Best benchtop mill?

[R.DesJardin]

I did a search but didn't find what I was looking for.
What I want is a 220V 1 phase CNC mill to mill aluminum of an average size of 2x4x10 and smaller, and maybe some small steel parts. Not needed for high production just a part time business, maybe only a few parts a week. Don't need a tool changer. Would like to have real 3 axis.
I looked at CNC Masters but am unsure of the rep. Is there anything else out there.
Rory D.

[joeybagadonuts]

Rory,

How much do you want to spend?

JoeyB

[R.DesJardin]

Well under $20K would be nice, the cheaper the better but the more capability the better. I have a journeyman machinist card, but now work as an Eng. Tech. in R&D New Product Development.
So doing my own machining and R&D for myself is simple, just want to step up the products I offer.
Rory D.

[SpeedsCustom]

Oh man, Under 20 K?

Two machines com.e to mind right away, Industrial Mill and Tormach.


-Jason

[joeybagadonuts]

Well you could buy Speed Customs Gorton Mill, Just kidding.

Why not purchase a full size CNC machine?

For 10K or less you could get a awesome machine.

Where are you located?

[R.DesJardin]

I would spend less if I can.
I am in Clarkston, WA(SE corner on Idaho border).
If I spend close to $20K I'll probably step it up to a Haas Toolroom Mill, they are at $24K new.

[joeybagadonuts]

http://rochester.craigslist.org/tls/835707640.html

Maybe 15K would get it done

JoeyB

[SpeedsCustom]

Des- Check out Industrial Mills: CNC ready at 10 k. You can use a Tormach stand but man, those I.M. are serious mills and will tackle any job.


The tormach also has a place in my heart


-Jason

[TOTALLYRC]

Industrial hobbies would have been my choice if I couldn't go with a full size machine. Very large envelope and a good reputation. Also because they are now located in CT which is about 1hr from me. The tormach also looks real good, but was/is out of my price range. If full size becomes an option for less than 10k there are nice machines on ebay from time to time. or even the local machine tool reseller. Of course the middle of nowhere is no place to be if you are looking for large machinery, but it must be a nice place to live.

We have a Haas vf4 here at work and the guys like it. It is a shame I don't work in the machine shop or I could play/work with it.
Mike

[DonFrambach]

check out wabeco at http://www.mdaprecision.com

definately benchtop. seems to cover your work envelope well.

Don

[Stepper Monkey]

If you have the room for it, with this economy a lot of very nice full-sized equipment is coming up very cheap at least in this area. Only downside is there are also a few pretty beat and ancient pieces of equipment surfacing as well, stuff that would easily take more money to get to rights than they are worth.
Sounds like you know what you are looking for, so that shouldn't be much of a problem for you. Craigslist is actually a pretty viable option, as are any local B2B websites if you have any.

Don't have hands-on experience with either Tormach or IH, but I have seen many solid recommendations of them from users on here.