HAAS Minimill2 Reviews??

[Benji]

Anyone have one? I'd like to hear about it if possible. We are looking into getting one for machining small aluminum parts. I've got questions regarding:

-pouring a machine pad? Is it necessary with this small machine?
-Power to the machine (3 phase or Single phase). Single phase is a plus as we don't have 3 phase power in the building.
-Options you like from HAAS?

Thanks in advance!

[Gabe Newell]

I have a Super Mini Mill 2 for a home shop. The Renishaw probe is very nice.

I have 3 phase, so can't opine there.

I don't have a pad, but can't say I can give advice in that regard. I just don't have one.

[Geof]

Single phase reduces your maximum spindle power by about 25% I thiink.

You do not need a pad for the machine; these machines are small and rigid and do not even need to be levelled, you just need to make sure each adjustment screw is carrying a share of the weight.

Get Rigid tapping, I do not think this is included in the base machine.

A fourth axis is often very handy.

The high flow coolant pump is essential in my opinion.

Cannot think of anything else at the moment.

[Benji]

Thanks for the info. 3 phase sounds like the way to go for sure...

[TravisR100]

I've got a SMM2 in a home shop as well. I got the upgraded memory, high flow coolant pump, chip auger, pcool, and the probe.

I've never seen the standard flow coolant pump but the high flow is like a fire hose coming out of the pcool nozzle. I question the value of the upgraded memory since so far I run everything off of a USB stick.

The options I'd say I couldn't live without were the chip auger and the probe. I think it would be miserable having to constantly get chips out of the bottom. I managed to shatter a probe tip and so had to do without the probe for a day. Get the probe!

[TravisR100]

Also, I didn't have a choice about 3 phase on the SMM2. It's required. I just got a phase converter from American Rotary. After a small initial problem it works great. Cost on the phase converter was about $2K and then for installing it I was quoted $3200. My neighbor is an electrician and he and another guy got it done in a day for $1400.

[panaceabea]

man i need to go in the rotary conv instalation business.

I like the rigid tap, p-cool , memory upgrade and auger

[TravisR100]

That install on the rotary converter included a new breaker panel since I was out of space, all the wiring, a Square-D 3 phase disconnect switch, and an 8' grounding rod required by Haas.

[TravisR100]

I would think rigid tap would be a must as well. I didn't mention it since it's standard with the super. I still question the value of the memory upgrade since I'm running everything from a USB stick. Although my understanding is that you can't edit programs unless they are in memory. For any edits I go back to the computer anyway.

[Gabe Newell]

I also never use the memory upgrade.

[mactec54]

Hi Benji

The Mini-mill2 is single Phase or 3 phase mini-mill2S is only 3phase

The Mini-mill2 is a better machine than the Mini-mill The casting have more beef in them & they cut a lot better Get the extra 16Meg memory, ridge taping, & Early power detection module, side tool changer if you can swing it, all the others extras can be added later

If you need to get 3 phase power do it right, get a phase perfect, I have just put one in it works great & way better than any rotary phase convertor will ever be,The one I got is good for up to 96Amps output & was very easy to install photo attached

[mactec54]

TravisR100

Your program will run better in Memory they run slower from the USB that the reason for the extra 16meg you can put a lot in there I have not ever had to run from the USB & had some very large programs

If you have a job coding system then you can leave the program in the control Just call them up when you need them to do the job again