MOST CURRENT ANSWER?

[Imacman]

Hi guys.. I know this has been asked a million times, and I apologize for the repetition...., but it seems products keep changing and new ones appearing ( old ones showing true colors etc .). So my question is simple... I want to purchase a vertical mini mill that I can convert to CNC Later...my budget is $1500.... I have looked at these brands.. Sieg, Taig, Proxxon, and Sherline.... one thing i can say is I saw a Seig X (1 or 2 I think) locally... was on sale for $799...but it looked pretty bad...so the date being July 25, 2010..... what should I buy.... I mostly want to work with aluminum, plastics and woods...steel would be a bonus.....

So far the sherline impresses me most as I can get one CNC ready ( just add motors & controller etc.) I should also say that the little proxxon is pretty tidy looking...although on the small side.

I am in the process of a 30 X 50ish router table aluminum build using parts from George in Toronto, so I think a mill will help, and give me some good experience. Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

I knew I'd be getting a vertical mill at some point... so it's just as well to get it now.

Paul

Newfoundland

[awerby]

come either CNC-ready or CNC-equipped. Converting a Seig or a Proxxon takes a bit of work - it's good if you have access to a mill on which to do it. Most people say that the Chinese mini-mills are somewhat variable in quality, and need some effort to get running accurately as CNC machines. The Proxxon has a nice built-in spindle but it's really small; the working area is about 1 inch by 2 1/2". If you're a jeweler, it might be worth considering, though.

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com

[knudsen]

Sherlines are sweet machines, but you better have a lot of time on your hands if you want to even machine Al.

IMHO: You best bet is something like this: http://www.grizzly.com/products/Dril...th-Stand/G0704 Whatever is available in Newfoundland, spend the rest on tooling and run it by hand while you learn and save the money for CNC. If you can run it by hand, you'll be a better CNCer. As long as it's decent quality, you won't regret getting a larger machine.

Edit: I was typing while Andrew posted. I don't do CNC (yet) so his word should weigh more heavily than mine. On the x1 or or x2, they would be right priced at about $200. This from an x2 owner. I don't hate it, but I wouldn't pay anymore than that today, with the bigger, better options on imports. For reference, I think I paid under $400 and no shipping fees, as I was able to pick up at the store. Oh, and it is totally valid to ask the question again. Not only there are many more options today, there is much more real life experience running the old x models, taigs, etc.

[Imacman]

Thanks You guys, that was easy! Knudsen.... I really like the look of that machine, the price is great and they do ship to Canada!.... Based on my searching...it's going to be tough to beat the looks & price of that machine..SOLD!!!.... anything I should know?.. easy CNC conversion down the road?

Thanks!

Paul

Newfoundland

[Imacman]

WOW.... Just finished a quick read on this machine.... Nothing even comes close to this ( Bonus stand included all for about $1000 ) the other machines I've looked at weigh in at about 40-60 lbs... this one is almost 300!... that in itself speaks volumes IMHO.... Gotta say I'm pretty excited now!...and almost $500 left in the budget to spend on 'Stuff" for it!....You've made my whole week Knudsen!... thank you very much!. ( Please ignore nasty letters that may show up from wifey!..lol.. Just kidding.. )


Paul

Newfoundland

[knudsen]

Happy to help

Just look one forum up, several threads going, just look for G0704 in the titles: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/benchtop_machines/

Maybe e-mail Grizzly about shipping to you? I've not ordered from them myself. Does busy bee have that model?

[Imacman]

Hi all... thanks again for the suggestions and information... I just ordered the Grizzly G0704... based on what I've read, it's a great price on a great starting machine for my little backyard hobbyshop. I think they are selling fast ( ie back ordered )... they're going to call me back in 2 - 3 hours to give me the bad news of exactly how long it's going to take to actually ship the machine. Really appreciate the tip Knudsen.... i think it's exactly what I need. I will take your advice and learn manual usage on it, then later do the CNC conversion. Oh... the questions to come...lol

Cheers

Paul

Newfoundland

[knudsen]

Hey, that's great! Glad they ship to the Great White North. Our closest neighbor, Canada, and it cost more to ship to/from there than commy countries in Asia. What a shame. Shame on our governments. Anyway, I hope it works out well, I'm sure it will, and just fire away with questions. I'm no expert, but I still have all my fingers. Well, I still have ten fingers, and now, no one makes fun of the second thumb I had.

When I get some time, before the mill arrives, I'll look up some free on-line reading for you, aye.

[cyclestart]

It looks like the deal is done and the reports on the 704 have been very good. I am curious if you compared prices with MachineToolsWarehouse. His prices are plenty competitive and in Canadian dollars.. I have an X2 but have a MTW MD001 on the way. Why are X2's priced so much higher in Canada ? Hard to understand, even MTW asks $749.

edit/ the X2 at MTW is a SX2, similar (identical ?) to the machine offered at LittleMachineShop for $650. Very good deal compared to $799 for a standard X2 at that chain store (guessing it was at Princess)

[mwood3]

+1 for the G0704, just got mine today and the fit and finish are both excellent!!

Just a couple notes that gave me a little snag...pay attention to the way you mount the chip/drip pan, i set mine backwards...the column should clear and the Y axis handle should extend out past the chip tray. also take the time to pull the head off, I found a bugger hiding in mine in the form or the knock out for what appears to be the access hole...easy to take off though...back out the head retaining set screw on the right side of the head(just behind the quill handle) place a large block of wood on the table to protect it, turn the head on the side, quill handle up the lower it till it touches the wood. remove both center bolts on the underneath of the casting, and wiggle the head off.

Hope this helps and looking forward to seeing your review of the G0704 as well