Now They've Done it

[Janderso]

I would go with the DRO.
I know that there will be folks who will say that a DRO is not necessary but it’s been a real help to me.


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Kind of like having power windows in a car, once you try it, you will never go back to cranking windows
DRO's are amazing.

 

[Capt45]

OK; DRO was purchased with the Mill as well as a Vise. Collets should be here this week. And I have a Jacobs chuck to use but will invest in a key less drill chuck in the near future. Now I'm concentrating on what end mills and various cutters.

 

[DavidR8]

Here's a thread here with some good advice.

End mills

I need some center cutting end mills now that my machine is getting in shape finally. Looked around at LittleMachineShop.com and there are too many types; TICN, TCN, cobalt, insert, 2 flute, 4 flute.... I have a set of cheap-o 2 flute end mills that are the same diameter as the cutting...

www.hobby-machinist.com

 

[Capt45]

OK; an update on my PM25 (still setting in the shipping crate). I completed the stand fashioned from scrap 2x3x1/4 angle and a 24 x 18 x 1/4 top. Weights close to 75# and painted with Rustoleum Oasis Blue (final coat). If the neighbor can help this weekend, I plan on having the Mill atop the stand, leveled and Tram'd.

 

[Tim9]

I’d personally go with the dovetail column Asian mill preferably. The round mills certainly have good abilities but most owners complain about the round columns. I think that’s the RF35 copies.

 

[Capt45]

The PM25 IS A DOVETAIL MILL. I was at one point looking at the round column mills, but the additional govt funds help me make my decision.

 

[Tim9]

Okay...I really don’t keep up with various newer model number. But...you’re going to be much happier with a mill weighing at least 600-700 lbs which is also dovetail styled.
The smaller 300 lb dovetail mill is still a nice machine and can do precision work...but with machine tools.....mass is your friend. A 2000 # machine almost always outperforms a 200 # machine. Both can do precision work....but the 2000 pounder does it much, much faster while not sacrificing precision.

 

[Capt45]

I agree, but the economies at play today dictated my frugal purchase.

 

[Cheeseking]

It will be a lot easier to add a DRO to the PM30 later, than to make the PM25 bigger.

This. ^^

Save your coins and get the DRO when you are able to swing it. Plus installing one is always a good project. Lots of good videos on dropros.

 

[Capt45]

I already have the PM25 setting in my shop.