Just IN- Who makes the best CNC Mill for the money?

[Michael4yah]

I looked but couldnt find a thread where there was a runoff so to speak of CNC Vertical Mills. I think its fair to say that competition breeds better products and fair prices. Forgive me if this has been done before. I missed it. So having said that I'm looking for the best CNC vertical mill I can find for the specified dollar amount. 7K-8K, 8K-10K, 10K-12K, 12K-15K, 15K-20K, 20K-25K, 25K-30K, 30K-35K, Over 35K. Things to be agreed upon is that all machines are brand new without tooling or delivery. Warrantees can and should be listed. Tell us the important stuff like how much HP, Speed, Size of table Accuracy etc. Basically why you bought it. I am seriously looking for the best dollar value I can find. My intention is to use my machine on Aluminum prototypes and billet car parts and car suspensions parts. Please feel free to jump in here and tell us of your personal experiences and what they cost you as well as the Money Pit machines. This is not a place to vent as much as it is to pass along important pertinent advice. Those of us who are anticipating buying a new CNC Mill are anxious to hear from you. Its a buyers market right now and those who can get off the fence should get a pretty good product for the money. Also has anyone approached a company like Haas or Sharp with a group buy? Thanks for listening. Michael

[the mill kid]

I'm just going to throw you a couple of names I don't have all the specs and I am more of a mazak guy but in my travels I have talked to many and found that Haas makes the best machine for the money also you might want to check out Milltronics. Good luck.

[tobyaxis]

http://www.bpt.com/index.asp?pageID=64&cID=36

[Farmers Machine]

If you are doing prototypes and short run production, The Milltronics control is by far the easiest to program at the machine without having to have an $18,000.00 seat of Master CAM or Gibbs Cam.I have a mill and lathe bought new in 2001 and would not consider another brand because of the service dept instant help and 1 day delivery of parts in the rare event that you ever need them. crashes do happen.
good luck
The Farmer

[shay z]

your question is like asking what is the best car for the money and the answer is depends on your needs.

you need a different machine for snall aluminum parts and for a tankws turret.

[Michael4yah]

Thanks for the replies. I will look into the Milltronics. I've studied the HAAS a bit. Does anyone use a HAAS with an IPS system?

SHAY,
Most of the Suspension parts on my 427 Cobra are less than 20 "x 15" But Id like to experiment with some Aluminum manifolds for Weber carbs so they would go to 24" X 14". . Of course all these would be for 427 FE's Then theres the 9" IRS that I plan on using. Custom Rotor hats, Billet steering arms, Rear Uprights etc. Lots of interresting stuff but mostly out of Aluminum.
One question, when dealing with a part that is too long or wide for the existing travel to cover, how much of a hassle is it to move the part and continue?
Thanks < Michael

[scadvice]

For the top end of what your willing to pay and the fact that you are in the US i would have to say HAAS will give you the most for your money right now. US made fast repair service and I believe they have good finance programs right now. Miltronics, I know very little about so it I was you, I would talk to people who have them and how well they are working and serviced. Service is everything (almost). BTW - I don't own a HAAS but I've used them, saw them at the Westec show and they currently seem to be on the top of the heap right now.
If you were looking for a used machine I might change my comments to a used Mazak. If you were looking for a used machine and were willing to work on it, I might suggest a used Fadal.

Ask yourself this:

What can I pay if I'm going cash?

What can I pay if I put so much down and make payments?

Do I want a machining center (inclosed, tool changer, and ect)?

A open style machine like a knee mill with a CNC on it, change lots of tools messy, ect?

Do I want a new machine? ( We all do... but sometimes....)

Can I do better with good a used machine?

How many parts, setups, ect, complexity?

Have I planned out how I'm going to make my parts?

How am I going to program them, tool and fixture?

Steve

[shay z]

HAAS have very good prices now.

I bought pinnacle QV147 in october at 95,000$ when the HAAS VF3YT cost 110,000$.

when the crysis started they cut off their prices to 63,000$ but i'v already ordered the machine.