[kst8engineer]

I'm considering buying a "Prestige Plus" mill / drill from Rutland Tool as my first mill, with the intent of converting it CNC. The specs on the mill look good in terms of capacity and power, but I'm wondering if any of you are familiar with these mills. By looking at the specs and pictures, it looks like the same mill is sold under different brand names by Rutland Tool, Enco, Grizzly, and others I'm sure. Here's a link to it on Rutland's website:

http://www.shoprutlandtool.com/webap...t_category_rn=

Here's a link to the same mill sold by Enco with a DRO added.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=240-7148

Here's a link to Grizzly's version:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/G3358

Here's a link to Harbor Freight's version:

http://060402YZenax

After doing more research on it, it looks like maybe they're all clones of the Rong Fu RF30. Right now, Rutland has these on sale for $888, so the price seems good for a mill of this size. Harbor Freights may work out to be cheaper with their periodic discount, but their accessory package doesn't sound quite as good. Any thoughts on the quality or versatility of this mill?

Thanks

[ataxy]

round collumn mill/drill are a bad choice for cnc conversion for two reason the lack of z travel as the quill usually only moves ~5 inches and that if you move the head on the column you loose you zero on your x and y axis

[kst8engineer]

Thanks for the feedback. After reading that, I'm wondering about something more along the lines of the Lathemaster. I've read about a few other guys converting the Lathemaster to CNC, but they've also done a ballscrew conversion at the same time. Could I do a basic CNC conversion without converting to ballscrews?

Thanks

[ataxy]

yes you can its just that ballscrew offers more precise movement and less backlash as long as as the conversion to ballscrew is done right, but yes you can convert to cnc and keep your acme screw just make sure you adjust you backlash to as close to zero as possible

ps: check the link you posted they all have error as they start by http://http//

[RLC]

I've had my round column RF31 for 2yrs now, I havent had to move the head up/down on any thing that I have done. I will say this that being able to rotate the head around the column allows me to hang odd shapes off the table, then rotate the head so that I can machine it...just my two cents worth......

[kst8engineer]

Robert, thanks for your reply. I still like the RF31's (and clone's) value in terms of machining capability for the money. How much of an issue has backlash been for you? Have you converted to CNC, and if so, did you also convert to a ballscrew setup?

Thanks,
Galen

I've had my round column RF31 for 2yrs now, I havent had to move the head up/down on any thing that I have done. I will say this that being able to rotate the head around the column allows me to hang odd shapes off the table, then rotate the head so that I can machine it...just my two cents worth......

[RLC]

I purchased a cnc kit when I got my mill, it works ok but really slow (10ipm max) I'm in the process of re doing the mill with all new controls and flood coolant. I posted a few pics along with a list for my new set up here is the link
http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/showg...0/ppuser/16333
www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24724
hope this helps

[kst8engineer]

Robert, I'm curious -- what brand of CNC kit did you put on your mill the first time around? I've been considering the CNCResource kit with 200 oz-in steppers and Mach3 software.

[RLC]

The original kit was from "the motion group" 2amp 260oz/in motors. It really is a nice package..just too slow for me. I can still send it in and have the controller modified to do 4amps, just thought I'd try the "Roll your own" I will probably move the old one over to my lathe when its all said and done.