Need advice on a new knee Mill

[mxtras]

Not me, but I am sure they would be happy to demo it for you.

Make sure you discuss support and service charges before purchase. Perhaps ask to speak to previous customers - many times the company will have a few happy customers that don't mind to answer a few questions.

I think the main issue would be the control - the machine itself is a proven, basic design (BP copy maybe with box ways) so the primary focus should be the quality of control and the availability of immediate service should something fail first thing on a Monday morning. It looks like a decent machine to me but I would suggest that you also look into a refurbished VMC since it's just about in your budget. You would probably get more mileage out of a VMC (tool changer) but I don't really know exactly what you are doing, how you operate, etc, etc.

Scott

[lakeside]

One Question You Should Ask Is What Is The Baud Rate And Memory Of Controller If You Have A SmalL Memory With A Slow Baud Rate Your Upload Time From Pc Could Be Longer Than Cycle Time On Long Files

[mxtras]

I could be wrong but it looks to me that their controller is PC based - I did not look at it that closely and that is just a guess, though.

Scott

[single phase]

Mike

If you are near Memphis that is to your advantage. Any big city like that will have a couple large used machinery dealers. Go visit them. Tell them what you want to do and how much money you have.

For $15K to $20K you will see lots of VMCs that have tool changers and lots of years of life left. As I see it Mike if you had a machine with a tool changer with CAT40 you would soon learn why it is so much easier to use. It makes you want to play more and try different things.

Your comment about used machines usually having something wrong with them is generally true. However, you just might happen upon the perfect used machine that "just came in" and was sold for reasons other than it was broken. It happens all the time. Do not be afraid to ask about the machines history.

Cheers
Dave

[single phase]

If you could win a machine like this for $12,000 you would be all set. You need $4000 for a PP phase converter and $2000 for rigging it in to your shop. And some money to by a couple tool holders to get you started.

http://cgi.ebay.com/KITAMURA-MYCENTE...QQcmdZViewItem