Craftex CX601 Milling Machine (Busy Bee)

Yep, these units come out of the same factory (like many other machines) with a handful of various customizations. As mentioned earlier, the PM comes with an authentic KB speed cable. This may sound trivial but other importers use a generic brand that has a reported lifetime of a fruitfly (about 2 weeks) in many cases. The cable is a pain to get at and if it goes bad, things won't work right. Also, the KB cable allows easy modification to external speed controls etc... The moral of the story is that the machines are similar but not identical. It depends on the relationship between the imorter and Weiss.


Ray

Many thanx for the info on the various lathes. I did a comparison with the Weiss WMD30V & 30LV to the PM-30V to the Craftex CX601. I did a spreadsheet comparison but, as I don't know how to upload the spreadsheet, you'll have to settle for a graphic image.
View attachment 59490

Aside from the fact that tables can be changed, add a few bolts here and there, remove a couple of lock washers, it seems as if the Craftex CX601 and the Precision Matthews PM-30V are knockoffs of a cross between the Weiss WMD30V and 30LV. As Ray C points out, there is probably a 1-to-1 comparison between the Weiss WMD30LV and the Precision Matthews PM-30LV, even to the extent of model-naming conventions (I couldn't find the specs for the PM-30MVL so I couldn't compare).

I couldn't find a similar model in the Grizzly catalogue so I couldn't compare. If someone can direct me to a similar model I will add it to the comparison.

Yes, the Busy Bee gang here in Ottawa are very friendly. I'm also fortunate in belonging to a very informal group of machinists who I've learned a lot from and who have helped me out. It greatly helps if you can latch on to a "Jedi Master" or two.

Put a large deposit on the CX601. Now I have to build a "sled" (with wheels) so that I can winch it up the back stairs and down into the basement. It worked very well when I got my Craftex B2227L 10"x 22" metal lathe so, with a few modifications to the process, I think I should be able to do the same with the CX601.

Bob M.
 
Hello Ray. Don't know exactly what you mean by a "KB cable". Can you enlighten me? How specifically does this help the situation? How would I recognize it if I were to see one?

Sorry for the simplistic questions but I'm new to this area of milling machines and I'm trying to soak up as much as I can.

Bob M.
 
Many thanx for the info on the various lathes. I did a comparison with the Weiss WMD30V & 30LV to the PM-30V to the Craftex CX601. I did a spreadsheet comparison but, as I don't know how to upload the spreadsheet, you'll have to settle for a graphic image.
View attachment 59490

Aside from the fact that tables can be changed, add a few bolts here and there, remove a couple of lock washers, it seems as if the Craftex CX601 and the Precision Matthews PM-30V are knockoffs of a cross between the Weiss WMD30V and 30LV. As Ray C points out, there is probably a 1-to-1 comparison between the Weiss WMD30LV and the Precision Matthews PM-30LV, even to the extent of model-naming conventions (I couldn't find the specs for the PM-30MVL so I couldn't compare).

I couldn't find a similar model in the Grizzly catalogue so I couldn't compare. If someone can direct me to a similar model I will add it to the comparison.

Yes, the Busy Bee gang here in Ottawa are very friendly. I'm also fortunate in belonging to a very informal group of machinists who I've learned a lot from and who have helped me out. It greatly helps if you can latch on to a "Jedi Master" or two.

Put a large deposit on the CX601. Now I have to build a "sled" (with wheels) so that I can winch it up the back stairs and down into the basement. It worked very well when I got my Craftex B2227L 10"x 22" metal lathe so, with a few modifications to the process, I think I should be able to do the same with the CX601.

Bob M.
Bob:
One thing you might try, I found this trick over at Mini-Lathe.com
I built a ramp which I built for my basement stairs, which is also use from the tail gate of my pick up.
The ramp is built of 2x4 rails and 3/4 inch plywood base.
I then went to Princess Auto and located a Marine Winch which has power release and Power take up.
This allows me to raise or lower anything on the ramp. ie I can pull up or down the ramp with safety.
With the Ramp using the 2x4 ad the guide rails I mount the machine securely on a dolly and then pull up the ramp or lower down the ramp. once in the basement then I can use either the hadraulic lift cart or the engine hoist to lift the machine onto it base mount.
It allows me to do all the functions solo but for safety reason I usually have a friend to assist.
I am sure you will be happy with your choose.
 
Those units have a DC motor and the tachometer signals are delivered over a cable called a KB-cable (named after the manufacturer). If you later decide to control the speed with an off-board setup, the KB-cable is used to connect the signals. The clone KB-cables are notorious for bad connection and signal quality and is the reason many folks have difficulties with reading the tachometer read-out on the units that have LED tachs. Matt learned this a long time ago and he sources genuine KB-cables to the factory for intallation at time of manufacture.

There was another fellow on this list with a non PM machine who was complaining about his LED tach not working properly. I happen to mention this to Matt and he told me the scoop about the KB-cable. The genuine KB cables are kinda expensive BTW...



Ray

Yep, these units come out of the same factory (like many other machines) with a handful of various customizations. As mentioned earlier, the PM comes with an authentic KB speed cable. This may sound trivial but other importers use a generic brand that has a reported lifetime of a fruitfly (about 2 weeks) in many cases. The cable is a pain to get at and if it goes bad, things won't work right. Also, the KB cable allows easy modification to external speed controls etc... The moral of the story is that the machines are similar but not identical. It depends on the relationship between the imorter and Weiss.


Ray
 
I've had CX601 for about a year now and am happy with it. I have added a DRO and the X axis power feed to the table which has made it very nice to use. I'd say it's a pretty decent machine for my needs. I can't honestly offer a comparison evaluation to any other mills as this is the only mill I've ever used. Most of my work is with aluminum or plastics, so the capabilities of the machine are well suited for me. I have done some steel milling and it still seems to do just fine, but I'm usually cautious with the amount of material I remove. I've had no problems with the machine so far.

Hello "BMW Rider".... I'm considering purchasing the CX601 too. What DRO did you get, 2/3Axis?, and from what supplier? How did the installation go?
BTW.. I presume BMW, means a motorcycle. I'm a Goldwing rider, love it.
 
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