[SWATH]

Hi everyone,

I have been researching CNC stuff like crazy for the past couple of months since I haven't been able to get a shop to make my parts for a reasonable cost (or at all). Being totally new to CNC I read everything I could on line, ordered supplier catalogs to skim, watched every CNC video and tutorial on the internet, and even may enroll in some machine shop classes at the local university. I initially contemplated converting a Bridgeport type knee mill until I discovered the Tormach. The size and "plug and play" interface attracted me as I'm not interested in futzing around with an expensive frustration and having inventor/R&D pursuits I need to be making chips instead for prototyping and small production runs. Pretty much decided on the Tormach so I read every page on that forum. Then I read about the Mikini and checked out the comparison chart and am now wondering if this is the machine for me for approximately the same cost.

It has a smaller footprint than the PCNC 1100 which is great for my small garage, full enclosure, faster rapids, more HP, and purportedly more repeatability, precision, accuracy, and rigidity.

I have no tooling whatsoever other than a dial caliper and a spare desktop computer with AutoCAD 2005 (and decent working knowledge of how to use it). So I am essentially starting from scratch (I also have no CAM or controller software other than the free MACH3 and LazyCAM demo)

I'm interested in learning more from you guys about this machine and if it is right for me. I'll probably need to purchase it sometime within the next few months to get my stuff going, as a friend has said, right now I'm like an artist with no paint brush. I've got a lot of ideas and one thing that is already designed, prototyped, tested, and ready for small production runs. BTW what I mostly intend to cut is 4140 steel with some 3D contouring and I'm afraid of it taking FOREVER per part, as well as 6061 and 7075 aluminum. What do all of you have to say about the Mikini 1610L (especially in regards to the Tormach PCNC 1100 or others)? Thanks!

[rowbare]

You might want to contact howecnc, he has both a Tormach and a Mikini. I think he is willing to show the machines. He is in the northeast if that is any help to you.

bob

[SWATH]

You might want to contact howecnc, he has both a Tormach and a Mikini. I think he is willing to show the machines. He is in the northeast if that is any help to you.

bob

Thanks rowbare,
I read in one of his previous posts that he had both and preferred the Mikini, in fact that is what got me interested in checking out the Mikini. I'm not sure if I would be able to make it up to the northeast anytime soon but hopefully he will post his detailed opinions on the two machines here. Unfortunately there is just not a whole lot of info out there about the Mikini and tons about the Tormach.

[rock lobster]

I'm in the same boat as you: I don't want to spend a whole bunch of time configuring a machine, building enclosure, etc. I also considered the Tormach initially, but after hearing about other machines, such as the Mikini and even Industrial Hobbies, I soon focused my attention elsewhere. I think that the Tormach mill is great for hobbyists, but I am not a hobbyist and need a machine that can perform day in and day out with repeatable accuracy and precision. Since my budget and shop space will not allow me to purchase a VMC, or even a used VMC, I will probably end up purchasing the 1610L.

Since I don't have a machine yet, my best advice to you is to send Mikini an email with some questions. Phil will give you his technical expertise that may help you decide on what to purchase in the long run.

[jeffrey001]

One thing I would check is that Tormach or Syil have a lot of options to offer.

I'm also on the market for a small cnc mill and I'm also considering the Mikini but I like the Syil X7 too. It is more expensive but will have an ATC soon and full enclosure and servo motor.

I would like to use it as a prototyping machine so an ATC is a must for me.

But if I have to choose between Tormach and the Mikini, I think I would go for the Mikini because of spindle power and it's enclosure.

Jeff

[SWATH]

One thing I would check is that Tormach or Syil have a lot of options to offer.

I'm also on the market for a small cnc mill and I'm also considering the Mikini but I like the Syil X7 too. It is more expensive but will have an ATC soon and full enclosure and servo motor.

I would like to use it as a prototyping machine so an ATC is a must for me.

But if I have to choose between Tormach and the Mikini, I think I would go for the Mikini because of spindle power and it's enclosure.

Jeff

Yeah I glanced at the Syil X7 but didn't really know what to make of it. It doesn't offer any advantage over the Mikini that I can see (other than an ATC). I think Mikini needs to get on an ATC ASAP. I would love to have an ATC but I guess it is not necessary at first. If I had time and Mikini was opposed to offering one I would contemplate retrofitting one if possible. I don't know much about Syil machines are they pretty good? I hope a Mikini rep shows up here and to talk about their machine. I've got an idea of making multiple parts simultaneously on the 4th axis and then separating them later for finish machining on the remaining sides. There is pocketing on 4 sides and contouring/profiling on 2 and I'm worried that a machine of insufficient power, speed, and rigidity would take way to long to make affordably. Judging by the speed of the Mikini cutting 4140 in the video, I think it would be more than adequate. An ATC would be a game changer because I can envision this part requiring at least 7 different tools (probably more) while in the 4th axis and 5 or 6 tools while in a vice for finishing. With lots of contouring I don't want to be doomed to sit and babysit the process but I will if I have to for awhile.

