SIEG Super X3 from Arceurotrade.

[LathejackParticipant @lathejack]

[LathejackParticipant @lathejack]

Hello.

For the last 16 years I have owned a VMC milling machine, but for a while now I have been planning to buy a new smaller bench top mill and it's the Super X3 that I want. The VMC isn't going anywhere as it is still needed and has always worked well despite its rather ropey build in places, it is an earlier and more expensive Taiwanese made version from the late 1990's.

The X3 mills work very well and I like everything about them except for just one small area that I have always found very irritating. The Y axis guideways that are machined onto the base casting look quite feeble, even for a machine of this size, they are also quite short so that as soon as the table is moved along the Y axis the dovetails are coming out of engagement.

So I was wondering if any users of this machine out there have had any slight problems in that area, do the gibs need regular adjustment or does the table dance about a bit when machining towards the extreme ends of the Y axis travel?

I know it's just a light hobby use machine, but it is still a fact that the guides are on the small side. Other similar sized and even some smaller milling machines on offer have larger and longer guides that stay in full contact over the full travel, the X3 guides are a little unusual in this respect.

I have seen Arc's video of the machine. They also have a special offer on at the moment with the Super X3, but I need to make my mind up quick to take advantage of it, or wait and buy it later and settle for tea and biscuits if I visit them. You do get biscuits don't you?

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I've had a X3 which uses the same table components since late 2006 and not had an issue with the Y movement, its done a 2" traction engine, 6 large hit and miss engines and a couple of large stationary steam engines which have all needed needed the full movement of teh Y axis at some time.

Only adjust the gibs about once a year though they hardly need it.

J

[LathejackParticipant @lathejack]

Thanks JasonB for a straightforward and informative answer.

I have noticed that the saddle casting is extended a little at the back which should help.

[MadMikeParticipant @madmike]

I bought a Sieg Super X3 fron Arceurotrade about 18 months ago. Although it is clearly sold as a lightweight hobby machine, which it is, I have not had any problems with any of my work which is predominantly making parts for classic motorcycles. I machine predominantly stainless steel of all sizes, with a bit of aluminium thrown in for good measure.

It has proved to be more than man enough for my work and is consistently accurate. I checked my gibs last week and they truly did not require adjusting.

Add to this the wonderful service I received at the hands of Ketan and his team, and I can honestly say that I am one very satisfied customer.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

The next issue of MEW will feature an article about fitting DROs to an X3 by Alex duPre. He is impressed with the machine, and all users should read this article as it includes advice on gaining a significant amount of extra travel.

Neil

[LathejackParticipant @lathejack]

Thanks for the info Mike and Neil. I'm still tying to make my mind up, although I have already cleared a space ready for one.

I have been very keen to visit Arc for a long time, I would have liked to combine a visit with a possible purchase plus tea and biscuits but I have been unable to get away from home for any length of time.

[John Stevenson 1Participant @johnstevenson1]

I never get biscuits………….sigh

[MadMikeParticipant @madmike]

Lathejack, I don't know where you live, but I live in Leicestershire, about 20 minutes from Arceuro. If you want to pop in and see a Super X3 in the flesh then you will be made welcome. At least you will get some tea nd biscuits or perhaps cake here. Then you can go and talk to Ketan. Remember if you are after one of Ketans "bundle deals" then they are usually time limited.

[LathejackParticipant @lathejack]

Thanks very much for the invite to visit you Mike, I would very much like to take you up on that, and not just for the tea, biscuits and possibly cake, honest. Unfortunately my partner Ruth is quite ill with MS so I am unable to visit Arc or yourself for at least a month or two, but if your offer is still open around that time I could contact you then, i live in Nottinghamshire.

Unfortunately the bundle offer that Arc has ends in a day or two so I will miss out on those desirable extras if I wait to buy the mill when I am able to visit them.

I have seen the X3 mill in the flesh many times over the years at the exhibitions, and done plenty of fiddling with it. But I just can't get past those rather puny looking Y axis guideways that could have so easily have been made a little wider and certainly longer.

However, apart from Arcs video i have never seen one running, or seen one that has been used regularly in someone's workshop, so a visit to you would be most interesting and enjoyable (cake).

I have been using British machinery in industry for almost 35 years now, as well as repairing, restoring and owning them in that time, but I still have a respect and liking for some Far Eastern machinery, despite past experiences.

Edited By Lathejack on 18/08/2014 13:42:13

[VicParticipant @vic]

I had to have a look at the X3 to see what you mean. Yes it does look a bit narrow, especially if you compare it to it's bigger brother the X4.

[Author]

Posts