- Joined
- Nov 9, 2018
- Messages
- 377
I’m looking at buying a milling machine for my small shop, and I’m down to two choices. A new PM-932 or a used Enco 100-5200.
Which one is a better choice? Which one is more rigid?
These are both about the right size for me.
I’m sure many here are familiar with the PM-932. My concerns with it are the lack of a precision dial in the Z, and the backlash in the quill adjustment. I’m used to a Bridgeport where you have very precise control of the knee to adjust the depth, and only use the quill depth for rough adjustment. But it’s a new mill from a reputable company. The geared head is nice. I suppose for depth, I could just use an dial indicator between the head and table for fine adjustments.
My concerns with the Enco is that it’s 30 years old, and who knows what kind of shape. It’s a belt drive which is very annoying for speed changes. Is it worth the headache? It’s an 8x30 small knee mill, basically the same as the Grizzly G0731. I’ve found this used one on eBay for 1700.
I just used to have small grizzly round column mill which was effectively worthless for steel because the lack rigidity, and don’t get me started with the round column.
So, take a chance on a used one, or buy an new PM?
And a pic of the Enco
The PM932
Which one is a better choice? Which one is more rigid?
These are both about the right size for me.
I’m sure many here are familiar with the PM-932. My concerns with it are the lack of a precision dial in the Z, and the backlash in the quill adjustment. I’m used to a Bridgeport where you have very precise control of the knee to adjust the depth, and only use the quill depth for rough adjustment. But it’s a new mill from a reputable company. The geared head is nice. I suppose for depth, I could just use an dial indicator between the head and table for fine adjustments.
My concerns with the Enco is that it’s 30 years old, and who knows what kind of shape. It’s a belt drive which is very annoying for speed changes. Is it worth the headache? It’s an 8x30 small knee mill, basically the same as the Grizzly G0731. I’ve found this used one on eBay for 1700.
I just used to have small grizzly round column mill which was effectively worthless for steel because the lack rigidity, and don’t get me started with the round column.
So, take a chance on a used one, or buy an new PM?
And a pic of the Enco
The PM932