I currently have a PM25 mill and have decided to get one a little larger. I have been looking at these two mills from Matt. Does anyone have any experience with either one of them or any thoughts on them. Trying to decide on which one to get. Thanks
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Pm836s/ Pm450g
- Thread starter KenL
- Start date
Good point. Just went back and checked the head moves 90 degrees right or left. Is this what you are referring to?
Last edited:
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2013
- Messages
- 858
The head tilts (left and right), but doesn't nod (up and down).
The downside here is that it complicates tramming the table perfectly. Although, theoretically you would shim it so it is perfect, and never touch it again.
Having a head that nods only enables some specialty cuts that you would do once in a blue moon... or never.
The really important difference between the 935 and the 836 is that the 935 is made in Taiwan, and probably is significantly higher quality than the 836.
But back OT, given the choice between a square column mill or a knee mill, there is no competition. The knee mill is way easier to use and more flexible for different setups, and is easier to get more precision cuts with. Go for the knee mill. The 935 if you can swing it (only $1500 more with shipping), but if not, than definitely the 836 (I would buy the 935).
The downside here is that it complicates tramming the table perfectly. Although, theoretically you would shim it so it is perfect, and never touch it again.
Having a head that nods only enables some specialty cuts that you would do once in a blue moon... or never.
The really important difference between the 935 and the 836 is that the 935 is made in Taiwan, and probably is significantly higher quality than the 836.
But back OT, given the choice between a square column mill or a knee mill, there is no competition. The knee mill is way easier to use and more flexible for different setups, and is easier to get more precision cuts with. Go for the knee mill. The 935 if you can swing it (only $1500 more with shipping), but if not, than definitely the 836 (I would buy the 935).
I have been back and forth on this. The 836s that I am looking at is a China made knee mill. The one I priced is a three phase machine. I am find with that just put a VFD on it. The Pm 450g is a close tolerance Taiwan mill.
The difference in cost would go along way on setting the 450 up with DRO. I just can't help thinking the 450g is a better made mill. Any thoughts. I have actually ordered the 450 but have till morning to confirm. Sitting on the fence here? LOL
The difference in cost would go along way on setting the 450 up with DRO. I just can't help thinking the 450g is a better made mill. Any thoughts. I have actually ordered the 450 but have till morning to confirm. Sitting on the fence here? LOL
I have decided to go with the PM450G. Thanks for the replys. I certainly understand the pro and cons of each but I think this one will meet my needs and make a good mill for me. It will be a good replacement for the PM25 that I had. Looking forward to getting it and start setting it up with mods.
I don't think it is a new one. He had two left in stock which I bought one of them. I believe I understoodit him to say once these two were gone that was it. I think the PM 932 May be its replacement. It is very similar to the 932 in size but it doesn't come with power feed, power head and quill dro. More of a basic machine. But it comes from Taiwan not China and is suppose to be a better quality build. It weights 950 lbs. pretty solid machine. I have a power feed for it and I will probably put 3 axis DRO on it.
Here is a picture of the PM 450g