Small parts shop with many years as a hobbist. (Ok, actually a computer and networking radio geek by day which I would like to trade-in).
I produce small parts out of 303 stainless that need some live tooling and C-Axis. Diameters around 1/4" to 1" but mostly 1/2" in batches of about 200 to 1000 units. Max length about 3". There is also lots of knurling involved. Super accuracy is not critical in most cases but should at least hold around .0005" with a good finish. One item requires X axis slaved to C-Axis to cut a profile. Six foot barfeed also required. Engraving would add value but not essential.
Making stuff manually and it s... I really enjoy the making part, but not the repetitive stuff. Really need to get lots more product out the door and get more competitive. Need a machine that will last +5 years, fairly reliable with a small footprint that can run 8-10 hours per day, 4 days a week.
Am I looking at the right machine? Is there a better suggestion? Also been looking at the Prodigy GT27 and Lico LNA36 machines. Any experience with these?
As always one has to crawl before you walk and the budget is low (typically plagued by should it be new or used). However I would like to earn a living out of it, rather than just the machine vendor or the support shop!
Any comments and opinions along these lines by those who have already gone down this path would be most appreciated!!!