Which Mill

I have decided to upgrade from a milling attachment on my SC4 to a standard bench milling machine. After much research I have decided upon the SX2.7 from ARC. Are there others that I have missed that are equivalent in quality and price that members know of? One main reason for choosing ARC is the reports on their support.

Not really answering your question.

I have just gone through the process of trying to decide which mill to get. I decided against Warco WM16/18 and Chester Champion 20v due to lack of stock and not being able to find any information about how well they perform.

The reports of after sales support for Warco and Chester seem to be mixed where as ARC has very positive comments. Plus Ketan posts here and comes across as honest and straight talking.

My short list came down to the SX2.7L and SX3. What really sold me on the SX2.7 was JasonB's videos on youtube (search in youtube for mrjasonsb) He has put up some videos to support the MEW article Milling for beginners, also has done a couple where he has pushed the mill. Being able to see and hear it working really removed my fears about buying a lemon.

I was all ready to place the SX2.7L order when my wife convinced me to spend the extra £300 to get the SX3.

Adrian

I actually have tow Youtube channels some SX2.7 action on both here and here

Roger,

Yes, fully support your thoughts of an SX but go for the SX3 like Adrian at £1640. It is 70% heavier than the SX2.7 and mass is a good thing in milling machines. Both come with an R8 spindle which is the best choice for a home workshop.

Enjoy it! and then plan to fit a quality DRO!

Norm.

Agreed. Some of the small machines seem to have the envelope folks want but they just don’t have the mass. This is why some choose Mill Drills. They are much more heavily built but sadly they have their own issues. I went way over budget and bought a VMC and I’m so glad I did.

Oh dear. I am really struggling between the two now. 2.7 or 3. I have the budget for the 2.7 but I do'nt have the justification for the 3. YET!

Just looking at the descriptions and note the 2.7 is regarded as “hobby use only” whereas the 3 is rated as “hobby and light industrial use only”. Make of that whatever you wish. My money would be on the one capable of light industrial use, even if I had to save a few more pennies...🙂. It may never do any light industrial work, but apparently regarded as capable of more than “hobby only” use.

I only have praise for Arc (as a satisfied customer). No problems with Warco but was somewhat less impressed by Chester. My opinions only, based on my dealings with each of them.

Roger,

My advise would be to drop Ketan a PM, explain what you make and ask his advise. He knows the machines and I would say is honest enough to not up sell you.

Hobby use vs Light industrial is really just how many hours it will used and how hard it will used. If you are like me, you look after your tools and try not to break them. I will probably use my mill 100 - 200 hrs/yr. Whereas in an industrial setting there are deadlines and people of varying attitude towards tools. So machines get worked hard and possibly abused. An industrial mill would probably run 1000 - 2000 hrs/yr. So a mill that would last 1 - 2 years in industrial use could last me 10 - 20 years.

Adrian

Adrian

Thanks for the advise. My use is only Hobby and very little at that. I just want the right machine there when I need it. But! I must admit that now I am getting more into it, usage might increase. As much as I would like the 3 it is going to have to be the 2.7. adding a good DRO to get started. I have looked at Jasonb's videos and others on Youtube using the 2.7 and the work they is of a greater level than I expect to do. But please keep the advise coming. I have no hit the CONFIRM PAYMENT button yet. If I can work out how to PM Ketan I will.

Hi Roger,

At the top of the page, in the green bar, there is Inbox, click on that then compose new message. Then enter Ketan Swali.

I bought a machine-dro universal kit, quick delivery, it arrived next day. I have seen others using them and they seem to be OK, but I am no expert.

Adrian

Hi Roger,

I have sent you a PM. Please check your inbox.

Ketan at ARC.

Just had a much appreciated and lengthy chat with Ketan great help.

Decision made on the 2.7.

Thanks everyone for your comments.