X2 change balls crews or not?

[Jonathan]

Also remember that ballscrews can backdrive (depending on the lead angle) which can make using the machine manually more difficult. You may have to lock the slides. I think it's worth considering as for simple parts it's sometimes easier just to do it manually...

[i2i]

Also remember that ballscrews can backdrive (depending on the lead angle) which can make using the machine manually more difficult. You may have to lock the slides. I think it's worth considering as for simple parts it's sometimes easier just to do it manually...

Simple answer, use a pendant or the keyboard to use it manually. If you're looking for a CNC machine you have to use ballscrews, as i'm sure Jonathan would do if it were his.

[Jonathan]

Yes using the keyboard, or just typing the commands, is good as you've effectively got autofeed on XYZ.

as i'm sure Jonathan would do if it were his.

True, except I've not put ballscrews on my mill yet mainly due to cost. I may never do it as the router has ballscrews and will cut most things...

[Oldie45]

Thank you both for your input, a lot to think about. It's been over 30yrs since I used a mill or lathe manually and the learning curve seem a lot steeper now. Could I ask, Jonathan, how much accuracy do you think you have lost, if any, by using the lead screws? And did you lose any of the table range?