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With the best CNC conversion kits, you can attain precision and automation in no time
Machine tools, like most modern equipment, have improved and reduced in size over the years, and with the best CNC conversion kits, you can make them much more effective. Modern lathes and milling machines have come a long way since the Industrial Revolution’s massive, room-sized machines. While room-sized machines can still be found in large factories and high-end production facilities, small machine tools are more common than ever in home workshops.
The majority of small lathes and mills do not have CNC capabilities, despite recent advancements in technology and affordability. That isn’t a problem for most hobbyists, but it does mean that a small lathe can’t do everything.
Most hobbyists are unable to purchase a CNC mill because the machines are either too expensive or too large. For small shops or hobbyists with a little more time on their hands, a CNC milling machine conversion kit is a convenient workaround.
If you are wondering what are the best CNC conversion kits out there, do read on.
What exactly is a CNC conversion kit?
A typical CNC conversion kit for an older mill includes a variety of new components as well as installation instructions. New hardware, such as motors, will allow the mill to move automatically along the X, Y, and Z axes. A new control unit and software are also included.
How do CNC Conversion kits work?
CNC Conversion kits best utilize a mill’s existing layout; they don’t typically add new axes of movement, but they motorize existing ones and allow pre-programmed movement. So it reduces the amount of work required to modify the mill, making most conversions a matter of hours rather than days.
The Best CNC Conversion Kits On The Market:
#1. Grizzly G0704 Benchtop Mill Conversion Kits (Best CNC choice for medium-sized workshops)
This Grizzly G0704 CNC conversion Kit is a popular mid-size benchtop mill. The G0704 comes standard with a base. As a benchtop CNC mill, it also has a digital display for the rpm and quill feed. The table should be modified to accommodate the 16mm ball screws and nuts. The NEMA 23 stepper motors can be used on the X and Y, but due to the weight of the head, we recommend a NEMA 34 on the Z. Our Grizzly G0704 Benchtop Mill Conversion Kit will assist you in converting your old machine to a CNC machine.
It includes-
- NEMA 34 stepper mounts
- Ball screws and nuts- 16mm
- Double opposing ball nuts on the X and Y axes for increased precision
- Ball nut attachments
- All new angular contact bearings • All mounting hardware required • Grease fittings on all bearings
#2. Sieg X2 Benchtop Mill CNC Conversion Kits (Best for manual benchtop mills)
The Sieg X2 CNC Conversion is by far the most popular benchtop mill to be converted to CNC. The Sieg X2 mini-mill is sold under a variety of brand names, including Harbor Freight, Klutch, and others.
For sieg x2 CNC conversion, no additional holes or enlargements are required. Grease fittings are available on all bearings. The Z axis is mounted at the head’s midpoint. Putting the center of gravity right where it should be.
This mill conversion kit significantly reduces drag on the stepper motor’s Z axis and eliminates stalling. Our most popular of all turn key machine is the Sieg conversion kit.
The kit includes:
- (3) stepper motor adaptors NEMA 23
- (3) ball screw and nut assemblies (16mm)
- Completely new bearings
- All bearings have grease fittings.
- All necessary mounting hardware
#3. Sieg X2D Benchtop Mill CNC Conversion Kits (Best bolt-on kit)
The Sieg X2D mini mill is a more robust machine with a fixed column and extended travels than the Sieg X2. The headstock of this CNC machine, on the other hand, uses the same motor and drive system. The Little Machine Shop in Pasadena, California, sells this machine:
The Sieg X2D Conversion kit is the market’s only true “bolt-on” kit. There is no need to drill more holes or make existing ones larger. Grease fittings are available on all bearings (where possible). This significantly reduces drag and eliminates stalling on the Z-axis stepper motor. Because of its simple instructions, the Sieg X2D conversion kit is one of our best-selling products.
The kit includes:
- (3) NEMA 23 stepper motor adaptors
- (3) 16mm ball screw and nut assemblies
- All new bearings
- All bearings have grease fittings.
- All necessary mounting hardware
#4. CNC SUPRA® Vertical Knee Mill Retrofit Kit
Retrofit your own Vertical Knee Mill Bridgeport Copy-Type 9×42″ or 9×49″ table with 12″ Knee with our complete, three axes CNC Kit for a low price.
