Member postings for Mark Slatter

Hi folks,

I'm looking at options for a milling machine, and one contender is this:

http://www.amadeal.co.uk/acatalog/A...gital-Read-Out-MI_AMA45V_R8M_DRO.html#SID=376

I was wondering what your thoughts were on this versus a standard geared head RF45 clone?

I'm no electrics expert and was wondering if it would be giving up anything in terms of torque to a geared head, it has a 2.2Kw motor compared to a 1.5Kw of the geared head...is this to compensate for the reduced torque? The VFD also runs off single phase, and I understand it might be better to run VFD's off of 3 phase motor to maintain torque at lower speeds. What do you think?

The variable speed also gives up 400rpm's of top speed over the geared head, which isnt the end of the world for me I'll be machining steel mostly although some aluminium parts and even wood will definitely be cut.

For people who have used this style of bed mill and Bridgeport size knee mills...should I be putting the same money into a used Bridgeport or are you happy with your RF45 and clones?

Any input appreciated, thanks!