Hi Guys.
I am looking at getting a milling machine. And would like anyone and everyone opinion on my following thoughts.
The largest machine I can comfortably fit in my shed is a bench top type machine with single phase power.
The machine I am looking at
I am looking at this paramount browns machine, which appears to be an RF-45 type clone machine. These machines seam popular as they are the upper scale of bench top mills.
It has a 2hp (1500W) motor and a reasonable amount of travel in all directions, as well as the added benefit of a tilting head.
It is $2880 and includes a 3 axis DRO which I feel is worth getting to not have to stuff around with dials to much.
DRO Money Saving?
I could opt for the same mill without a DRO. which would make it $800 AUD (570 USD) cheaper, however I would want to put a DRO on it and from what I can see this would cost around $400 anyway (for the cheapest ebay spec one, maybe more for a better one) so the question is, is it worth saving $400 (280 USD) to install the DRO myself (how hard is the job for an average skilled individual)? And if so, are the cheap ebay DROs from China ok? or is this something worth spending money on. I am not going to be doing anything super precision, but do appreciate quality stuff. I forgot the brand of DRO on the machine (had a look in store) but it was german made, which makes me think it might be half ok.
Concerns I have
1
Its max speed is 1600rpm: I want to be able to mill aluminium (6061-t6 mostly and maybe some higher grade but not much), as well as mild steel, and potentially some higher strength steel eg 4140, parts/cuts won't be huge, I am patient enough.
Will this speed be limiting in any way? It seams slow compared to some other advertised limits on RF-45 clones (like the optimum available in Germany?)
There doesn't seam to be an RF45 type clone available in Australia without this limitation.
2
The other concern, which i think i have talked myself around on is that is has a Morse taper 4 spindle. From what I have read and understand that this can be a pain compared to an R8 spindle, as tool changes require belting the sh** out of the draw bar with a mallet. I'm not hugely concerned, as most of the time I can see myself sticking with collets and end mills, but obviously will need to switch out every now and then.
There is an option on another RF-45 clone avail in Australia for an R8 spindle, however it does not include a 3 axis DRO, and it's price is $2600 AUD (plus likely $150-200 in shipping as it is interstate)
So is essentially $700 ($500 USD) more just for the R8 spindle over the MT4. Worth it? (I think not, but want your opinion).
I am looking at getting a milling machine. And would like anyone and everyone opinion on my following thoughts.
The largest machine I can comfortably fit in my shed is a bench top type machine with single phase power.
The machine I am looking at
I am looking at this paramount browns machine, which appears to be an RF-45 type clone machine. These machines seam popular as they are the upper scale of bench top mills.
It has a 2hp (1500W) motor and a reasonable amount of travel in all directions, as well as the added benefit of a tilting head.
It is $2880 and includes a 3 axis DRO which I feel is worth getting to not have to stuff around with dials to much.
DRO Money Saving?
I could opt for the same mill without a DRO. which would make it $800 AUD (570 USD) cheaper, however I would want to put a DRO on it and from what I can see this would cost around $400 anyway (for the cheapest ebay spec one, maybe more for a better one) so the question is, is it worth saving $400 (280 USD) to install the DRO myself (how hard is the job for an average skilled individual)? And if so, are the cheap ebay DROs from China ok? or is this something worth spending money on. I am not going to be doing anything super precision, but do appreciate quality stuff. I forgot the brand of DRO on the machine (had a look in store) but it was german made, which makes me think it might be half ok.
Concerns I have
1
Its max speed is 1600rpm: I want to be able to mill aluminium (6061-t6 mostly and maybe some higher grade but not much), as well as mild steel, and potentially some higher strength steel eg 4140, parts/cuts won't be huge, I am patient enough.
Will this speed be limiting in any way? It seams slow compared to some other advertised limits on RF-45 clones (like the optimum available in Germany?)
There doesn't seam to be an RF45 type clone available in Australia without this limitation.
2
The other concern, which i think i have talked myself around on is that is has a Morse taper 4 spindle. From what I have read and understand that this can be a pain compared to an R8 spindle, as tool changes require belting the sh** out of the draw bar with a mallet. I'm not hugely concerned, as most of the time I can see myself sticking with collets and end mills, but obviously will need to switch out every now and then.
There is an option on another RF-45 clone avail in Australia for an R8 spindle, however it does not include a 3 axis DRO, and it's price is $2600 AUD (plus likely $150-200 in shipping as it is interstate)
So is essentially $700 ($500 USD) more just for the R8 spindle over the MT4. Worth it? (I think not, but want your opinion).