Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?


Results 1 to 16 of 16

Thread: Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    278
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

    Looking to get a CNC metal mill for a maker space. I used a Tormach 1100 at TechShop before they folded. Something that size would meet the needs but something with slightly more Y travel (Tormach is 9.5 inches) would be nice.

    Have a lead on a Milltronics MV17 but it isn't currently hooked up and needs some minor repairs. The fact that it hasn't been running recently has me a bit worried it may need more work and I don't want a huge project. The other issue is size and weight. 6000 lbs and approximately an 82" cube for size. Just moving this is going to be a serious job.

    What are the options in between these two examples with rough price? We will probably be going with a used machine and there is a person locally that rebuilds and sells machines but doesn't have anything like this right at the moment. I don't have much experience with these type machines but have a fair amount of experience with mechanical stuff. Set up LinuxCNC for a small desktop system. So we are willing to do some work, just don't want a complete rebuild or need to do continual work on a totally worn out machine.

    Any advice on this will be greatly appreciated.

    Similar Threads:


  2. #2
    Member Karl_T's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Dassel.MN
    Posts
    1542
    Downloads
    2
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

    Look around for a gently used HAAS. Try to stay under ten years old. LOTS of these have been sold sold there is a good supply of used machines. More importantly, service is easy to find.



  3. #3
    Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    278
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

    Quote Originally Posted by Karl_T View Post
    Look around for a gently used HAAS. Try to stay under ten years old. LOTS of these have been sold sold there is a good supply of used machines. More importantly, service is easy to find.
    Can you give me a ball park cost for something like this and maybe a typical model? I would like to look at the work envelope, weight, etc.



  4. #4
    Member Karl_T's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Dassel.MN
    Posts
    1542
    Downloads
    2
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?



  5. #5
    Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    278
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

    Those are a lot bigger than what I need or can deal with. I don't need to be able to put 1 ton on the table! Looking for something about 3000 lbs or less and max of $10,000.



  6. #6
    Community Moderator Jim Dawson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

    Would a Bridgeport style machine do what you want? There are machines that are slightly larger, the 3V and 4V class machines. They normally have a 10x54 table with a 32 x 12.5 work envelope, normally about 3200 - 3500 lbs.

    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA


  7. #7
    Registered
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    47
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default

    Look at the pm940, you can get it CNC equiped out the door and it's within your budget. Customer service is great as well. http://www.precisionmatthews.com/shop/pm-940m/



  8. #8
    Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    278
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

    Yes, a Bridgeport size machine would be fine and about the right size I think. That's a manageable weight. I hear that sometimes Boss machines can be found for a good deal with a bad control box. Adding a Linux CNC control box or something else might be an option for those. Can you provide a bit more detail on this option?

    I got a small PM Mathews manual mill for work and am pretty happy with it. I will check out the PM-940.



  9. #9
    Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    278
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

    Just checked out the PM site. When I click CNC mills it says nothing is available. Maybe a website issue?



  10. #10
    Community Moderator Jim Dawson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

    There are quite a few of the BP Boss machines around. Not much to a controls upgrade, especially if you can use the original motors and drives. All of the hard (and expensive) work is already done, you only need to hang a compatible controller on them. I just helped another Zone member upgrade his machine by phone and email. That particular machine had an Anilam controller and DC servos on it, so it was pretty much like my machine and I knew all of the little details. I don't know that much about the stepper driven machines, but there have been upgrades done on them also.

    I think that a PB Boss would be a good choice if you can find a deal on a machine that is in good mechanical condition.

    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA


  11. #11
    Registered
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    61
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim27 View Post
    Those are a lot bigger than what I need or can deal with. I don't need to be able to put 1 ton on the table! Looking for something about 3000 lbs or less and max of $10,000.
    Check out the Shopmaster-
    https://www.shopmasterusa.com/



  12. #12
    Registered
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    47
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim27 View Post
    Just checked out the PM site. When I click CNC mills it says nothing is available. Maybe a website issue?
    It's not listed on the website but if you contact Matt directly he can quote it for you. If you'd rather you can pm me your email and I'll send you the information although the price may be slightly different now, it's still well under your budget. You'll have funds left to stock up on tooling.



  13. #13
    Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    278
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Dawson View Post
    There are quite a few of the BP Boss machines around. Not much to a controls upgrade, especially if you can use the original motors and drives. All of the hard (and expensive) work is already done, you only need to hang a compatible controller on them. I just helped another Zone member upgrade his machine by phone and email. That particular machine had an Anilam controller and DC servos on it, so it was pretty much like my machine and I knew all of the little details. I don't know that much about the stepper driven machines, but there have been upgrades done on them also.

    I think that a PB Boss would be a good choice if you can find a deal on a machine that is in good mechanical condition.
    Any rough idea of price on a machine that needs a controller update? I realize this could vary a lot.



  14. #14
    Community Moderator Jim Dawson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim27 View Post
    Any rough idea of price on a machine that needs a controller update? I realize this could vary a lot.
    I have seen machines go for less than scrap price and up. I paid $1000 for my machine with a failing controller, it came out of the R&D shop of a large local manufacturer. Mechanically near new condition, got the old controller working with a $30 computer power supply. I could have picked up a Boss 5 stepper machine from a local guy for $500, but I didn't need another project at the time.

    Bottom line is you just have to look around and find a deal. I use Search Tempest to search all of Craigslist, Ebay, and Amazon with one mouse click. https://www.searchtempest.com/

    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA


  15. #15
    Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    278
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Dawson View Post
    I have seen machines go for less than scrap price and up. I paid $1000 for my machine with a failing controller, it came out of the R&D shop of a large local manufacturer. Mechanically near new condition, got the old controller working with a $30 computer power supply. I could have picked up a Boss 5 stepper machine from a local guy for $500, but I didn't need another project at the time.

    Bottom line is you just have to look around and find a deal. I use Search Tempest to search all of Craigslist, Ebay, and Amazon with one mouse click. https://www.searchtempest.com/

    Interesting. I am thinking we want coolant capability for milling steel (not the harder alloys) but I could be wrong. Practical to add to a BP? wondering if you have a coolant system on yours.



  16. #16
    Community Moderator Jim Dawson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

    I built my own ''Fog Buster'' style coolant system. Puts out fine droplets rather than a mist. I normally apply about 1/2 cup/hr, but it's adjustable up to almost flood. Since I do a lot of aluminum, I run kerosene in it, I don't like water based coolants. But works fine for steel also. Without a full enclosure, a flood coolant system is not practical.

    Coolant or not depends on the steel alloy you are running, mostly feed fast enough so the cutter isn't rubbing thus work hardening the material.

    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA


Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  


About CNCzone.com

    We are the largest and most active discussion forum for manufacturing industry. The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today!

Follow us on


Our Brands

Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?

Suggestions for mid-sized CNC machine?