You might have mentioned that you had a bridgeport to begin with. That does change the equation in my mind a bit.
This brigns up the question: Why not CNC the bridgeport and look at the TIAG or Mill/Drill as a manual replacement? Reallly! Given the right amount of upgrading the bridgeport will be light years ahead of any minimill as a CNC machine. Since this is a commonly done upgrade there are numerous options here.
My opinion is that each of the mills you mentioned is a really good machine when operated within its limits. Those limits are hobbiest and very small parts oriented, usually on soft materials.
The other thing to consdier is tooling! Might as well keep everything R8 if you already have a brigeport in house. Some of the small minimills support R8 so I'd limit looking at thoose. You really can't underestimate the cost of tooling.
thanks
Dave
Originally Posted by woodythx13 Well guys it been an eye opener to say the least,I guess what I was really after is a more bius opinon on how well the machine ovrall is, I have owned the Maxnc and Sherline and wasn't to inpressed, Money is really not the issue as fare as room , that's were I have issues, I have a Bridgport manuel machine
but wanted to explore more with the cnc side of things,But I value evrthing and way everthing on other peoples experiances. I just thought I would pose the question on how good the machine is or isn't. I mostly do aluminum but would like to do steel and stainless once in while.I have a cowells bench top
unit that has a knee action and is smaller than the sherling and this dude plows through stainless like butter, well anyway thanks for the input and keep it comeing.Regards. Chris |