X3 vs RF-31 clone

[csaw]

I really want a full size mill, but room is an issue at this time. I am also looking to learn (first mill). Since the two I listed above are about the same price which would be the better "starter mill"? I have read about the round column issues with the RF type, but I am concerned about the HP of the X3. Is this not really a concern? It would mostly be used for aluminum, I think.

I am looking at these two because of price. Before spending a whole lot more I would probably try to make room for a full size.

As far as going CNC later, which would be better? X3 I think?

Repair parts availability between the two?

Thanks

[clutch]

I've been looking at the X3 type. Is it my imagination or did the price of them go up a bunch in the last year or two?

Clutch

[BobWarfield]

The X3 will make a much better CNC candidate than the RF-31. Round columns are a nuisance because you can't keep the head aligned when you raise and lower it. This means you rely solely on the quill for Z while under CNC control.

A better comparison would be an X3 versus the RF-45 mills.

Best,

BW

[ViperTX]

I totally agree with Bob, as I have both a Jet JMD18 which is a RF-31 clone and an X3.

If you just want a manual machine with a cut envelope in the range of 21 inches on the X and 7 inches on the Y and you can find an expensive used one...then pick up a RF-31.

CNC kits for the X3 are readily available and inexpensive....well the ballscrews are in the $1100 range from CNC Fusion.

CNC kits for the RF-45 are much more expensive and you have fewer suppliers.

Paul

[csaw]

Well I found a Harbor Freight RF-31 clone pretty cheap. It's not what I really want, but I can get some hours under my belt and get my money back pretty easily I think. This is just a starter mill and hopefully I can educate myself with it. I do see the shortcomings of the round column. No CNC plans for this.

Thanks for the replies.

[BobWarfield]

Difference in price is only $100 at Harbor Freight.

Well worth it. The head raising lowering problem is an issue for manual use too.

Best,

BW

[Crevice Reamer]

Hi csaw. Welcome to the Zone!

I hope you used a 20% off coupon to buy it.

Well, you've got the Rf-31 clone now. After you're done with it, buy an X3. Now take the Rf-31 head off and make a nice floor drill press out of it. Remove the column from the base.

Take the X3 column/head and bolt it to the RF-31 base/table. NOW you've got one heck of a mill. Sell the X3 base/table for $300 -$400 to someone who wants to do this for an X2.

CR.

[csaw]

I guess I should have emphasized that I bought it used. It's in good shape and I paid $350 for it. I figured it was worh that much as a drill press or I can hopefully get my money back if need be. Anyway it is a somewhat inexpensive way for me to get my feet wet. I hope to upgrade after I have plenty of accessories.

Thanks for he replies

[Bubba]

csaw,
Congratulations on an excellent find! With some care, you will have a machine that will give excellent service for many years. I like mine and even cnc'd it.

[BobWarfield]

Now that you've said what you paid for it, let me be the first to say:

Heck Yeah! I like it: good find!

It will absolutely make a fine drill press, and a plenty adequate milling machine until you choose to go for something else. Monsieur Le Reamer has some interesting ideas for you too.

Welcome to the wonderful world of milling.

I did a brief post on my blog (www.cnccookbook.com) on what sort of tooling is good to start with that may be helpful. Go to the cnccookbook home page and scroll down and you'll find it pretty quickly.

Best,

BW

[csaw]

I like mine and even cnc'd it.

Any links to it or pictures?


Thanks Bob your site looks good.

What size vise do ya'll think is appropriate for this size machine?

Thanks

[Bubba]

I have a small page at:

http://bellsouthpwp.net/A/r/Arts_home_page/cnc/

and it shows some of the way it was done.

If you have some specific questions (or even not so specifc), let me know and I will try to answer them.