CNC Ready Mill

[LtFransky]

I have been doing some preliminary shopping for a mill, and I've seen a few different options. I was initially interested in the Sieg Mini (busy bee = $799Cdn), but after doing some research I found the Sherline 8-way CNC-ready mill for $1600Cdn, this can also be used as a lathe (apparently).

I'm not sure how much it costs to make the Sieg CNC-ready (following the FigNoggle plans), but would the Sherline be worth the added cost? I would guess that I'd be looking at ~$400 + new skills to convert it, and that would put me in the ball-park for the Sherline.

Are the extra 4 axis + convenience + made in the USA + lathe capability worth the $800Cdn? I plan on using it mostly for hobby/home projects including computer parts, model car pieces, jewelery, model engines, etc.

Opinions Please!!

[LtFransky]

????

59 views and NO opinions? C'mon internets, don't disappoint

[fretsman]

Originally Posted by LtFransky ???? 59 views and NO opinions? C'mon internets, don't disappoint

Possibly because you put this in the Mini-Lathe area?

Just a thought?

Dave

[Crevice Reamer]

Hi LT! That Sherline sounds good--But it is a nightmare to keep in tram. NOT RECOMMENDED for a beginner.

For $1700 USD, you could have the slightly more powerful and rigid Taig/Gecko from Deepgroove1:

http://deepgroove1.com/cncmill.htm

Don't buy the $1550 version though--The controller is problematic.

CR.

[LtFransky]

Crap, I just found that the chuck on the sherline is only 1/4". That's too small I think.

[vlmarshall]

Sherline mills are best when you NEED a small machine, so the .250" max collet size isn't always an issue.

A2Zcnc makes toolholders for the Sherline that fit the threaded spindle nose, in sizes up to .500" and secure the endmill with a setscrew. I've only bought two of them so far, a .500" that runs out .0006", and a .375" with .003" runout... I'll probably be using that one for edgefinders only. Still, they aren't bad at $20, it's nice to be able to change tools without losing tool height offsets.


Sherline makes some tooling for covering a bigger area, a flycutter, a boring head, and a carbide insert single-flute facemill/flycutter, that fits the spindle taper and works really well.

It all depends on what you want to DO with your mill, really. The 8-way Sherline is interesting, but I think it'd be less rigid than my standard Sherline.

[Hokan]

I noticed IM Service has a quick/rapid tool change ER setup anyone know anything about it? Taig compatable too? Couldn't find any mention of it here and google/yahoo didn't turn anything up as far as reviews. I was searching for goodies and found them after seeing several companies offering versions/price ranges like A2Zcnc's endmill holders.

[vlmarshall]

There have been several threads about the IMservice quick-change, I think they were in the router area. It sure looks like a nice toolholder system, the tapers remind me of an old Snap-Change system on a Bridgeport we had at the shop. They didn't have much to prevent the taper from spinning in the spindle, but I don't remember spinning any.

As a note to my above post mentioning A2Zcnc's toolholders, I've got the runout sorted out, and I WILL be buying more of those soon.