Trying to decide on whether to sell my full size BP clone and get a LMS mill or keep it. What are everyone's thoughts?
Depends on what you intend to use the mill(s) for. If your BP clone already has all needed tooling (is there enough "needed" tooling?) and is functional, I'd keep it. Reasons:
- Since its more rigid, it is faster, due to being able to take deeper cuts.
- It has more table room than the mini mills.
- In theory, it should be a bit more accurate, especially in the Z axis.
- Moving it will be a distraction from whatever projects you have going.
- Its likely paid for and already set up.
- You're likely comfortable with its operation. Changing from a moveable knee to a moving head on the Z axis may take some getting used to.
Assuming you have R-8 collects already, the LBS mini mill would be easy to set up, but budget for the air shock, electronic speed read out, and powered Y axis. You might also want DRO on all three axis. Will your existing milling vise(s) (and rotary table, if you have one) fit on the mini mill.
The mini mill does take up less space, but has no stand of its own. Once the minor upgrades and issues are worked out, the LBS mini mill is an amazing piece of equipment, very slick and easy to operate. Much as I like it, if I had the room, I'd opt for a BP or BP clone, due to being a bit less limited as far as size of workpiece is concerned. Since I do NOT have the room, that option is forever closed to me, and so far has not been an issue for me. The mini mill can also be moved by one person, if that matters.
Of course, if money is no object, having both would be really choice! :thinking: