New mill for newb

Hi Adrian,

I just found these posted near you:

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/tld/d/milling-machine-15-hp-three/6296833648.html

I can't tell if this one is a round column or not:
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/tls/d/reduced-acklands-md30b/6283623663.html

...and if you budget is flexible (as you'd need a VFD or phase converter too):
https://whistler.craigslist.ca/tls/d/milling-machine/6330459511.html

Good Luck in your search.
Please let us know how it goes.
Welcome to the site!

-brino
 
Hi Adrian,

I just found these posted near you:

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/tld/d/milling-machine-15-hp-three/6296833648.html

I can't tell if this one is a round column or not:
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/tls/d/reduced-acklands-md30b/6283623663.html

...and if you budget is flexible (as you'd need a VFD or phase converter too):
https://whistler.craigslist.ca/tls/d/milling-machine/6330459511.html

Good Luck in your search.
Please let us know how it goes.
Welcome to the site!

-brino


Any thoughts on that first one - it is just down the street from me
 
Any thoughts on that first one

-It sure looks clean!
-all handles and wheels present (....and none look bent)
-nice big vise, probably worth a couple hundred dollars by itself
-3 or 4" indexable face mill in spindle probably worth $100-$150
-image #1 seems to show a little rust on front ways and right end of table, hopefully just surface rust (though maybe just dust/dirt as image #4 doesn't show it on the front)
-the motor pulley does not line up with the middle pulley (EDIT: Oh I see....the belt diagram shows the motor top "V" lined up with the intermediate shaft second from the top "V"...they have it setup different than the diagram!)

For inspection:
-examine table, expect minor dings, hopefully no big holes
-examine ways, any sign of original scraping left? (sign of little wear)
-move table in all three axes, do they go to both ends easily?, is there any slop/backlash? (dead zone where table does NOT move when changing crank direction -a sign of lead-screw or nut wear)
-another "no tools" test for wear; since most wear happens towards the middle of the ways where most machines get used most, snug up the gib locks for each axis near mid way, just so it cranks with a little drag. Will it still move to both ends? If so wear is low, if not some amount of wear is present.
-I'd question the claim of "single phase" power option....motor plate says "4P" does that mean 3+1? anyone?
-I don't see an automatic lubrication system, or "gits" oilers either.....needs a closer look
-does NOT appear to have power-feed, but could be added later

I'm sure others here have used that exact model. Hopefully they'll jump in.

-brino
 
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.....oh and it's obviously much, much bigger than the ones in your first post.

If in good shape with everything tight, that should me much more stability, less chatter, and capable of much heavier cuts.

it is just down the street from me
I wonder if they have a fork lift that could deliver right to you?

Edit:
-you also need to find out about spindle taper to determine price of more tooling....
-if that motor can't work for you, you should be able to mount a 240V single phase one
-of course a 240V single phase in to 3-phase out VFD would give infinite speed control

-brino
 
Last edited:
.....oh and it's obviously much, much bigger than the ones in your first post.

If in good shape with everything tight, that should me much more stability, less chatter, and capable of much heavier cuts.


I wonder if they have a fork lift that could deliver right to you?

Edit:
-you also need to find out about spindle taper to determine price of more tooling....
-if that motor can't work for you, you should be able to mount a 240V single phase one
-of course a 240V single phase in to 3-phase out VFD would give infinite speed control

-brino


What is the cost/work associated with setting up a VFD?
I keep finding 3 phase machines and not very many single phase machines.

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bfs/d/vertical-mill-bridgeport/6348405036.html

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bfs/d/bridgeport-cnc-mill-2xt/6348397240.html

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bfs/d/bridgeport-dual-head-vertical/6348404279.html
 
-It sure looks clean!
-all handles and wheels present (....and none look bent)
-nice big vise, probably worth a couple hundred dollars by itself
-3 or 4" indexable face mill in spindle probably worth $100-$150
-image #1 seems to show a little rust on front ways and right end of table, hopefully just surface rust (though maybe just dust/dirt as image #4 doesn't show it on the front)
-the motor pulley does not line up with the middle pulley (EDIT: Oh I see....the belt diagram shows the motor top "V" lined up with the intermediate shaft second from the top "V"...they have it setup different than the diagram!)

For inspection:
-examine table, expect minor dings, hopefully no big holes
-examine ways, any sign of original scraping left? (sign of little wear)
-move table in all three axes, do they go to both ends easily?, is there any slop/backlash? (dead zone where table does NOT move when changing crank direction -a sign of lead-screw or nut wear)
-another "no tools" test for wear; since most wear happens towards the middle of the ways where most machines get used most, snug up the gib locks for each axis near mid way, just so it cranks with a little drag. Will it still move to both ends? If so wear is low, if not some amount of wear is present.
-I'd question the claim of "single phase" power option....motor plate says "4P" does that mean 3+1? anyone?
-I don't see an automatic lubrication system, or "gits" oilers either.....needs a closer look
-does NOT appear to have power-feed, but could be added later

I'm sure others here have used that exact model. Hopefully they'll jump in.

-brino

Thanks Brino your post has been very helpful and I will be applying your suggestions while I'm searching.
The guy has not been forthcoming about that machine and keeps dodging my questions so I'm no longer considering that one - the search continues
 
Should I be looking for an R8 spindle taper?
Are there any others I should consider?

Thanks
All
 
When I was looking to buy my mini-mill a bunch of years ago, about the only two choices were the Harbor Freight 44991 and the Grizzly G8689. The Grizzly has an MT3 spindle, the HF an R8. I bought the HF because R8 is very standard here in the US. MT3 seems popular in Europe.

Nowadays, R8 is pretty much standard for mini-mills in the US, and I'm glad to see this. Even Grizzly has jumped on the bandwagon with their G0781 mini.
 
If money is no object buy a new machine. Otherwise the best bang for the buck is a used, non-Chinese machine, in excellent condition, which includes a comprehensive list of tooling. Look beyond your local craigslist.
 
If money is no object buy a new machine. Otherwise the best bang for the buck is a used, non-Chinese machine, in excellent condition, which includes a comprehensive list of tooling. Look beyond your local craigslist.

I am on a limited budget - no high dollar stuff for me


https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/hvo/6349754498.html

How hard is it to do a 40 taper to R8 conversion- excuse my ignorance if this is not possible.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/tls/d/bridgeport-milling-machine/6348780956.html
 
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