Member postings for Jose Rodrigues

Yes, ChrisH and Mike. I totally agree with your views. I am "lucky" to have limited space for the mill in my shop so that's my hard constrain. Anything bigger than the WM14 is not an option (unless I could keep the table size of the WM14, if that's even possible).

I've contacted Warco sales dept to know more about the geometry differences between the 12 and the 14: the column section of the WM14 is 100x80mm and box section, while the column on the WM12 is 100x50mm and "scalloped at the back" (not sure what "scalloped" means in this context, perhaps C-section?). So, I think it is safe to assume that the WM14 is much stiffer than the WM12, with that beefier column.

All things considered, I would probably pick up a WM14, if it wasn't for the fact that it's out-of-stock until March 2021 :/ Thanks, Covid? As I am not in a hurry, I will wait and see...

Thanks again for your wise inputs. Much appreciated!

Jose

Thanks for everyone's input. I think I have narrowed down my choice to the wm12.

My only concern is how the rigidity of the vertical column on the wm12 compares to the one on the wm14. Does anyone owning the wm12 can provide some input on this? Some pics of the column itself would be fantastic. (Perhaps this is point where I should start a new thread...)

Thanks!

Jose

Great. Good to know, Tomek. About the backlash, I think there's no way I could hope any reasonable backlash for a cnc. Ballscrews are the way to go for a cnc conversion.

Is your wm14 gear given? Did you ever have any issues with it?

Wow! That's a good one! I haven't thought about that detail. Definitely a big con on the Amadeal. Cheers for that!

Yes, Old mart! Just came across a youtube video that describes exactly the process of replacing the leadscrews with ballscrews in a very similar machine. I think it is based on a kit by Hossmachine (not sure if this is a person or company :P).

Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lymAJGN75Mw&t=104s

Cheers,

Edited By Jose Rodrigues on 13/12/2020 15:57:10

Thanks Mike,

I am glad you mention the WM14, as I also have an eye on it. I would consider the wm14 if the rigidity of the body would be significantly higher than the wm12. Is that the case? Also, other than the larger table and the z-axis DRO, are there any big pros of the wm14 over the wm12?

What makes me consider the Amadeal model is the Belt-drive and the beefier brushless motor (more the belt-drive than the actual motor). I have never owned a mill so I am not supported by experience here. Having read articles and forum posts, it is my understanding that belt-driven systems run more smoothly (less vibration) and quiter, while the gear-drive is noisier and prone to gear failures. What is your take on this? Is the wm14 gear-driven?

The reason I mention the backlash is only relevant for a potential CNC conversion. Unless I find a way to compensate for a backlash, getting reasonable accuracy with the CNC system would be challenging.

Jose

Hello Forum,

Quick intro: I am looking to buy my first mill. I will be using it mainly to make other custom tools that I need for other projects, mainly in aluminium and mild steel. I wonder now If I could even machine any tool steel... Ultimately, I will definitely try to convert it to a CNC.

So, I have been searching around and I have kinda narrowed down my search to the AMADEAL XJ12-300 or the Warco WM12, the latter looking better finished but 100 pounds dearer.

I would like to know if anyone in the forum has used/owns any of the two machines and have their opinions on:

a) the versatility to cut mild steel or even tool steel of these mills.

b) the backlash on any of the axis. Is there any?

Thanks, Jose