Andrew only started interested in CNC machining in the spring of 2016 when he bought a small CNC router to make some graphite and brass tools for his son’s glass-blowing studio. Though the machine struggled with non-ferrous metals, it worked reasonably well in wood, graphite, and Delrin. This provided the knowledge and excitement to pursue CNC even more.
Andrew decided to get something more robust after two and a half years with the router. First, he looked at a Tormach 440, but the customer service and sales support were non-existent for anything outside the US market.
After negotiating directly with the SYIL CEO, Mr. Xushuo, Andrew placed an order directly with the factory in China. Shortly after that, the SYIL UK partner came on board just in time to assist with importing an X5 CNC mill with a BT-30 spindle controlled by the LNC 5800. It was the first such machine to arrive in the UK!
Since delivery in early 2019, the machine has hardly seen a day of rest!
"The bare SYIL X5 came in January 2019. I only had space for a machine without an enclosure and couldn’t afford luxuries such as an ATC, but I felt it would suit my purposes as a hobby machine. The machine has worked well for me, and I have been able to make anything I have wanted. I have added my DIY 4th axis and done some mill-turning. In May 2020, I had a problem with the spindle cartridge - basically, the bearings failed, a common problem with any CNC machine. Again, with the assistance of SYIL UK, I received an upgraded replacement, which I installed myself. I highly recommend working with SYIL UK to specify a machine that would suit your requirements, commission the machine and provide after-sales support. I’m thrilled with the LNC 5800, and it has run faultlessly even though there is no direct customer support from LNC in Taiwan."
Andrew uses Fusion 360 from Autodesk exclusively and has made minor changes to the post-processor to match his requirements.
On several occasions, Andrew has also assisted SYIL UK in matters of support and training.
We thank Andrew for his trust and allowing us to share his story with our customers.