which milling machine

Hi all

I would like some help I am thinking of buying a millng machine, I have Up to 1k to spend. I need to get it down the side of the house to the bottom of my garden in to my workshop/shed so size is important, so which one. It is for small projects.

Hi Ron.

Maybe something like the SEIG X1 or X2 would do as they can be moved around by two people  and both fit into a wheelbarrow !

I have an X2 and it  works well  for a small machine but the depth of cut is limited due to rigidity compared to a larger machines like  the chester lux etc but this only means you may have to run a few more passes to get the job done .

And the only other thing with the X2  is the plastic gears that will eventually fail but metal gears are available as is a belt driv conversion ( if you buy this conversion from litle machine shop in th U.S make sure your machines maker or seller is listed as there are a lot of clones that have minor differences that can make the fitting of this kit difficult )

Ian

Edited By SLOTDRILLER on 03/11/2012 21:54:05

Hi Ron

Do'nt be too suprised if you do'nt get many answers because the same question has been asked lots of times resently. I am sure some of the members here will point you in at least 10 directions, however a very important thing to consider is that in addition to the milling machine itself you will need at the very least, a vice, cutters, clamps, and no doubt various other bits and pieces.all of which will cost a bob or two. Having said all that,go for the biggest one you can afford after taking in to account the cost of the other things you will need. If you are buying new (rather than used), then i would buy from the dealer nearest to where you live. Reason being is that most new machines are similar and it is allways easier to go back with any problems you may have if the firm you buy from is just down the road. Just my 2p's worth.

Cheers Derek

It really depends on what size/materials your going to be working with. I got a chester lux a few months ago, a square collum mill/drill. Let me tell you i was surprised when the lorry turned up to deliver it, it's bigger and heavier than you might think. Anyway a tractor and linkbox and a few chains later it was on its steel frame. And as magpie says don't forget tooling/collets clamps etc as you probably spend as much again on bits n bobs. The main thing to remember is you can always do small stuff on a big mill but your buggered with big stuff on a small mill

You will not need many tools to start with and can get more later so don't put too much aside for that. I started with one morse taper sleeve and one end mill. Even a drill chuck can come later. Sure it is nice to have an ER or Clarckson chuck, a rotary table, a dividing head, a boring and facing head etc. but stinting on the main machine would be an error.

Bear in mind that delivery can be extra and can be a problem with second hand machines. However one trader does keep advertiseing pallet delivery for £65 so cheap deals are possible.

It is worth thinking about the move from front to shed in detail. You might want to invest in 2 scaffold planks (to saw in half or get 4) if the path is not flat paving and some scaffold tubes to also saw to length or perhaps some wheels. A normal pallet needs modification and strengthening to run over rollers but you can take bits off most machines to make it lighter. I once got a quarter ton+ machine down to 350lb to move it via the living room.

Ron,

Derek is right in what he says, especially the 10 directions .

I just wish to comment on X2 suggested by Ian. X2 belongs to a family of mini-mills, offered by many companies. It is available in gear drive or belt drive, from new. Conversion kits for gear to belt drive are available. Tilting and fixed columns are available from new - this being one of the issues relating to rigidity. Brushed and brushless motor version are available from new, which effect torque. Different table sizes in width, length and travel are available. Back-up spares are available from various sources. These are all points you may wish to consider.

Good luck.

Ketan.

... and, if you want to know the best place to get one (IMHO) send Ketan a pm.

Russell - a satisfied customer.

Allthough my mill was not from Ketan, just about everything else i have is from him. Allways first class service.

Cheers Derek.

Hi all

Thanks for your feedback, I have now the proud owner of a Warco turrit mill and allthe extras, Got it from a forum member who was packing up, Have to say I had no idea of the weight, took all day to get it down the side of my house and garden which is all steps, but it now up and running all I need to do is learn how to use it ?.