Top Tech DM-45 opinions. I have no clue on this model.

[addertooth]

I have a chance to get a Top Tech DM-45 with a R-8 spindle with tools, vice, stand at a very low price (Sub $1000).
There is little information on the web about these mills, and I would like it if anyone has info on it.
It seems to be a favorite for doing CNC conversions, but I have zero interest in converting to CNC.
Any tidbits you know will be useful... such as "is the gearbox Metal Gears?". One article brags about "quiet gears" which
on mini-lathes is often a code word for "plastic gears".

 

[NortonDommi]

It looks like a RF-45 clone, I have one with a few minor differences. Under $1K with that vice and some tooling? WTH are you waiting for? The gears are metal, The top bearings are shielded but don't get enough splashed lube Strip it, give it a good clean and put some quality 2RS bearings in the top plate.
If it is basically sound at that price you are getting a bargain.

 

[darkzero]

Yup typical RF-45 clone. May not find info specifically on Top Tech but you will on RF-45. The real Rong Fus are made in Taiwan. Clones are made in China & Taiwan.

The gearhead gears are metal. No plastic gears anywhere, at least not on mine & not in any RF clones I have heard of.

 

[pontiac428]

Usually when a gear is described as "quiet", it's advertising a helical cut. Of course, a shady importer of tools might contrive "plastic" as being "quiet", though that departs with convention... so maybe there is no rule (or honor) for gears anymore?

 

[addertooth]

So after work I reached out to him, and asked for pictures of the Dovetail ways. Some of the knock-offs have rough milled surfaces, and I was concerned that at this price it would be the case. The first pictures he showed of the Y axis were nicely ground and scraped. Then after the two pictures of the Y axis, the images stopped. A small banner notice came up and said it had sold.

He who hesitates has lost.