Mini-Mill (X2) Belt Conversion

[Tim Bayliss]

All,
I have noticed on a couple of threads reference to a belt conversion for the mini-mill (or X2) but with no follow up. I have started this thread for the information of mini-mill owners and intersested others.
I fitted the Little Machine Shop (US) version to my own mini-mill and it just about completely changed the machine with regard to depth of cut and smoothness. It was easy to fit and the very comprehensive instructions were spot on.
When purchased the mill, because of the gear drive, was extremely noisy (ear muffs required) and not smooth when running, although it is just the right size for my requirements. I originally added a 'flywheel' to see if it would improve, without success.
The full belt conversion took me about 1 1/2 hours taking my time and when completed was of immediate benefit. The noise has virtually gone and (by accident!!!) I found I could take a much larger cut than previously possible without signs of stress (from the machine or myself). It is much smoother in operations and the tooled finish is better.
Why the suppliers don't offer this conversion is beyond me, it does exactly as advertised and I would recommend it. At the current exchange rate I think it is fair value.
Best of luck,
Tim

[Tel]

I made my conversion kit Tim, but it's still unfitted - just sitting there waitin' for that dagnabit internal gear to shatter again.

[Tim Bayliss]

Tel,
Like you I initially intended to build my own set up for the conversion but when I saw what you get for the money with the kit I decided to go that way. Also with my own idea I would have had to do some modifications to the existing mill housing, etc. whereas the kit is a straight bolt on and I can refit the original gear drive set up as original if needed.
Best regards,
Tim

[Tel]

Mine's a bolt-on as well (well, you have to drill & tap one hole)

[Lee]

Dan Kautz in the US has a steel set of gears for the Mini Mill as well as the Mini Lathe. The mill gear set is only $60.00 US I didn't see any mention on how noisy they are.
Lee

thehobbyistmachinestore.com/catalog/

[Tim Bayliss]

Hello Lee,
Before I went for the belt drive I did discover the alternative steel gears, I think there are 2 or 3 suppliers if my memory is correct. They may well help to solve the gear breakages inherant with the supplied nylon gears but I took the line that if nylon gears where that loud then steel gears are likely to be louder if anything. In a large (ish) workshop the noise level may not be too much of a problem but in mine it certainly was. Also the belt drive greatly improved the smoothness of my machine.
Thanks for the input.
Tim