What milling machine to buy

Hello, I have took partial retirement so now have more time to make things which I have missed doing as I have been out of engineering for over 15 years. My wood shed with solid floor has now been insulated walls and floor and I have installed a new lathe, weight 120kg. I done my home work on the lathe I wanted, a belt driven and generally quite basic. My problems started when I got it, put it this way if I did not have any knowledge of engineering the lathe would not be fit for purpose. I was sent parts that was missing, the gibs needed shimming out the list went on. I now have it running well and have archived 3/10ths over 8 inches. I have many tools from my engineering days so I have not had to purchase many tools to make anything, plus e-bay has helpt stuff so cheap. I am now looking for a mill, weight must be around than 80 kg as it will be a problem getting it in. I don't want to go through all the problems I had with the lathe, so any advice would be appreciated. As for metal stock where is the best place to get it, as what was thrown in the scrap bin now commands big money postage included. I even wrote a letter with a stamp addressed envelope to a old employer of many years ago asking if I could buy some scrap aluminum, didn't get a reply, worked for them for 10 years as well. Thanks for any advice on this matter Bob.

Hi Bob,

I have a small milling machine resembling the Warco WM16, the main difference is that mine has a MT 3 spindle (and is a bit heavier), the WM 16 has MT 2. The WM 16 is slightly heavier than what you want, but it is easy to remove the head when moving it into your workshop (I did with mine). My milling machine is over three years old now, and has not given me any problems so far. If you want a milling machine with a brushless motor ARCeurotrade has the SX2 Plus, slightly smaller than the WM 16. With what I know today I would buy a heavier milling than the one I have, and get some friends to help me get the machine into the workshop.

Where I live there are several small shops working with steel or with aluminium, and they let me buy off cuts, so ask around. There is also several metal suppliers that advertise on this site.

Thor

Hi Bob, best give a general location for advice on metal purchase. Good luck in finding the right mill, you will enjoy using it. Chris.

Hi Bob

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George.