Anyone have the Mikini 4th axis?

[BPR]

Mike, had a long talk with Phil today and he told me that they are receiving a shipment and will have stock in a few days. He assured me that mine would ship with the mill. I also got a PDF Spec sheet of the rotary table, and I agree it should be posted on their website. I took a leap of faith when I ordered mine assuming it would be up to the same standards that Mikini has with its 1610L.

I looked at the Tormach, and aside from being nice looking it looks lightweight. Actually, it is 24 pounds lighter, half the speed, and uses a NEMA 23 stepper vs a 34. The other noteworthy thing is that the Tormach has manual locks and Mikini's needs none.

Tormach makes a decent mill, but I think it is more in the hobby / school class than the Mikini. And to their credit, I don't think they imply otherwise. While the Mikini is certainly not a production CNC center, it seems capable of doing any precision R&D work. Also, Tormach has one of the best websites that I have seen next to GMT.

[mcphill]

I also think the Mikini is a better machine - that's why I bought on. I am a hobbyist, though, and don't actually "need" a 4th axis at all (to be fully clear, I haven't even cut anything "real" on my Mikini yet - shame, Shame, SHAME! ; ). The lower price and lower "duty" of the Tormach should be fine for me, until I find a heavier duty "need". That said, it won't be plug and play either, and the LAST thing I need is another project to add to the "not done" list...

I guess I will hold off for a while until I see a reasonable need for a 4th, and make a call then. In the mean time, you guys get your machines in and tell me how good they are!!!

[mcphill]

I did receive a full refund check from Phil yesterday, along with a couple "freebies" to make up for the long delay. He also said he noted that I would get free shipping if I decide to order one in the future.

[dirtridn2010]

I also think the Mikini is a better machine - that's why I bought on. I am a hobbyist, though, and don't actually "need" a 4th axis at all (to be fully clear, I haven't even cut anything "real" on my Mikini yet - shame, Shame, SHAME! ; ). The lower price and lower "duty" of the Tormach should be fine for me, until I find a heavier duty "need". That said, it won't be plug and play either, and the LAST thing I need is another project to add to the "not done" list...

I guess I will hold off for a while until I see a reasonable need for a 4th, and make a call then. In the mean time, you guys get your machines in and tell me how good they are!!!

I too have spoken (by email) to Phil (is he the only one that works there?) and he is very forthcoming with info. he has always replied with in 24 hours. He sent me some 4th axis stuff. the same one as in this forum. It looks very good, and it appears that it can be used as a rotary table. Not too many application for a rotary table on a CNC mill though. Given that the vast majority of things that could be accomplished on the rotary table could be accomplished with a little bit of programming and pocketing ops. still I like it. I'm looking to use as shown and make my own fixture to adapt my parts to it for machining. Regards Peter (dirtridn2010)