[xlatin]

New guy here, I'm in the research point of acquiring some type of benchmill after having loads of fun with my 7x12 lathe. I would really like to start small and move up in size in a few years, but I'm worried about starting too small ( sieg x2 etc..) after reading a number of posts.
How do you guys feel about gettting say...an X2 to learn basics on, then moving on up to say a z45 for more serious milling. In addition, its looking like the Grizzly G0704, which would be another great option, might be a long wait (mid summer) and I just can't wait that long

[hoss2006]

Are you new to milling in general or just CNC?
The X2 can be a good cheap learner, Harbor Freight still seems to carry THEM.
You should take a read thru my Newbie Primer.
http://www.hossmachine.info/forum/ya...n-Newbies.aspx
It may convince you to wait for the G0704.
Hoss

[pete from TN]

IF you have any intention at all of getting the larger machine especially a 45 series machine down the road I say forget the small machine and buy what you REALLY want the first time. I have done what you are talking about and actually started with a Shoptask 17-20 xmtc Gold series and after a few years of playing with that one I sold it and bought what I should have bought the first time. Let me tell you there is NO comparison between the smaller machines and the 45 or larger machines. Especially if you intend to machine any steels. I really wish I had started with the RF45 I have now ten years ago because I would have probably been farther along in my machining learning curve. The cost of these machines is really pretty reasonable and they do not take up as much space as some would like to make it seem. It would be really great if everyone buying a new mill had a close friend who owns both of these machines and the potential buyer could come over, have a beer, and see for themselves the difference in rigidity and power and cutting ability of these machines. It really is NIGHT AND DAY!! JMHO... peace

Pete

[arizonavideo]

I have both a RF-45 (IH mill) type machine and a WMD-30. I use them both and like running the smaller 30 most of the time because of the lower noise and its easier to move the head and table.

For larger steel parts the 45 is just in a different class. The IH has the power feed on it and I was ruffing a 1x6x17 piece of hot rolled with a 1 1/2 insert cutter at .2 DOC at 1750 RPM and 60 IPM. Its darn near scary at that cutting rate. The 30 just is not in the same league as far as mass and power. It like a big X3.

You will vary happy with a BF-25 or the Grizzly G0704 machine if you have smaller parts. It is small enough to fit on a bench ans if you don't need more than 6" of Y then it would be fine. You need two mills anyway!

The 30 has as much travel as some of the smaller RF-45 clone mills and the fit and finish is much better. You do have less HP and mass but I think it slightly better way to go for smaller parts.

I did a few small cuts in steel with a 3/8" cutter and the 30 mill and the finish was slightly better than the IH mill. It is a vary smooth mill.

If you do want to replace the 30 or BF-25 type of mill the resale is vary good on the smaller mills so you will only loose a little there. I bet you would keep it as a good drill press and a fine second mill as you make room for the TRAK mill!