Looking for benchtop mill, need advise

[naytep]

I would like to pick up a benchtop CNC mill such as a MaxNC. The MaxNC looks pretty flimsy. Has anyone had some experience with them or similar machines? I want to actualy be able to produce some parts with the unit regardless of brand. I cut everything from Plastic to 300 Series stainless. I dont mind doing some work to the machine or some retrofitting if required. I have been using CNC machines and manuals for 15 years, so I am new to the trade. Just want to add a spindle for small work. I have a VTC200B but it doesnt make sense to tie it up for parts that are under a couple inches square.
Thanks In advance.

[Jeff-Birt]

You may want to consider looking at a Taig. Of course I'm a Taig dealer and my opinion is likely biased.

Take a look at: http://cnczone.com/TaigMachines.aspx, and http://cnczone.com/CNCPartsPage4.aspx. I'll send you a PM with more info.

[miniengine]

For small parts that size the Harbor Freight 47158 is a reasonably priced Micro Mill, I have had mine about 5 years and occasionally wish I had a bigger work area but for most of what I do, it is great. Ray

[awerby]

If you really want one, I'll sell you mine. But Taigs are much better designed and constructed. I started out with a MaxNC (which I've still got) but got tired of fighting with it each time I wanted it to make a part. You might be able to get it to cut plastic for you, but I really doubt you'd be happy with how your stainless parts came out.

Converting an Asian manual mill is another option, but that's a pretty big job, especially if you want to replace the screws. But if you've already got a big mill to work on it with, you're a step ahead of most people who try this.

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com