[rowbare]

I'm also on the market for a small cnc mill and I'm also considering the Mikini but I like the Syil X7 too. It is more expensive but will have an ATC soon and full enclosure and servo motor.

The ATC on the Syil is nothing special. It is simply a wine rack type holder on the end of the table. Anyone with a milling machine can duplicate it in a few hours. They use a power drawbar and a TTS clone system for holding tools.

Tormach has shown a nice little umbrella tool changer. If it makes it to market, it should be easy enough to adapt to other machines.

All the Mikini is lacking at this point is a power drawbar setup.

bob

[SWATH]

I ordered a 20amp double pole GFCI breaker for $110, man those things are expensive. Just looking at transformers they appear to be around $500 new.

I was looking at this one, I'm assuming I need a 5kVA:
C1F005WES Products

There are cheaper one on ebay but I don't quite know if they are the same.

I still don't know exactly what I need. I cannot get a commercial electrician out here period, I can't even get one to return my phone calls. The power company will not lower the voltage anymore. The residential electricians I've had out don't seem to know anything outside of residential issues, and my EE friend is very busy and unavailable. Does anyone know of a 240v 20amp surge protector? Will a transformer behave as a surge suppressor? Sorry for the stupid questions, I just didn't know I would have to be an electrician to power this machine.

Essentially I need to:
A. lower the voltage by about 10v
B. provide protection from transient spikes
C. provide surge protection

Then if I still have a problem, look into what I can do with the ground

[roberto123]

Hello, I am thinking to make upgrades to the mikini 2008 I own, first of all...

Powerdraw bar (the Syil's powerdraw bar looks great but... $$$$, maybe Kurt powerlock)
Tormach tooling system (definitely is a must!)

Have anyone done it?

[SWATH]

Mikini ordered! Yea!

[mcphill]

Mikini ordered! Yea!

Congrats! Do you have an estimated delivery date?

[SWATH]

Congrats! Do you have an estimated delivery date?

Not yet but due to demand Phil estimated about 5 weeks.

[SWATH]

So I'm getting together a list of things to make this machine come alive. What kind of tooling would you guys recommend? I'm looking at getting a couple of Glacern vices and the ER40 collet set, and around 10 ER40 R8 collet chucks, a couple of drill chucks, and a 3" facemill from Maritool.

What are your thoughts on these?

Also I have no indicators or probes. I was originally looking at a 3D Taster to knock out all three axis on one tool then maybe a tool height probe to touch off tool offsets. I'm also thinking about a touch probe. What do you guys think I should do about these?

[mcphill]

I got mine without the computer. It had no external wiring done at all. It needed a 3-wire 220 outlet - ground and two phase lines. I ran a 4 wire line, including a neutral. With the lines, I am able to use one of the phase lines and the unused neutral to create a 110V outlet in the chassis. I use this outlet to power my computer and monitor, all with only a single wire connecting the machine to the wall outlet.

[SWATH]

That helps a lot Mcphil, thanks for the speedy response. I'm a little confused though, I emailed Phil asking him what style plug the machine needs and he said it doesn't use a plug, it is instead hardwired to an on-board 20amp service panel. Is this not the case?

[mcphill]

Well, it doesn't come with a plug, or any wire. You have to power it yourself. I asked the same question when mine was on the way ; )

I chose to install a plug and a 220V socket in the wall, so I can unplug it if I want to. It doesn't "have" to have a plug. It also only requires a 3-wire AC connection. It is left up to the end user, basically, to choose how to wire it.

Also, I feel the schematic is wrong, as it appears to indicate a hot/neutral/ground connection. This is possible in an industrial setting with a 220V hot, but in a residential situation, it is two 110V hot sources that are out of phase creating the 220V...

[dirtridn2010]

Well, it doesn't come with a plug, or any wire. You have to power it yourself. I asked the same question when mine was on the way ; )

I chose to install a plug and a 220V socket in the wall, so I can unplug it if I want to. It doesn't "have" to have a plug. It also only requires a 3-wire AC connection. It is left up to the end user, basically, to choose how to wire it.

Also, I feel the schematic is wrong, as it appears to indicate a hot/neutral/ground connection. This is possible in an industrial setting with a 220V hot, but in a residential situation, it is two 110V hot sources that are out of phase creating the 220V...

Are there any CNCzone users that have a Mikini 1610L in Australia.
I am trying to see a machine or two and talk to people in Australia that have a Mikini. I can be contacted on [email protected]

[mcphill]

I am sure Phil would be happy to hook you up if he has sent some there - have you asked him?

[dirtridn2010]

I am sure Phil would be happy to hook you up if he has sent some there - have you asked him?

I have actually, i'm just waiting for the info.

[SWATH]

What kind of coolant do you guys recommend? I was thinking Koolmist 77 but I also see people using something that looks like milk. What is that and which coolant is better for which materials?