shipping was delayed a couple weeks. All customers have since received their orders. Sometimes Shelley and I get overwhelmed with orders, and shipment is delayed, but we machine the kits as fast as we can! We have never not shipped a customer their kit in the last 10 years since we started…. whew! that long!?? (unless they canceled the order, in which case a prompt refund is issued). Also, if you order one of our kits, and change your mind upon receiving it, just ship it back for a full refund.
cheers,
Michael
I agree with Mr. Hernandez. Mr. Rodgers states “All customers have since received their orders”. I’m over the 4 week mark and still waiting on my order to ship. There is no working phone number and emails are not replied to. If a company tells me my order will ship within a certain time period, I EXPECT it to ship in that time…if there is a delay, communicate with me…I am the paying customer! CNC Fusion should be held accountable to certain ethics. I’m curious as to how many others have waited over 4 weeks. Better yet, how many have cancelled due to the wait. He says “change your mind upon receiving it”… that is exactly what PayPal suggests…that if you don’t receive your order in the time stated, refuse the delivery and they will give you the refund, not Mr. Rodgers.
After 5 weeks, I finally received my kit. It was well worth the wait! It’s a perfect fit…everything lined up perfectly, the parts were professionally machined, well designed, easy to install. Other than having to wait longer than anticipated and vague communication, I would order from the company again if needed and recommend CNCFusion for CNC kits.
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That machine in the picture is the Hi torque mini mill http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=3990&category=1387807683.
What is the difference between that and the actual x2 mini mill? http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=4962&category=1387807683
Is there a place to find an exact parts list for conversion of the X2D? The Fusion kit, from what I can tell is just the motor mounts, ball screws, etc. No controller boards, no motors, whatever a breakout boards is, etc. I’m looking for a list of everything I need to convert my mill. I don’t really want to become an expert on motors, boards, voltage, etc. I just want to know this motor will work, this board will work, this is everything you need, now go buy it and assemble it.
I Have a Beaver VBRP Model No. 6637/2 Milling Machine.
I Want to convert this machine into CNC
Could u help me.
seems like cnc fusion is having problems filling orders right now, i wouldnt buy from them.
Where can I find the wiring diagram for the conversion kit?
Need to know how and where the limit switches are placed.
Hey Nick,
just wanted to let you know that I tried to go on to the CNC Fusion’s website, but the only thing you get is a “CNC Fusion Filed for Bancktrupcy”.
Can you update your links?
Thanks.
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