Decisions, decisions

[ranchak]

I need some advice from you guys. I want to go with a CNC mill. I will be milling aluminum, plastics and some steel. Too many variables, I have my own parts that I want to manufacture as well as customers, but let's say that the machines I am considering can do the materials I listed (maybe some better than others). My biggest concerns are:

1. single phase power

2. precision

3. ease/speed of conversion (if converting a machine to CNC)



My options:

1. I can get a Jet copy of a Bridgeport that is like new, convert it to CNC

2. Purchase a Tormach

3. Look for a used CNC machine


Purchasing a used CNC brings in the problem of single phase power and precision. Finding a machine in the under $8k range that hasn't seen a good bit of work will be hard.

I've heard good things about the Tormach, but then it's still considered a hobby machine?

Who makes a good CNC conversion for Bridgeport clones? I've seen plenty of conversions that are self design plans, which I wouldn't be opposed to doing, but I don't want to spend months on.

Am I missing any other options?

I'm torn between the Jet and Tormach, the Tormach is ready to roll. The Jet is a heavier built machine, larger work surface.

I'm just looking for some guidance from you guys, maybe some thoughts from someone that has done a conversion.

[dannystooblue]

I would watch ebay for "cnc knee mill" they will sometimes come in under the 8k and a simple rotary converter is cheap enough to buy or build. I have seen some really nice machines sell in your price range, and these would have 100% closed loop cnc control with industrial grade machine quality castings.

Where are you located? I know some guys with a bed mill already cnc'ed for sale here in the Louisville Ky area.

Danny

[ranchak]

I'm located in Southern California. I've been the rotary phase convertor route before, I would rather use a VFD. Other than the motor what else is three phase?

[ranchak]

I took a look on eBay and there are a few machines in my price range and even a few bargains, but I'm afraid if I go for one of these machines I will be spending time fixing this or fixing that instead of learning how to run the machine and making parts. I know this contradicts buying the Jet and converting it to CNC, but at least everything will be new. I have the worst luck, I'm sure that if I buy a used CNC the controller will die shortly after I get it. And then I'll find out that the controls are no longer servicable and I'll have to upgrade everything on top of that!

[dannystooblue]

Originally Posted by ranchak I'm located in Southern California. I've been the rotary phase convertor route before, I would rather use a VFD. Other than the motor what else is three phase?

I am not sure, I would have to look at the machine. I think shipping would be too much to get the machine out there to you.

I think I would convert the jet mill then so that I could run it manual or cnc... sometimes it is easier to crank a handle or pull the quill handle.


Danny