acra cnc to haas super mini

[metlcutr55]

i am contemplating a move to replace my aging acra (bridgeport clone) 3 axis cnc mill with a haas super mini mill. id like to hear from others who have made the same type move, no need to address the obvious, ie, closed machine, tool changer, yada. i wonder if there is any down side to this move. thanks.

[Geof]

I have several Haas Super MiniMills and MiniMills and the only downside I have found is the limited Z clearance; notice I say clearance, not travel.

The Z travel is 10 inches but this is measured starting with the spindle nose very close to the table; as soon as you have a vise in place and a tool holder in the spindle the full 10 inches is not available, it is only around 6 inches.

You can get a Z axis lift on the Super MiniMill which lifts the entire column and head by 4 inches. The travel stays at 10 inches but now because it is starting higher up you get more travel above vises, etc.

In addition with the Z lift it is possible to use the HRT210 rotary table on the Super MiniMill and this makes it a very versatile machine. Definitely your maximum part size is restricted with the 16 x 12 x 10 travels but the table is big enough you can do larger parts in two setups sometimes.