Grizzly 0704 or 0705???

[railin93]

i know everyone is gonna say save and buy the biggest, most precise machine i can but size and available space for my needs is at a premium for a good while so i have been scouring the net for a new mill...

looking at the Grizzly G0704 or G0705...i know the 0705 is a round column and the 0704 is a square column and i've heard try to get a square if at all possible if given the choice...i'm liking the features on the 0704 a litle more than the 0705 but i'd love to have a bigger motor for heavier work loads jusst in case...the 0705 is a robust machine but its a round column and i've heard they aren't as precise nor as reliable for staying put when using it for heavy cuts on the horizontal plane...

any help from you guys would be awesome...i'm probably gonna decide in a few weeks after taxes are filed but would like an opinion from the masses...these are probably the only two i can get for what i'm looking to do but any other models or makes are welcome as suggestions!!!

[Ed from NY]

The G0705 has a round column. That is pretty much a no-no.

The G0704 is only 290 lbs shipping weight. That includes the base and the shipping box/crate. I think that is way too small.

The G0619 is a machine that has been converted many times. It is also the same machine Syil used for the SX3 CNC they used to sell (discontinued). You may be able to find a used Syil CNC conversion in good working order for around $3500 (some Syil conversions go up to 3000 RPM, as opposed to the native 1750 -- makes a big difference) or you may find a conversion kit for the Grizzly version, or you may find people that converted it before.

If the G0705 represents your upper budget you should look into the G0619.

There may be others to consider, but I'm not up to date on these machines anymore.

Good luck!

[Ed from NY]

BTW: If I were to convert a small machine these days I would probably look into the Rong Fu. Enco has a special on them till the end of the month. It is $2,698 with free shipping.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=TK326-1021

[cobmachine]

I have both. What is wrong with the round column? I have had great luck with mine.

[Ed from NY]

Originally Posted by cobmachine I have both. What is wrong with the round column? I have had great luck with mine.

May be there is a way, but I'm not sure how you would keep the head from rotating/drifting in XY when you are milling a down a pocket entry in a spiral for example.

[cobmachine]

Originally Posted by Ed from NY May be there is a way, but I'm not sure how you would keep the head from rotating/drifting in XY when you are milling a down a pocket entry in a spiral for example.

I would not take a 1" DOC. lol. but for real, you would be suprized what you can do with a round column.

look at this
CNC Cookbook: Blog
scrow down on bobs site you will find it a few from the top.

also
Learning Home CNC


this pic is my g0705

[Ed from NY]

One thread contributor, Dirt Rider, proved the lowest end can succeed brilliantly if you have the right skills. He did this even starting with a round column mill... <snip> With that said, this would clearly require a lot of time and personal skill to duplicate.

Is the milling done on XY with the column locked?

Is then Z be used for plunging, drilling and perhaps some boring by moving the quill, as opposed to raising lowering the head?

[cobmachine]

You have to lock the head when you are using it, if not you can move it with light hand pressure back and forth. As for time and personal skill, I believe bob was referring to converting it to cnc.

But if you can handle the 5 inches of travel. I get just 5 on mine. It is more than enough for the normal stuff that you would do for a hobby, in my humble opinion.

When i got my g0705 I was looking at the extra table space that I needed. Needs vs wants.

[Bubba]

Ed,
Been using my round column (cnc'd) for nearly 10 years now. The only time I have had a problem with the head rotating is when the stupid operator (me) forgets to tighten the bolts! Yes, all Z operations are done using the quill.
Sure, it takes some planning as I have only 5" of Z movement but it can be done and done well. I plan my jobs such that the head is NOT moved at all once setup is finished.

Sure, the round column has it disadvantages, but so do ALL types of machines. In some cases what you see as a disadvantage (being able to rotate the head on the column), is to me an advantage as I have been able to rotate and get the spindle to places that is impossible on the square column machines.
It would be a tough decision to me if I had to start all over again. There are good points to both type of machines.

[Ed from NY]

Originally Posted by Bubba I plan my jobs such that the head is NOT moved at all once setup is finished.

Got it

[railin93]

not asking to turn my thread into a pissing match about who "thinks" which type is better...i just asked for the capital dollar, size limitations, and ability, which is the better machine...

everyone has an opinion on what they think is best or worse...this machine will be used primarily for small parts fab, small cutsom work on firearms, and the occasional hot rod/custom part...nothing production based, "too" intricate, or requiring heavy amounts of depth cutting or high speed runs...

i've seen the x2 and other SMALL benchtop machines that people own do exatly what i plan to do with this one but i'm not the type to spend money twice if i can get a little more bang for the buck...this is that bang in a feasible, affordable, fairly size-efficient machine...

[cobmachine]

I hope that is not the way any one took it. Both machines are capable of doing most if not all of the same things. The round g0705 doses have a 5in. travel limitation once you clap down the head to the column. As for bang for the buck? Having both mills you listed, I would go for the g0705. I do like that there are now gears.
Have fun!
the G0705 is bigger.
the Go704 has ver speed.
the g0705 no gears to break
the g0704 is on back order