Thinking out loud

[wms]

Kong,
I say keep your head down and give it a go. You seem like you want to try this and I think you have a good attitude about it. You understand that it may or may not work out.
Heck I do all kinds of things that don't work out. But I sure learn a lot from trying. I also have a lot of fun. And yes it can be said that some times you end up throwing good money after bad, but hey some times it dosen't cost a whole lot to try.
Good luck which ever way you go.

[HuFlungDung]

Originally posted by kong
You can pick up similar machines over here for about £600. But with the talk of "massive" and "rigid", I'm left wondering what can be done with smaller machines, such as sherline and taig?

Massive and rigid are relative terms, but a drill spindle is crap for anything but drilling. Even a small metal lathe is rigid and massive enough for its size. To get the maximum return for your dollars invested, I'd recommend the mill/drill, because you will get a lot of enjoyment out of using it.

[MikeA]

I didn't notice the U.K. till I just logged back on. Part of my point is, even with the proper equipment, there is plenty of oppurtunity for doing and redoing, and then often redoing one more time, trust me! Any chance of stepping out to a local community colllege for a night class in machine shop work? At least a good understanding of how the machines feel, look, and sound when cutting right, will let you know in your own project whether it is you or the machine. Mike,

[kong]

Excellent point MikeA, and if not evening classes, I think I at least need to go and see these machines in action.

[lstool]

Well sounds like you really need a milling machine to build a milling machine. How we get ourselfs in these predicaments?

[kong]

How true!
I have taken everyones opinions wisely, and I am building a cnc router first. I really have no experience in either cnc or milling, so it should be a learning experiment.
On the other hand, i am still planning the mill, as my father offered me a rather large Sedgewick morticer which has heavy duty cast iron dovetail slides in the z and y axis, and should make a firm basis for a mill in the future.
i will report on the router table sometime next week, as it will have taken shape by then.