New member

Hi

This is my first post. I am into model engineering as a hobby only. I have a 7 x 14 mini lathe and Seig SX1L micro mill.

I have made a few little engines and other parts for my other hobbies, astronomy ( currently building a 6.4mtr dia planetarium) and motorcycles.

I'm currently looking at getting a bigger milling machine but only in scale with the capability of my mini lathe. I did have an ML7 but find the mini lathe is just more convenient to use so I use it a lot more. Similarly I use the SX1 often but I really could do with more capacity.

I am based in the Bedale area of North Yorkshire so if anyone out there is local and wants a chat let me know

John

Welcome to the Forum, John!

There are others here interested in astronomy and restoring motorcycles.

If you are familiar and happy with the Seig machine-tools I'd suggest as a start, looking at the larger machines in the same series. If nothing there to suit your needs, try Warco.

The dovetail column type machines, with either knee or a rise-and fall head, are preferable to the round-column mill/drills, because the rectangular column maintains the centering when changing the table or head height.

I suggest looking at something around the SX2.7 size machine which will be a worthwhile step up from the SX1L and having the separate head raising screw avoids some of the backlash issues that the X2 siz emachine can have although the latest twin strut one does go some way to reducing that.

Thanks for your comments. I have been looking at the Chester Conquest mill. Has anyone had experience with one. They seem well suited size wise as a compliment to my mini lathe and are well priced.

I have the SX2.7L and think its fantastic for the money.

Welcome to the forum, mostly we are a happy bunch, if you have questions there will be someone here who will be able to help. Best Wishes Noel.

Hi Jon

The SX2.7 is more expensive than I have in my budget. The Conquest is currently £599 Inc VAT which seems like pretty good value.