Highlights
- Use automation technology to boost the productivity of your milling machine!
- Simple turn-key operation
- No elaborate setups are required.
- Simple to Use for New and Experienced Machinists
#5. Grizzly G0755 Benchtop Mill CNC Conversion Kits (The best cost-effective solution)
Although it has a base as standard, this machine is gaining popularity as a large benchtop mill. It is durable and cost-effective for its size. On all axes, NEMA 34 stepper motors are required. Your old machine will be up and running with improved accuracy, power, and performance thanks to the Grizzly g0755 Benchtop Mill Conversion Kit.
The kit Includes:
- NEMA 34 stepper mounts
- Ball screws and nuts- 16mm
- Double opposing ball nuts on the X and Y axes for increased precision
- Ball nut attachments
- All new angular contact bearings.
- All necessary mounting hardware
- All bearings have grease fittings.
#6. Grizzly G9972Z Benchtop Lathe CNC Conversion Kits (Best option to convert a lathe machine)
This mid-size benchtop lathe is an excellent candidate for CNC conversion. For drilling, we recommend a NEMA 34 stepper on the Z. If drilling is not a significant issue, a NEMA 23 can be used. Using our Grizzly G9972z Lathe Conversion Kit, you can easily convert your Grizzly benchtop lathe into a customized and powerful CNC machine.
The kit includes:
- (2) NEMA 23 stepper motor mounts
- (2) ball screw and nut assemblies, 16mm
- Completely new bearings
- Completely new shaft connectors
- All necessary mounting hardware
#7. Precision Matthews PM-32M Benchtop Mill Conversion Kit
It’s another medium size benchtop mill. Precision pm932m benchtop conversion kit includes NEMA 34 stepper motors as well as 16mm ball screws and nuts.
Includes:
- NEMA 34 stepper mounts
- Ball screws and nuts – 16mm
- Double opposing ball nuts on the X and Y axes for increased precision
- Ball nut attachments
- Thoroughly new angular contact bearings.
- All necessary mounting hardware
- All bearings have grease fittings.
- Double opposing ball nuts are available as an option on all axes.
#8. Shop Fox M1099 Benchtop Lathe Conversion Kit
Another good candidate for CNC conversion. Grizzly and Shop Fox sell this machine. With the m1099 benchtop lathe conversion kit, you can upgrade this machine’s accuracy, power, and performance.
Kit includes:
- (2) ball screw and nut assemblies, 16mm
- Completely new bearings
- Completely new shaft connectors
- All necessary mounting hardware
#9. 7 X 12 Benchtop Lathe Conversion Kit
A popular candidate for CNC conversion. Economically priced and available under a variety of brand names. However, its capabilities are limited, and it is classified as “light duty.” It can be outfitted with a spindle encoder to allow for threading.
With our 7×12 benchtop lathe conversion kit, you can push the machine’s limits and improve production and accuracy, even for heavy-duty tasks.
The kit includes:
- (2) NEMA 23 stepper motor mounts
- (2) ball screw and nut assemblies, 16mm
- Completely new bearings
- Completely new shaft connectors
- All necessary mounting hardware
#10. WEN 33075 Benchtop Mill Conversion Kit
In terms of size, this machine is comparable to the PM-25 M and the Grizzly G0704. However, mounting the Z-axis stepper is difficult due to the geometry of the column casting. On the X and Y axes, we used NEMA 34 steppers. We used the rack and pinion gearing to move the Z and mounted a NEMA 23 stepper on the machine’s column feed shaft.
Kit includes:
- (3) NEMA 23 stepper motor mounts
- (3) ball screw and nut assemblies (16mm)
- Completely new bearings
- Completely new shaft connectors
- All required mounting hardware
The Final Word
That’s all for this article, folks! We hope this blog gave you a fair idea about CNC conversion kits and the best options available on the market. Also, we hope it did help you in your search for a suitable CNC Conversion Kit and CNC machines for your Workshop.
For any doubts or queries, do reach out to us, and we’d be happy to help!