5 axis Super MiniMill2?

[SBC Cycle]

Thoughts? I've been back and forth with all the threads in here and on the Haas site.

Here's what I need but not sure how to get there:

10K RPM (air/oil)
5 axis
HSM
Renishaw
Small (Garage with rotary phase converter, not yet acquired)

What I will be running:
75 percent Aluminum, smallish parts (4-5 inch square 2 inches thick average)
Some stainless (303-304)
Occasional (rare) tool steel

I understand I'm pushing the envelope (literally) with the MiniMill but I am going to be running a phase converter and not sure I can make the step up to the VF1. I'll be employing a general HSM strategy to make up for the assumed loss of rigidity I will have as compared to the machines I have at work (2 VF3s and 4 Fadal 4020s).

With the Build a Quote I'm in the mid $90's, so I'm not sparing much expense here. I'm more limited by power and ceiling height than anything else. Is this the right road to be going down? As soon as I see the price tag I keep thinking there has to be a better option.

[SBC Cycle]

SMINIMILL2 Mini VMC 20" x 16" x 14", 10K Spindle 1 45,995.00 USD
Tooling Taper CT-Style Tool Changer Grippers 1 Included In Price
Tool Changer Side-Mount Tool Changer, 24+1 tools 1 6,995.00 USD
Additional Axis 4th-Axis Drive and Wiring 1 2,395.00 USD
5th-Axis Drive 1 5,895.00 USD
Probe System Intuitive Probing, Renishaw 1 5,195.00 USD
Options Chip Auger 1 2,395.00 USD
Programmable Coolant Nozzle 1 1,895.00 USD
Control Options M-Code/MFIN Cable Assembly 1 295.00 USD
High-Speed Machining 1 2,395.00 USD
Accessories Tool Tray for Collets 1 95.00 USD
TR110 110 mm Dual-Axis Trunnion Table 1 22,295.00 USD


I went with the SMTC to open up the table space a bit with the 5 axis unit.

Probing is a must for inspection (got the macros already)

PCOOL was selected assuming it may be easier to keep coolant where it needs to be unattended.

HSM to get rid of the "High Speed Stutter" my VF3s suffered from when 3D machining. The HSM option got rid of it

[haastec]

Forward this build a quote to your local dealer to get a true cost.

You will be awarded additional discounts based upon the dollar amount of options you selected.

Also, you might figure out what your final z travel and clearance will be with the trunion installed to make sure it still fits your needs. If I recall correctly, there may be an option to increase z axis travel. More $$ of course, but it's yours that I am spending.

Should be a very capable package though.

Almost forgot, make sure you still have a place to mount the Renishaw tool setter with the trunion installed.
Your local sales rep should be able to help you figure out these details. Make him/her work for the sale.

[underthetire]

I dont see a spindle chiller in there. If running at max RPM all the time, i would check that out.

Honestly, other companies make small 5 axis mills, some are even in that price range, and are built as a 5 axis, not bolt on options.

[SBC Cycle]

Well, there you go. The probe and the PCool were some of my worries about cramming too much into a tight space.

Not that money is busting from the seams but my initial cost is not a great concern. Having a machine that will make nice parts and be versatile (I won't have much other equipment to work with so I have to be creative). Like you say, what I've priced out should be very capable on paper.

The VF1 has that extra clearance (at least on Z) but oddly has a smaller table. Again though, not sure if I can meet the additional power requirements anyway without a lot of headaches. I also don't know if my concrete can take the extra 3000 odd pounds.

[SBC Cycle]

I dont see a spindle chiller in there. If running at max RPM all the time, i would check that out.

Honestly, other companies make small 5 axis mills, some are even in that price range, and are built as a 5 axis, not bolt on options.

That's exactly why I ask (I may make another thread in a less brand specific forum). I'm going 5 axis because all the aluminum parts I'm going to run require 5-6 setups in a 3 axis machine. With the extra tools in the SMTC (and the rotary) I can knock almost all of them down to 2.

I figured with an option of pulling the 85 lb rotary I can bolt a vise to the table if I need a sturdier setup for stainless and carbon steel parts. Versatility is nice but I don't want to pound a square peg into a round hole, is my thinking flawed?

EDIT: Oh, and I will be running about 7-8000 RPM, 4-5 hours at a time and only peaking at 10k for short periods. The air/oil not quite enough?
EDIT2: Rut, roh. I guess the spindle is now a grease packed. Hmmm. This changes things greatly.