Need Help!- Vertical manual mill for less then 1500.

[diyengineer]

I've been looking @ harbor freight as well as Grizzly tools, and im sure some of you know more companies as well. I'm looking for a manual vertical metal that is capable of being converted to CNC later. (easier the better) I have roughly 1500 dollars and i want the nicest machine for the price range. I plan on doing some manual work here and there, and later converting it to cnc :P
(I plan on milling metal only, mostly aluminum but if i can handle steel right on!)

Thanks everyone for your input!

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

A friend of mine bought a running Tree mill (old CNC control) at an online auction for $750. I'd bet there are many "bargain" machines out there for under $1,000. Many would have CNC "kits" available for conversion later.

Many may already be older CNC machines with all the required goodies on them.

With the economy as it is, even some dealers are unloading inventory to get some cash.

[chimpera]

I picked up a 5000# working cnc mill for 1500. Be patient and watch Craigs list.

[diyengineer]

There is a lot of talk about the Grizzly G0704

http://grizzly.com/products/G0704

Its $1000.

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

A used CNC mill could be a much superior machine if you have patience.

Dick Z

[diyengineer]

I have been keeping my eyes open for a old cnc mill, or older manual mill on craigslist. I just recently scored a huge cnc that im currently rebuilding right now but my intentions with it are for aluminum sheet metal only. I will keep my eyes peeled thats for sure.

[diyengineer]

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/1701436815.html

How about the above? Could that be converted to Cnc as well?

What brand is luxmill, is that just junk?

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

I'd keep watching for a real full sized turret mill (Bridgeport or clone).Some of those "bed type" Asian mills might work, but not as versatile as the knee type for appropriately sized work pieces.

The bed types are more rigid though. Trouble with the "bench-top" mills is they are often too small for many parts you may want to produce. Better to have extra capacity than present needs.

You will always get a project to do just after you install any machine (it's usually the first project) and it's too large for the machine. LOL

Dick Z

[diyengineer]

Originally Posted by RICHARD ZASTROW I'd keep watching for a real full sized turret mill (Bridgeport or clone).Some of those "bed type" Asian mills might work, but not as versatile as the knee type for appropriately sized work pieces. The bed types are more rigid though. Trouble with the "bench-top" mills is they are often too small for many parts you may want to produce. Better to have extra capacity than present needs. You will always get a project to do just after you install any machine (it's usually the first project) and it's too large for the machine. LOL Dick Z

Thanks Richard for your 2 cents. I will keep my eyes peeled!

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Did a little nosing around this morning. I found two Bridgeport Series II CNC mills in Milwaukee.

One was fairly dirty, sitting on a skid as it was shipped in to a friends shop. He got the machine in trade for some work he did. Their asking price for that machine is $700.

The second one is cleaner, on the shop floor, not hooked up. Their asking price is $800.

I believe both machines are operational, but I don't know for sure.

I have no financial connection with either shop, just knew the had the machines. If you are interested, PM me and I'll forward their contact info.

Dick Z

[diyengineer]

I'm out in seattle, that would most likely cost a fortune to ship correct?

Originally Posted by RICHARD ZASTROW Did a little nosing around this morning. I found two Bridgeport Series II CNC mills in Milwaukee. One was fairly dirty, sitting on a skid as it was shipped in to a friends shop. He got the machine in trade for some work he did. Their asking price for that machine is $700. The second one is cleaner, on the shop floor, not hooked up. Their asking price is $800. I believe both machines are operational, but I don't know for sure. I have no financial connection with either shop, just knew the had the machines. If you are interested, PM me and I'll forward their contact info. Dick Z

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Shipping from Milwaukee to Seattle would be costly. However, a straight 3 1/2 ton rack truck rental would not be too bad, just your time and rental fee.

I would believe there are a few machines available in the Seattle or Portland or??????? area similarly priced.

It could also be an interesting touring drive for this summers vacation.LOL

Dick Z