584,862 active members*
5,349 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
Results 1 to 11 of 11
  1. #1

    Best benchtop mill?

    I did a search but didn't find what I was looking for.
    What I want is a 220V 1 phase CNC mill to mill aluminum of an average size of 2x4x10 and smaller, and maybe some small steel parts. Not needed for high production just a part time business, maybe only a few parts a week. Don't need a tool changer. Would like to have real 3 axis.
    I looked at CNC Masters but am unsure of the rep. Is there anything else out there.
    Rory D.
    RAD. Yes those are my initials. Idea, design, build, use. It never ends.
    PCNC1100 Series II, w/S3 upgrade, PDB, ATC & 4th's, PCNC1100 Series II, 4th

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Posts
    467

    Smile

    Rory,

    How much do you want to spend?

    JoeyB

  3. #3

    Cost

    Well under $20K would be nice, the cheaper the better but the more capability the better. I have a journeyman machinist card, but now work as an Eng. Tech. in R&D New Product Development.
    So doing my own machining and R&D for myself is simple, just want to step up the products I offer.
    Rory D.
    RAD. Yes those are my initials. Idea, design, build, use. It never ends.
    PCNC1100 Series II, w/S3 upgrade, PDB, ATC & 4th's, PCNC1100 Series II, 4th

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    1738
    Oh man, Under 20 K?

    Two machines com.e to mind right away, Industrial Mill and Tormach.


    -Jason

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Posts
    467

    Smile

    Well you could buy Speed Customs Gorton Mill, Just kidding.

    Why not purchase a full size CNC machine?

    For 10K or less you could get a awesome machine.

    Where are you located?

  6. #6

    Info

    I would spend less if I can.
    I am in Clarkston, WA(SE corner on Idaho border).
    If I spend close to $20K I'll probably step it up to a Haas Toolroom Mill, they are at $24K new.
    RAD. Yes those are my initials. Idea, design, build, use. It never ends.
    PCNC1100 Series II, w/S3 upgrade, PDB, ATC & 4th's, PCNC1100 Series II, 4th

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Posts
    467

    Smile

    http://rochester.craigslist.org/tls/835707640.html

    Maybe 15K would get it done

    JoeyB

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    1738
    Des- Check out Industrial Mills: CNC ready at 10 k. You can use a Tormach stand but man, those I.M. are serious mills and will tackle any job.


    The tormach also has a place in my heart


    -Jason

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Posts
    1865
    Industrial hobbies would have been my choice if I couldn't go with a full size machine. Very large envelope and a good reputation. Also because they are now located in CT which is about 1hr from me. The tormach also looks real good, but was/is out of my price range. If full size becomes an option for less than 10k there are nice machines on ebay from time to time. or even the local machine tool reseller. Of course the middle of nowhere is no place to be if you are looking for large machinery, but it must be a nice place to live.

    We have a Haas vf4 here at work and the guys like it. It is a shame I don't work in the machine shop or I could play/work with it.
    Mike

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    1036
    check out wabeco at http://www.mdaprecision.com

    definately benchtop. seems to cover your work envelope well.

    Don

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    634
    If you have the room for it, with this economy a lot of very nice full-sized equipment is coming up very cheap at least in this area. Only downside is there are also a few pretty beat and ancient pieces of equipment surfacing as well, stuff that would easily take more money to get to rights than they are worth.
    Sounds like you know what you are looking for, so that shouldn't be much of a problem for you. Craigslist is actually a pretty viable option, as are any local B2B websites if you have any.

    Don't have hands-on experience with either Tormach or IH, but I have seen many solid recommendations of them from users on here.

Similar Threads

  1. Looking to by CNC Benchtop mill
    By vtracer in forum Benchtop Machines
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 05-28-2008, 11:33 PM
  2. BenchTop Mill to Buy
    By leeschaumberg in forum Benchtop Machines
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 04-10-2007, 10:57 PM
  3. Has anyone seen this benchtop mill before ?
    By jeff2005 in forum Benchtop Machines
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 02-11-2007, 04:46 PM
  4. Not Exactly a Benchtop Mill
    By dcprecision in forum Benchtop Machines
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 09-28-2006, 03:58 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •