Selection of suitable milling machine for CNC conversion

[Clive S]

Wouldn't that be because unlike lead screws ball screws turn fairly easily in response to force applied to their axis unless a significant holding torque is applied?

I wish we all had your wisdom:

[routercnc]

I wish we all had your wisdom:

I think he means that they can be back driven more easily from the cutting forces. Or for the Z axis may tend to drop under their own weight.
I think lead screws would be most likely be fitted over ballscrews on a manual machine just due to cost.

Yes avoid the round column as you loose position when adjusting in Z.

I’ve not looked at the sx2.7 but wm16 or 18 are top of my list should I get a mill as they look well made (and would match all the Warco stuff I have!)

[magicniner]

I wish we all had your wisdom:

I though you'd be interested in a basic feature of the technology almost everyone here is interested in using, would you rather I followed the advice of W.C. Fields? ;-)

[m_c]

There's a European supplier who will supply their machines already fitted with ballscrews (and I think steppers/servos), but I can't remember their name.
IIRC they were based in Austria, but it's been a few years since I looked at their website.

[Neale]

There's a European supplier who will supply their machines already fitted with ballscrews (and I think steppers/servos), but I can't remember their name.
IIRC they were based in Austria, but it's been a few years since I looked at their website.

Wabeco, maybe? I think they list a "CNC-ready" vertical mill already fitted with ballscrews.

[dazp1976]

I'm buying an AMAT25LV from Amadeal when they come in stock.
Was going for the 30LV but can't fit it in yet and the extra rpm on the 25 will suit better. Will replace my X2.
Converting it with ballscrews and steppers 23/34 size to run off Mach3.
If all goes well I will move the Seig X2 conversion and use it primarily for drilling. Then in a year or so replace the X2 with the 25LV and buy a 30 to put in it's place. Might try to sell the X2 if I can bring myself to part with it.
Could do with a lathe really, I want to make new pulleys to bump up the rpm's on both AMAT's. Got a few plans and need a re-jig in the cave.

Keep me out of trouble for a couple of years I suppose :D
If I didn't mind gear noise I'd have got a Warco WM18 by now but being where I am I need as quiet as possible.