Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Asian Import mills, EMCO, PRAZI, Myford, MOTORS

Hi Chris,

Will the inexpensive imports be rigid? I think I can live with the
round columns, a few tricks will allow me to re-register if I move the
head up.

Thanks for the comments.

Alan KM6VV


stratton@... wrote:

>
> > Hi to the List,
> >
> > I've received some money, and I'm looking to buy a "big brother" to the
> > Sherline mill. The ENCO, RongFu, Grizzly and Jet import mills are a
> > possibly, however what I'm really looking for is a EMCO FB-2 mill. The
> > EMCO's don't seem to be imported to the US any more. :>(
> >
> > I appreciate hardware like EMCO, Myford and Sherline (shows my limited
> > knowledge), so I'm still leery of the Asian imports. What is the
> > principle problem with the imports? Does replacing the lead screws and
> > bearings, and doing a good alignment bring them up to spec?
> >
>
> My exprience is limited to sherline, the bridgports at work, and my
> smaller Rockwell knee mill, however here's what I would look for in a
> mill, in order of importance:
>
> 0) rigid setup... if the machine flexes when you cut, nothing else
> matters.
>
> 1) A mechanism to change the head-table distance while maintaining
> registration. Traditionally this was accomplished by putting the table
> on a movable knee, but it can also be done by having a head that moves
> up and down. What is important is that the head moves on ways that
> can't rotate, so alignment is preserved. This is the principal
> failing of the mills that look like overbuilt drill presses. If you
> switch between an end mill in a collet and a drill in a chuck, you
> will have to move the head or table to make up the difference in
> length - and you may also have to do so to get clearence to install
> and remove tools from the spindle.
>
> 2) A spindle quill stroke of 5" or so. Cranking the knee up and down
> to drill deep holes (my Rockwell's quill only moves about 2") is
> really annoying.
>
> 3) Large table travels - it's real annoying if you want to make
> something and it won't fit on the table. Also, with a large table you
> can keep a vise on the machine but clamp the occasional project that
> won't fit in the jaws down next to it.
>
> If you are thinking 3-axis CNC, then you need a machine without much
> play in the quill fine-feed handle, or a knee that you can put a motor
> on.
>
> Chris