Best purchase?

[cnc@52]

Haas, Hurco, or Milltronics VMC(~50x, 30y, 25z) that is the question?

[Piobaire]

I've a Hurco VM1 + SolidCAM and are very happy with it.

I think it's depended what you want to do, how and which options. If you use CAM then Conversional programing are not that important. Hurco are very strong in conversional programing.

If you want to ad 4:th or even 5:th axis I recomend Haas as they've more options to ad a rotary table, even it's expencive.

If money is concern I think you'll get more machine and performace / $ on a Hurco. If you want slightly better performance you could find it on a Haas, but then it cost quite alot.

Look at ebay for a used Haas, maybe could be a alternative? The rest value on a Haas is probably a little bit better, if and when you sell it.

All this is personal opinions and toughts.

[ewest]

We have a Milltronics VKM3 - It's smaller than what you're looking for, but this particular unit isn't too impressive, particularly the spindle (OK I know it's a knee mill) but they barely hardened the taper, if at all, the control will spontaneously error out, it's excessively noisy, etc. Now, I know it's one of their cheaper offerings, but it's kind of left me with a bad image of the product. Maybe the bigger, more high end units are better, but I'd have to really get a chance to use one before I'd spend my money on another Milltronics.

Andy

[cnc@52]

Andy,

What year and version of the control do you have?

[cadman@teluspla]

I guess it depends on what you plan to machine and how many hours per day your machine will run.
The hurco line is a great machine, so is the Haas, we run a Haas VF4, the only problems have been small, and taken care of quickly.
The envelope you are looking for is large, your best value might be the Haas
if the work you do is not alot of heavy hogging.
For heavier work my choice would be the Hurco.

[cnc-solution.]

all those machines are very light weight machines. What are you trying to machine? If you are cutting steel, I would not recomend any of those machines. I would also recomend a machine with a Fanuc control.

[journeyonline]

I do work for many medium size production shops that have Haas and Milltronics. The difference is easy to spot just by looking at the machines up close. Haas is a far better built machine they rarely need servicing and run very accurate for many years. The Milltronices is cheaper and that is easy to see by looking at details on the machine like the tool holders for example. You pay for what you get. The Milltronics need much more servicing and the cost for that will most likely pay the EXTRA to buy a better built mill like a Haas. Some guys may tell you that they love there Milltronics but from my experiences they’d rather avoid down time and service cost and just keep cutting chips.

Best wishes on your machine

[ewest]

my Milltronics is 5 years or so old, and has a Centurion 6 control.

Andy

[jackson]

I have 4 Haas Mills and they are pretty good machines i would say they are light to medium duty machine if i need to take big cuts i put the job on my Mori. I have not looked at the Millatronic so i cant say much the Hurco seems to be a well built Machine i just didnt care for the control but another Machine you may want to look into is the Sharp i have herd good things and they are pretty reasonable in price

[bajaranger]

I only have experience with Haas machines but i can say i have never been disappointed. There quality is superb. I can say they are great for aluminum and easier to machine materials. I have often heard they arent heavy duty enough for heavy steel or titanium machining and i would have to agree. Overall they are really good for the money. I curently have a Haas super mini mill and a VF3. The VF series are a really good machine, the mini isnt quite as rugged but still a great small part machine. Also check your service area, one great benefit of Haas is the great customer service especially if you are in southern california. I would recommend a VF2 or VF3. Hope that helps.

[idaho psycho]

The first cnc I purchased was a 1980 1440 bostomatic. It has 40x and 14y with
16 in z, although it actually won't travel to z0.0 it you start it a 16.00 It has been a great machine. I paid $6000.00 for it delivered from New Jersey in 2004. There have been a few minor problems, but nothing too serious. It has paid for itself numerous times. It has a 5hp 4k spindle, but no tool changer. I have come to the point now where I need a machine with a tool changer, so now I'm leasing a 1991 fadal vmc 40 with x22 y16 z20. It has a 10hp 10k spindle. Also it has a 21 position tool changer. Around here asking the difference between fadal and haas is like asking if you prefer republicans or democrats. There are nay sayers on both sides. I guess my only advice would be to make sure whatever you purchase was under power recently, if not when you actually purchase it. Gremlins seem to multiply with sitting around. I can only recommend getting a cnc machine. It has been one the more fun and productive things I have done. Good luck with your purchase.

[jahl69]

Never used the Hass or Hurco, Have a Romi that we use daily to mill 1 1/4 thick Hot rolled 16 hours a day, five days a week for the last two years! Not cheap nowdays we are looking at a second one this fall, and looking at other Name Brands!