Looking at a VF1 and need some advice

[kentdesautel13]

I'm currently running a Haas Super Mini Mill with a 15HP, 10,000 RPM 1,200 IPM

All of my work is 6061 alum bar stock,

most of my cutting is done with the RPM running in the 6,000 to 10,000 rpm
other than some 5/8" ball end mill roughing, most of the my cutting is a 1/4" ball end mill and also lots of detail cutting with a 2mm ball end mill

I'm looking at a second machine, and I've found a Haas VF-1B VMC, with a 20HP with a 2 speed gear box and 1,000 IPM....
the the issue is that its max RPM is 7,500

In your opinion would I be taking a step backwards by going with a machine that has a max of 7,500 RPM?

The things that I like about the machine is that added X,Y,Z movement, and the 20 spot tool changer, verses what I have on the mini mill.

Thanks,

Kent

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[Jim Dawson]

Based on your cutting needs, I would say the VF1 would not be a good fit. The only thing you gain is a larger work envelope. Your predominate cutter sizes would dictate a need for higher spindle speeds.

The Haas TM-2P with a 20 tool changer and 10K RPM spindle might be a better fit. We have a TM-2P with 20 tool changer but only a 6K RPM spindle and wish it was 10K, but we have never run out of spindle HP even at 7.5 HP. Like you our cutting is 90% 6061, with the rest SS. Most of our work is done with 3/8 to 5/8 endmills, with occasional use of 1.5'' face mills.

[kentdesautel13]

Thanks Jim....

That is some great advise... and exactly what I needed...

I may even consider a Haas Super Mini Mill 2 since my shop floor space is a bit limited..

Thanks again...

Kent