IH VS lathemaster mill

[outlaw paintbal]

Hey guys i was wanting to know what the differance in these two mills are that make up the 700$ differance?
http://www.lathemaster.com/HEAVYDUTY...E%207045FG.htm
to me all the specs look the same would some one please let me know what the IH mill has that im missing looking to order a mill before the end of the week and just want to make sure i choose the best mill.

[WhiteTiger]

IH= 950 lb, 30x12 table travel. Lathemaster= 730 lb, 21 1/4x 7 1/2 travels.

220 lbs of cast iron difference, and a bigger work envelope. I suspect the IH has heavier main castings, as the table size shouldn't account for all of the 220 lb weight difference.

Yup, just had a look and the IH specifies ribbed column and base.


Tiger

[Runner4404spd]

i was going to post a very similar thread about the IH and the wholesale tool model as i'm looking to pick one up in the near future. is there a difference in terms of functionality or is it just the envelope dimensions that are larger on the IH?

[Randall]

Yes the larger work area and maybe a stiffer machine than what lathemaster offers. If you only plan to use manually I might lean toward Lathemaster and you dont need the longer travels. But if you think you might go cnc I would go toward IND Hobbies mill. I sure there are people here with more info to offer.
Randy

[Runner4404spd]

well i just bought an Industrial hobbies model. since the sale ended yesterday i did the web order and they accepted the $2100 price. hopefully its as good as they claim and i will post first hand info on it when it arrives. i can't wait to use it. i will be converting my RF-25 model to cnc in the next few months and it will be nice to have another mill around to do the work on.

[outlaw paintbal]

Thanks for the info guys......What is it about the Lathemaster that you think makes it a better machine? To me you would want a manaul machine to be just as siff as a cnc machine for cnc? I'm new to cnc so im sorry if i am asking dumb questions.Thanks for the help guys...

[Randall]

Cost and maybe the Z axis lift is the only real benefit of the lathemaster over the indutrial hobbies.
Randy

[JRouche]

Originally Posted by outlaw paintbal What is it about the Lathemaster that you think makes it a better machine?

Dont think they are a better machine unless your budget describes so. Both similar in design. The IH has a larger working area, hardened gear set, other than that I think they are the same machine. Oh yeah, cept the color Both real nice rigs.... JRouche

[MikeAber]

I would try to find someone with a lathemaster mill and make some comparisons with quill runout and the condition of the way surfaces.

I purchased my IH mill when they were $1700. The way surfaces X,Y, and Z are very rough and runout of the quill is about .020" in 1" travel. The table surface is not flat with dips and twists in the surface. The IH mill is a bigger machine in capability; however, it may not have a larger working envelope that is accurate.

The extra Z Axis column height and X Axis table length make the IH mill heavier. The extra height actually works against the rigidity of the head (longer lever) and the longer table works against the table staying flat under the mill head when the other end is hanging out there (longer lever again).


Unless the IH mill's quality has improved significantly, I wouldn't purchase this machine again. If the Lathemaster mill has similar characteristics I would save the $700.

This is no reflection on Aaron, his support has been excellent.

Mike

[Randall]

Mike
I think the increase in price maybe related to better qaulity control but mine travels well o bumps or rough spots. I have not checked the flatness of the table.
Randy

[ViperTX]

I suspect that MikeAbner's experience is probably still valid...just a guess....it would be nice to hear from some new IH owners.....a new shipment was due in early March....

[Runner4404spd]

i will have mine next week and it should set up the week after that. i will be more than will to dimension and indicate anything that people want to see. you just have to let me know. bset bet is to make me a list and i'll see what i can do. i spoke with someone who works at IH and they told me that alot of people are using these for alot of higher end CNC, so i have a hard time believing the machine can be that sloppy and i sure their quality control is better now.