Which CNC Mill and what software?

[nervis1]

I'm not a machinist, just a hobby guy who has been down the same road you are starting on. I had lots of dissapointments, and lots of wasted money. I'm just trying to spare you some of that.

A mister can be a great asset, look at an ENCO, or Travers catalogue under coolant systems and you'll see what the different types are. ICON is right that misters can make a mess without an enclosure, it ends up all over the walls after a while. Lately microdrop systems have solved some of that, depends on what you use for coolant as well.

When I had my mill-drill converted I just used a single flood nozzle and small tank. I had a snaploc valve on the nozzle and just dialed it in so coolant stayed in the trough.

Another tip....take your time and look around, check out some auctions. You might find an early 90's Boss controlled Bridgeport for a song. Then you'd just have to replace the controller. (if you wanted to. ) with something a little more modern.

[nervis1]

http://www.rockfordballscrew.com/clonemil.htm

Check this link, in case whatever you buy doesn't come with ball screws.

[MaxxMan-X]

just went up yesterday and they are looking at a smithy granite something. (The good one) and the CNC package that you can get with it. I like it because it's a lathe and a mill. Are Smithys any good?

[tsutt]

if you want to do the wiring yourself I recommend Ajaxcnc.com it's really a centroid control. I put one on my miltronics partner 2 it works great. Todd

[Bloy2004]

If you are considering a 3in1 machine, also add the option of this machine....
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/forumd...s=&forumid=147
To see more threads there, remember to change "thread view" from 30 days to 100days in the box at the bottom of the forum.

..and more specifically what you may want to do to "refine" the initial purchase.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...&threadid=2139

All 3in1s have both advantages and "trade-offs", but with Shoptask's bridge/fifth support column, rigidity is maximized for this type of machine.

This was "entry level" for me and I based my decision on these factors...
I've got to add here though ...it is a hobby for me.

The main features of the Shoptask Bridgemill that finalized my decision to get it were ..
1. the quadralift ....allows great flexibility in height of the mill while still keeping the spindle operating well within the head.
2. Individual motors for lathe and mill
3. Included table/stand easily moveable with proper casters.
4. Integrated mechanisms for easier CNC setup/installation.
5. Driven tailstock(using carriage)
6. Price for what you get.

Do research...make inquiries