[Deals] Astra/CST L2 Milling machine

[Ben17484]

Hi All,

There’s an Astra L2 milling machine for sale close to me for a low price, but I can barely find any info on them other than what’s in lathes.co.uk. I can’t find videos, reviews or forum threads on if they’re any good.

I’m a fairly newby hobbyist, so my needs aren’t huge. I’m looking to play around building tooling and maybe model engines, so nothing heavy.

Does anyone have any info on these Mills?


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[markba633csi]

Are we talking about the L2 horizontal or L2 vertical? Either way, they look fairly well built (Italian) but lacking in some features and capacity
The lack of a quill for example is somewhat limiting. Likewise the single slot table is not as desirable as one with two or more.
I think you could do better- an E.M.E. model VO-A2F for example (see lathes.co.uk)

-Mark

 

[Ben17484]

Thanks Mark. The advert states it comes with both a vertical and horizontal head. The picture shows a table with two T slots. Maybe it’s an L4 then? I wasn’t actively seeking this model, it just came up at a low price and I was intregued. Maybe it’s worth waiting for another cheaper machine to come up for sale?


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[markba633csi]

Well, all I can say is having a quill is much better than not having one; being able to drill on a milling machine is a valuable feature
Also, you want as much vertical knee travel as possible- the L2 looks like it has very little
Can you copy and paste the ad picture here? I could give better advice if I can see it
-M

 

[Ben17484]

Thanks Mark. This is the picture

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[matthewsx]

Looks like a fun machine, how much are they asking?

 

[markba633csi]

Find out what it comes with- I like combination H/V machines (I have one myself) and I see the horizontal overarm but the other horizontal pieces like arbors may be missing. Also check if any collets for the vertical head come with it; it may take a special type
I don't see a vise either
Looks very sturdy, probably fairly heavy

 

[Ben17484]

So I bought it!

It’s being delivered Monday. I’ll do a separate post on it as I dive in to it.


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