Reply with QuoteIf you're seriously interested in that thing, you *really* should look at the Mikini Mechatronics machines. FAR more capability for just a little more money, and a US manufacturer to stand behind it.Originally Posted by Ben Colby
Regards,
Ray L.
Bolton CNC Mill, Anyone???
Has anybody seen or used a Bolton CNC MILL? also called GREAT-150iM ?
I just came across an Ebay listing for one and I'm shocked at how inexpensive
it is with all of its features.
www.boltonhardware.com
Opinion Please.
Similar Threads:
If you're seriously interested in that thing, you *really* should look at the Mikini Mechatronics machines. FAR more capability for just a little more money, and a US manufacturer to stand behind it.
Regards,
Ray L.
if there is such thing as a sexy piece of machinery, its the mikini
The link took me to door hinges and handles, perhaps that sums it up best. Buy from a company that specialises in CNC and that has some history. What support and spare parts etc, etc are you going to get from a hardware company. Would you buy a car from your local grocery store.
try:
Tormach
Indistrial Hobbies
Mikini
Etc.
Just an opinion
Phil
You didn't scroll down far enough, buy a lathe they throw in a free set of hinges!!
Al.
CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Albert E.
Bolton CNC lathe user highly recommends it
For those asking (or skeptical) about a Bolton CNC lathe, here is my opinion as an owner . . .
We are a small shop with a limited budget, running a Hurco MB1 mill interfaced with Bobcad V21 and wanted to expand to an economical CNC lathe.
Bolton had the ONLY new lathe under $10,000 that had a decent set of features, such as an auto tool changer, true rigid tapping, RS-232 connection, multi-start tapered threading and threading cycles, roughing and other basic (and necessary) lathe cycles etc.
I was a little skeptical at first as to whether you really do get what they promise. Believe me, these lathes are exceptional value for money. The hardware and software that really count are excellent. I've just finished running 650 3/8" brass nuts with drilling, turning, parting etc and detected less than 1/10,000 error in repeatability.
The frame is rigid, the programming easy (with an interface to external g-code), tool wear offsets are accounted for with ease, parameter setting and tool set-up are a breeze. This lathe is awesome. The instruction manual is comprehensive and simple to follow as well.
You probably would not want to run a million stainless steel castings on them, but, hey, for our shop this lathe will do 90 percent of our work and keep in mind the value for money.
I highly recommend them.
One last note. I had a lot of questions to ask the Bolton staff, and their customer service is incredible. Each question was answered clearly and often within the hour.
steve
shop supervisor
Bolton CNC lathe - a few pics
Some of you have asked for some "proof of the pudding" by way of photos.
So, here's some antenna parts made recently.
Yes, our Bolton CNC lathe works just fine.
There is a you tube video linked to from bolton website that shows it tapping and moving with decent rapid speeds even the tool changes are fairly quick. I have yet to see any feedback from someone using it tho. Maybe reviving this thread will get someone posting but this is not really a benchtop machine.
Bolton is located at
Bolton Hardware
3633 Pomona Blvd.
Pomona, CA 91768
Not sure how that is not a USA company.
There has been a few CNC conversions of there manual mill/drills, here are some links you can go through and then maybe talk with the builders to see what there thoughts of the company.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/bencht...onversion.html
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/bencht...ce_needed.html
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/bencht...onversion.html
There main CNC mill that they sale is the same base machine as the Novakon Systems(Canadian based BTW), SMithy and other machines sold.
A couple of the comments here in this thread have no justification IMHO. I myself have had no dealing with Bolton, but I have seen nothing negitive posted about them (infact maybe just the oposite). ANd the fact that they do have other products tells me they are a astablished company, in which case makes me think they will be there, plus they will have the resources to be able to keep the supply of machines/parts available.
Infact I have look at buying the CNC mill that they sale. After going over what others offer in the same style machine I felt like the Bolton was the best deal, with the best package, plus the best chance of good service. There electronics (the CNC controler) also seams to be more of a industrial system.
INDUSTRIAL GRADE 3 AXIS CNC MILLING MACHINES W 4TH AXIS OPTION - CNC Lathes & CNC Milling Machines at Bolton Hardware
They have quit the service parts listed to keep the machine running, and it comes with a servo system at a cheaper price than the others.
Bolton Lathe and Mill Parts, Metal Lathes, Combo Lathe/Mill/drills, Milling Machines at Bolton Hardware
IDK, like I said I dont have any real expeirance with them myself. But if I had the funds to buy a CNC mill right now Bolton's is the one I would buy, if I bought this class of machine. A lathe I havnt looked into. The fact that they also sale door hinges would not worry me, infact I take it as a plus because they are a company with good resources ( they have the money to be there and not fall out if things get a little tough).
Jess
GOD Bless, and prayers for all.
