Best Center for Novice Machinist/Hobbyist

[psient]

Hi:

I was hoping that someone could comment on the best Kitamura for a beginning CNC owner/operator.

I will be machining bolt hole patterns, face milling, plate pattern finishing, on steel.

The environment would be comparable to a home machine shop.

Can anyone give me an idea of what I need to consider?

A mentor suggests Kitamura with either FAGOR or FANUC controls.

Thanks,

Jon

[scudzuki]

The one that is close enough to ship in good enough shape that you can afford and will fit in your shop.

Joe

[Bwana Don]

I would stick with the Fanuc control. I'm not familiar with the Fagor so I can't comment on parts availability. Fanuc is very popular and that usually means more parts and help is available. Is the Fagor am M code G code programming? M code, G code is easy to learn and tons of support around.

Kitamura is expensive to fix. They run good but parts are not cheap. We have a Kitamura (pallet changer) and a Fadal in our shop. If I was doing high production it would be Kitamura hands down. The Fadal is a solid machine for prototyping, easy to set up and run. Macros and canned cycles are a breeze, short runs or one offs, I'll take the Fadal. I've got 10 years on both machines side by side so take it for what it's worth. Fadal will be cheaper to buy and to fix but runs slower. If you make 1 piece who cares, it's your set up that takes the time.

You can't go wrong with the Kitamura. I'm sure you will get some people that prefer Kitamura's for proto-typing over Fadal. I won't argue with them, this is my opinion.

Don

[PhoenixMetal]

I've got to ask to begin with, do you have the necessary power (3 phase and of sufficient voltage and amperage) to run an industrial machine tool?

Regarding control type, I didn't even know they made them with Fagor controls. I only knew of them using Fanuc and Yasnac controls. Mine has Yasnac controls and they are perfectly reliable, and the G code is nearly identical to Fanuc.

[Eric MFG]

I'm a fan of Kitamura as well. If you buy a Kitamura go with Fanuc controls if you can. Fanuc parts are easy to find and tend to be cheap. Also Fanuc has great support even on older controllers.

Kitamura's have a high price tag but hold their value. For the price of a newer used Kitamura you can buy two almost new Haas machines.

The size, that depends on how big of parts you’re going to make.
Hogging steel go with something like 15HP Geared, BT40 spindle.