Hi

I have just retired and am going to get back onto completing my 3 1/2 inch 8F that I began in the early 80's when it was first serialised in ME. Still have my old ML7 dating back to the 70's and am now looking for a Mill. Probably an older model, don't read much good about the latest Chinese jobs.

Welcome along. Mill choice is mostly about space and budget available rather than what you really desire. I have a Bridgeport that will do all I need but most jobs could be done on something else if required.

Hello Gwyn and welcome.

Are you a member of a model engineering club or society? Very useful, if not essential if you want to run your 8F in public.

There are plenty of non-Chinese machines about but they tend to need more space.

There are also machines from other countries that may be suitable.

Brian

Hi Gwyn, I have a Chester Champion V20 mill, which is Chinese, I have had it a few years and have no complaints it serves me well, that said it isn’t a “ Rolls Royce “ so has a few rough edges. I have fitted DRO’S to it and this modification means that I can ignore backlash, I also fitted two small fan units (computer fans) to the motor shroud to give extra cooling when taking heavy cuts in the summer, my workshop can get very warm when the sun shines. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Chinese machinery, for its price the quality is good, you may of course prefer a bigger mill such as a Bridgeport but that is a different class of machine altogether.

Dave W

Well, don't be too quick to dismiss Far Eastern offerings. Available in different sizes, which may be vital in a cramped workshop; can be bought off the shelf with delivery sorted; and there's a warranty if you're unlucky enough to get a dud. Bit rough, but they work well enough for most hobby purposes.

If you have the space ex-industrial/ex-educational mills are available for a fraction of their original cost, but they are mostly too big for my single-garage workshop. I couldn't quite fit in a Bridgeport. Though 3-phase is less problematic these days, industrial machines may have awkward electrics. And although the machines in this class are cheap second-hand, spares are still full price. (Like new bearings costing much more than was paid for the whole machine.)

Condition is everything buying second-hand. Although many hobby machines are well looked after there are no guarantees. I wouldn't buy a second-hand machine tool without inspecting it, ideally listening to it cut metal. Remember a clapped out top-notch Swiss Jig Borer is clapped out, nothing like as new, and could be scrap. Condition matters less if doing up old machines is all part of the fun, but beware of time-wasting money-pits if the plan is to crack on and make things.

Dave

Welcome!

Already to pick up the threads., where you left off.

As S O D says, far eastern mills are that bad. I've had and used a RF25 for over 20 years, without problems, other than those of my own making.

Your ML7 will be Imperial, but most, if not all new machines will be Metric, so dig out that calculator! many a good tune and all that!

If you have any queries, ask on here.i There will always be differences in opinion over machines. But each to his own. You makes your choice and pays your money!

Howard

Welcome Gwyn.

I have a Sieg SX3 from Arc Euro Trade the service was exellent and the machine which I have had for 9 years has had no problems and does all I need.We are mostly goverened by what we intend to make and the space availiable so I wish you luck with your choice.

Frank

Thanks for the welcome. Its been a busy day today but only now able to log onto the forum. It looks as though I have just bought myself a Raglan Mill. Similar vintage to my ML7. It appears to be in good nick, I will find out for certain on Wednesday. From what I can see it is extremely solid and I rather prefer the bed moving rather than the head, I think that it has come from a good home.

I would have preferred a Bridgeport, I learnt on one when still at school, but I just don't have space for it in my garage. Even with the Raglan it will be tight and I will have some re-organisation to do, would have been a problem whichever mill I bought though.

Hi Brian,

I am getting the workshop sorted first and then will start looking at local societies. There are a couple near me that are possible although I suspect that the COVID situation will be limiting meetings and activities. I have a year or so's work to get to anywhere near running it. I have the frames and the running gear built and the boiler and cylinders started, but I am going to move onto the tender first in order to get my hand back in.

Gwyn