| | |
Hi,
I'm ultra new to the world of machining and need some feedback about some 3-in-1 machines:
I've found some entry level machines for starters; specifically the Grizzly G9729 and Smithy Midas 1220 LTD. Should I even consider the Smithy Granites? Is any other manufacturer better to you? I have very limited space and can only provide 110v. I'm not looking to open a shop, this is for high-level hobby work at best (if there is such a thing) and some parts for my project car (brackets, etc.).
On a side note, I've noticed these machines use bands to operate. My apologies for sounding naive, but is this really the latest and greatest? It seems a bit archaic to me, but I suppose if it gets the job done.... Anyway, it's nice to be here and I hope to hear what you think.
—Chaz
Last edited by CyberGolem; 10-16-2011 at 07:02 AM.
You should take a look at the Shopmaster-
Shoptask - Shopmaster
Their latest units may be a bit out of your range, but they sometimes have an earlier trade-in unit available. As far as 3 in 1 units go, they are way more versatile than the ones you list.
PS- I had a 1994 model, then stepped up to a Patriot.
Yes, those are nice. As a matter of fact I just saw a listing for an older Shoptask model 17-20 XMTC on Craigslist (looks like the owner was upgrading too).
May I ask what makes the Shopmaster more versatile?
—Chaz
Even the old units like my 94 model had a lot more milling capacity than the Smithy or Grizzly, plus they had a bigger lathe swing.Originally Posted by CyberGolem
The later models with the bridgemill head were a huge advance in the rigidity of the mill, making them as good as the stand alone bench mills.
All the Shoptasks and Shopmasters had the CNC drives and mounts built into the machine from the factory, so you can upgrade with no modifications and you can get ball screws and DRO from Shoptask as bolt in options for all the machines.
I have a '97 xmtc 17x20. I have never been happy with the milling ability of the machine. As the Grizzly and Smithy designs are similar I doubt they would be any better. I use the 17 x 20 as a lathe and I'm happy with the performance in that arena. I am told that the Bridgemill Shoptasks are much better milling machines. It makes sense, because they have the potential to be more rigid.
My machine was factory equipped for CNC. I later added ball screws to all 3 axis. It could never mill aluminum with a nice finish even at greatly reduced feeds. My point here is you should avoid any 3 in 1 machine that has the mill hanging off of one post. They aren't rigid. Hold off until you can afford a more rigid design. Yes, it will cost a bit more, but I think you'll be much happier.
You comment about "bands" is appropriate, Less expensive machines use this technique for two reasons: Less expensive, lower torque steppers can be used and the CNC feature can be an add on option to an existing manual machine design. My 17 x 20 is an excellent example of this technique. The CNC add on for the x and y axis are very nice and work quite well. The z axis is, in my opinion, somewhat kludgey, The manual crank for the z axis has to be disabled and the stepper and control are added outboard of the original movement mechanism making it very "flopity". I think this deficiency has been corrected in newer models.
Your mileage may vary. Remember I am one user and my skills and patience may vary greatly from yours. I am certain other people have had success with their one post 3 in 1 machines. I for one would not consider purchasing another.
I originally thought it might be worth getting an intro-level setup then save up for a better machine [i.e. the Patriot] later, but with Flyinchips & Smallblock's input and a lot of research I've come to the conclusion that saving for the right machine is the better route to take.
The Patriot it is --the VF motors alone are worth it.
Plus, 2-G's just to get going is a huge chunk of change, and nearly half the price of the Patriot, so spending that much now doesn't seem to make sense anymore.
Thanks to the both of you for your input.
—Chaz
Chaz,
That's probably a sound decision- I would check with JT over at Shoptask- he sometimes gets trade-in machines. Probably no Patriots, but maybe a Bridgemill, which has all the good milling functions.
The new VFD machines are really a bargain for what you get. If you were to buy a Smithy or Grizzly, it would be a long and expensive process to modify it for ball screws, VFD motors and CNC, and you would just end up with a cobbled up one of a kind unit with no warranty and still very limited milling capabilities.
My unit had a Shoptask fitted out with Servos overseas. We did a lot of maintainence work as well as custom jobs. When I returned stateside I bought a used quadralift model and worked it for about 2 years befor buying a Patriot. Got good warranty and parts service on all 3 units, and for the money, they are hard to beat.
I was also a newbie about a year ago, and the Shoptask seemed like the best bang for the buck. What I didn't understand was the reputation of the company.
I paid for a new machine, and got a used machine. It wasn't even the model I paid for; it was an older model.
When it arrived, the CNC was completely non-functional, and I could not get any support. I never got the CNC working. In addition, the gears for the z-axis drive ground against each other terribly; I'd bet that if I could get the CNC working the gears would stall it on that axis.
Finally, using a simple bubble level I found that the ways were very warped; there is no way I could have cut a precision part with that machine.
After purchasing the machine, I came to cnczone.com and searched for Shoptask postings and found other complaints about the integrity of the company. I recommend you do the same.
Well, with a warning like that I will definitely look into it. This is when I'm glad I don't have the money to just buy something too quickly. Thanks for the heads up.
—Chaz
Posting Permissions
| | |
LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
