I am new to the metal machining world and looking to get started. I have been doing some research here on the forums and have a few questions.

First a little background info. I'm currently in a town-home for the next 2.5yrs. with out the ability to get 220VAC to the 1 car garage. I'm looking to make robotics platforms(plastics/aluminum) and some rail accessories for rifles(aluminum). Those are my 2 current goals. Possibly some motorcycle parts.

Being a novice I've decided to start with a manual milling machine first, to learn the fundamentals, but eventually going CNC.

So to the questions:

Do to my power limitations I'm looking for a benchtop(space/power). If/when I can upgrade space and I'm liking the work I'll go 220VAC full cnc setup.

Am I wasting my time/money if I go with the Enco Square Column benchtop? I like the 110/220 option(thats how I read it.)

Or should I look for something with CNC/manual functionality?

Could that machine motorcycle parts like 9" long fender struts or triple trees?

Is there any US made bench tops out there?

I've waited this long should I just save my money and keep waiting for the big iron? I know if I like it I will out grow a bench top.

Thanks

First post :devious:

I am new to the metal machining world and looking to get started. I have been doing some research here on the forums and have a few questions.

First a little background info. I'm currently in a town-home for the next 2.5yrs. with out the ability to get 220VAC to the 1 car garage. I'm looking to make robotics platforms(plastics/aluminum) and some rail accessories for rifles(aluminum). Those are my 2 current goals. Possibly some motorcycle parts.

Being a novice I've decided to start with a manual milling machine first, to learn the fundamentals, but eventually going CNC.

So to the questions:

Do to my power limitations I'm looking for a benchtop(space/power). If/when I can upgrade space and I'm liking the work I'll go 220VAC full cnc setup.

Am I wasting my time/money if I go with the Enco Square Column benchtop? I like the 110/220 option(thats how I read it.)

Or should I look for something with CNC/manual functionality?

Could that machine motorcycle parts like 9" long fender struts or triple trees?

Is there any US made bench tops out there?

I've waited this long should I just save my money and keep waiting for the big iron? I know if I like it I will out grow a bench top.

Thanks

First post :devious:


1. Once you learn cnc, the need for manual control is almost nill. You can mdi or use a game pad to control it almost like a manuall machine.

2. Here is a nice discussion about the enco and other mills.

http://www.fignoggle.com/machines/rf45-dovetail-square-column-mill/index.htm

3. Industrial hobbies is a nice big benchtop and you may not outgrow it for a long time. You can call and see if they can give you the 120v/240v option.

4. If you are doing a 9" part, figure at least 10" of travel to compensate for tooling diameters and such.

Mike