Member postings for andy gladwin

I wbought a second hand Chester Lux, complete with DRO stand and lots of mostly unused tools including vice.

Plenty big enough for the parts I plan to make and fits in my garage without issue.

I can now get on with making the bespoke uprights for my project Capri

[IMG]http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss7/andy_gtt/F80DC2E1-2C80-4950-A91E-83028A1A25BD_zps9idwsemg.jpg[/IMG]

Thanks again for all the advice

Edited By andy gladwin on 24/11/2016 23:09:26

Yes too much for me, I have ended up getting one of these.

http://www.chesterhobbystore.com/lux-milling-machine-3996-p.asp

Thanks for all the advice, for someone who had very little knowledge of mills going into a purchase it has been invaluable

I found that machine a few days back and had thought it didn't look too big and well looked after, I asked the seller some questions and decided to bid.... Unfortunately for me it seems I'm not the only person who likes it and I have gone to my budget for a machine and was still outbid, although I'm sure it's worth more I simply can't justify it

Edited By andy gladwin on 19/11/2016 09:38:00

Hi Alan.... Funny you should post that, I have been bidding on that very machine

Hi Paul Thanks for the information and insight.

You bring another machine option to the table which is great. I have also not read any good words about the stands that come with these machines, Im beginning to accept I may have to make the stand/table so that I can afford /justify buying the tolls to go with the machine.

Hi Alan, I do understand that the second hand full size machines offer great value, however as a complete novice I stand as much change buying a total lemon as a good one, and I just don't want the hassle or risk. Also they will simply take up too much precious room in my garage

Thanks John and Al

That Axminster ZX30 is another very good option for me although the stand is quite expensive.

Almost certainly I will later modify the machine to have the vfd etc... This is going in my double garage, i don't have a dedicated workshop its a combination so the tools/machines all have to fit behind the 2 cars

Thanks for the replies, very much appreciated.

I did see the 'dubious' ones but also noticed they were both first time posters so was thinking it looks suspicious.

I find myself leaning towards the Warco Major mill/drill because as a beginner Im going to be double checking everything all the time anyhow... these machines are 2 to 3 times the weight of the Dove tail column mills which i read is more of an advantage.

What I can't see is why the Warco Major is so much cheaper than the Chester Eagle 30 (way out my price range).

Im not really interested in a second hand machine, I don't want to have to learn how to fix a machine or have something that is so heavy I can't move it with my engine crane.... my Father in law is trying to make me get a Bridgport, its great but I want to start off smaller.

I've looked at the major quite a bit as its twice the weight of the other machines with more spindle height... I discussed the round column with warco as I was concerned about this loss of position when raising the head... i was worried it was when you were machining and going up and down during the cycles... But it's when you undo the head and raise it to change bits etc, which wouldn't bother me.

I have also decided I want to ensure I can upgrade the machine later when cash allows etc.

Currently I am thinking the VM16 for it variable speed control (does that matter?) or the major for its weight

I will only be milling the face off the parts that are 230mm high and I will do these direct on the table so I should be ok with height regarding the tapping... most of the parts will be under 100mm.

Hi All

Im new here because I'm trying to research which milling machine to buy (based in UK) and I have no prior knowledge on the subject.

Initially I was planning to spend £800 but on inspection it seems I should spend a little more so that I future proof myself better, I can afford to stretch but i need to be mindful that I don't have any tools at all so these also need to be bought.

Mostly I will machine alloy up to around 240mm high (car uprights) but i also want to be able to use the mill to tap items... I don't care if I have to take smaller slower cuts, it will still be quicker than me driving to the machine shop 30 mins away each time.

Initially I was looking at the Warco VM16, its around £1k but there are lots of options from others around this price point with variations on spec and quite frankly I'm lost as to which is best. I spoken to a few of the companies and they are helpful but of cause can only advise on their own machines so can't really provide me a comparison.

These are the machines I seem to have on my list... should there be others I consider?

http://www.warco.co.uk/milling-machines/32-wm-16-variable-speed-milling-machine.html

http://www.chesterhobbystore.com/champion-20v-mill-3992-p.asp

http://www.chesterhobbystore.com/century-mill-3993-p.asp

http://www.amadeal.co.uk/acatalog/AMADEAL---AMAT25LV-Milling-Machine---Long-Table---Belt-Drive---Brushless-Motor---AMA_MI_AMAT25LV_MM.html#SID=373

http://spgtools.com/viewtool.php?pid=33

I want to stick with around £1k UNLESS its a much better machine as I need the extra cash for stand, vice etc, the Chester Century seems a good option but its £200 (incl delivery) more than the VM16, am i just getting greedy and better off spending that money on tools.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks

Andy