Help finding right 3x Manual Mill.

[swearymicrobe]

So I am new to this bare with me, I am going to spell out what I need so that I do not need to use incorrect acronyms. We need to build prototype mounting plates for pharmaceutical robotics, simple cover plates and the occasional mounting bracket, mostly out of high density plastic and occasionally aluminum. And occasionally cut foam for our home brew sand cast stuff.

I need a three axis manual milling machine, so the head is fixed, and the z is controlled accurately correct. I need to have digital readouts on all three axis. Work surface in the 10 inch by 30 inch range, accuracy's in the 0.1mm range. This will never be converted to CNC so that is not a issue, if we go that route we will simply buy a turn key machine for the application.

Power feed on the x and y axis would be great but I really need it on at least one axis.

The only thing that I have found close is the RF-45 it can be power fed, it does have digital display options and it is the right size, plus it runs on 1 phase 110v.

But I really need that z table, so is there something like the RF-45 that has a fixed head and z table control.

Sorry if I botched up some of the terms.

[tai42]

Maybe it would help if you could explain the reason you are opposed to the head moving? There may be some key information in that requirement that helps you narrow down the choices. In principle, if the head moves on a dovetailed way (ie. a square column or "bed" mill) or the table moves on a dovetailed way (knee mill) it shouldn't make any difference.

That said, have you checked out Grizzly? They have a small knee mill with power feed that runs off single-phase 110V. You will have to get a separate DRO and mount it yourself however.

If you aren't opposed to a square column mill, then I would recommend Industrial Hobbies (commonly referred to here as IH.) I just got one of their new mills with the power feed and 3 axis DRO (3rd axis on the column, they also sell a digital readout for the spindle) installed and it's been working great. However, it does run on 220, but is still single phase (unlike the big 3 phase mills, which would require a phase converter for residential installation) so it's a simple mater to get a line run. (Once you finally get a hold of an electrician.)

-Bob