Best Small VMC?

[heepofajeep]

We are going to purchase a new VMC, and I am wondering what the best "bang for buck" machine is that can fit through a 6'W x 7'H doorway, with a max Z height of 9'. I want as much travel as possible given the space constraints.

I am currently looking at the Bridgeport/HardingeGX480 because it seems to offer high travel with minimum space requirements-- any thoughts on quality of this machine?

[christinandavid]

Have operated both Bridgeport and Hardinge (a little larger than the one in question, around 1metre x-traverse) for about ten years and never had a problem with them. Have only used them with Heidenhain control.

DP

[heepofajeep]

Thanks!

I edited the post a bit, just to make sure there are not any other small VMCs that I am overlooking. I created a specific post to investigate the quality of Hardinge/Bridgeport GX480 in the Bridgeport forum here.

[doubledave]

I have the first 480 delivered in the US. It has the Fanuc control 20 tool tool changer, & optional 4 spindle indexing fixture. The machine is bulletproof. Have never had a service call on it. Am considering buying another one just to avoid switching from index fixture to Kurt vises.

[jdr]

Look at Brother TC-S2C and Fanuc Robodrill machines.

[doubledave]

Why?

[jdr]

You need to at least look at what a lot of machinists/companies are buying. Brother owns about 30% and Fanuc/RoboDrill owns about 60% market share in the small VMC market.

[Geof]

Originally Posted by jdr You need to at least look at what a lot of machinists/companies are buying. Brother owns about 30% and Fanuc/RoboDrill owns about 60% market share in the small VMC market.

This leaves 10% for all the other manufacturers. What do you consider a "small VMC"? Haas has sold a lot of their Minimills and Super Minimills.

[skullworks]

You might want to also check out the Sharp 2412 and Hurco VM10, lot of bang for the buck in a small footprint. In fact the Hurco uses about the same space that a manual Bridgeport mill uses.

[jdr]

I wonder what heepofajeep did wind up purchasing? If anything.

Just noticed that it has been over 3 months since the start of this thread and he has not logged back on in the meantime.