Hello,

I am pretty much a newbie to this stuff, but have very good on, seeing it and then knowing what to do. I am looking to get a mill that I will have to convert to CNC. My needs are pushing me away from the router set up because I need nice quality, but I am also being pushed away from the micro/mini mills becasue of the maxx size I need to cut. The max size I would need to cut would be (at max) 1/4 aluminum, and at max, a 14X7 sheet. I want to be able to upgrade the mill with a higher speed spindle in the future if I want. I found the Grizzly G3358 Mill / Drill. Click here for link (http://www.grizzly.com/products/item.aspx?itemnumber=G3358) I figure that it wouldnt be able to be upgraded in the future to the higher speed spindle, or could it? First off, is this even a good choice to start of with and convert to CNC? It is only good becasue of the travel that it can do. First let me know if it is even worth it to do a CNC conversion on it, and also let me know if there is someway I would be able to put a high speed spindle set up on it in the future.

Let me know, Thanks.
-Joe

These are not the best to CNC due to the round column. A square column mill like the lathemaster here is far better. They are more rigid and you can CNC the entire head, not just the quill.
http://www.lathemaster.com/HEAVYDUTYMILLINGMACHINE%207045FG.htm
colin

wow, thanks, that is like the perfect size, and I agree, That will definately be alot easier to convert

Good advice yukonho , I never have thought much of those round column mill drills, just an overpriced drill press in my book. I haven't seen one yet that was square to the table, and there is no provision for adjustment, in addition to your observations.

BH

ps congrads new daddy!! :wee:

Yeah, I definatley like that choice better, becasue in the future if i get a nice like 40,000rpm spindle, it would be easier to install on that one, than the first one i showed