Replacement Milling Machine

I have an older version Warco VMC, with a self fitted DRO but no power feeds an doing some milling recently really flared up an elbow injury, as well as the embuggerance of changing belts between wiggling and drilling.

Fitting a power feed to mine is a non starter as I know the align unit doesn’t fit. I know I ‘could’ make one but that takes the time and opportunity for making other things. I obviously could also self fit a 3 phase motor and VFD.

Looking at the Warco site they have a VMC, VFD installed unit including DRO and power feeds for circa £3800.

The Super Major Vario similarly optioned in around the same price, give or take.

The major has a bigger capacity size wise, despite being the same size motor.

If I was to change do you think the major would prove the better machine, am I missing something?

I’ve personally only used knee mills so I think would struggle at first to use a mill without a knee like the super major.

If you can get over this then either mill should work for you. If it were me I’d buy another knee mill though. Please let us know how you get on once you have it. We like machine reviews.

About the only advantage of a non-knee machine is that the work is always at the same height, as far as I can see!

No doubt there will be others, but I like the knee machines - have two, one with quill and one without.

Another advantage with a knee machine might be that the head can often be raised (on many of these machines) if extra headspace is needed….

I always say 'better the devil you know...' so I would prolly fit that 3 phase motor and VFD - and make two power feeds (at the same time).

Question I would ask myself would be: 'What are the benefits for spending three grand?'