OTMT milling machine on Craigslist - any good?

[DiscoDan]

Saw this on CL for "only" $250 for a $2,100 machine brand new. has issues but for $250? Thoughts? Doesn't look any rougher than my $110 farm auction lathe.

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/tls/d/milling-machine/6648460853.html

 

[Dave Paine]

I would want to see this operate before I would consider a purchase. The handles should not be a problem to fix or replace, but if the quill is running rough or has too much run-out, then can become a project machine in a very short time.

The head is heavy. Make sure the Z axis handle and gears work well to move the head up and down.

 

[MAKEITOUTOFWOOD]

You need to go check it out before its to late.

 

[COMachinist]

Wow wish it was in Colorado. I would buy it to turn for profit or CNC it. We never set any thing like that around here.
CH

 

[DiscoDan]

I would want to see this operate before I would consider a purchase. The handles should not be a problem to fix or replace, but if the quill is running rough or has too much run-out, then can become a project machine in a very short time.

The head is heavy. Make sure the Z axis handle and gears work well to move the head up and down.

How much run out is too much?

 

[Lordbeezer]

Would've been gone in 5 minutes around here..cause I would have picked it up

 

[markba633csi]

I think it's probably a good deal no matter what shape it's in

 

[Dave Paine]

How much run out is too much?

A simple question but not a simple answer. It depends on the tolerance required for the items you are making. If the runout was X thou and you needed a tolerance of <X thou, you will not be able to make the desired tolerance.

To measure the spindle runout you would need to take a decent collet and end mill than use the shaft of the end mill with dial indicator or test indicator to get a good measurement. Measuring the outside of the spindle is going to have more apparent runout than items in a collet.

I do not know what runout would be expected from this machine when new.

I think you would want runout to be as low as possible, half a thou to a few thou.

 

[jdedmon91]

Looks like a bench type mill. Similar to my old PM25. If it moves in both axis freely and not much backlash. It should be ok. Just another small bench mill.


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[DiscoDan]

I sent him a message already. Probably just a clean up and flip opportunity for me.

 

[Silverbullet]

Gone