Re: Asian Import mills, EMCO, PRAZI, Myford, MOTORS

I have a Prazi BF450. The early models had a gear drive and MT1 spindle.
Later ones have belt drive and MT2. I believe they all went out under
the same model number BF450, so that may account for finding different
descriptions in catalogs.

The importer of Prazi, John Szot, loaned us a lathe and mill for a demo
at Cabin Fever. They have a new model with a dovetail column that is a
very impressive machine. Not cheap, as I recall the base price is about
$3500. But it is a fine machine. I believe Prazi is made in Germany.

I got a good deal on the BF450, so I took it. I planned to make it my
next CNC machine, but so far its just holding down a bench in my shop.

The BF450 I have is a very well made machine. All surfaces well
machined, smooth in operation. Nice paint job, no sand in the castings,
a good machine. It is a round column, but with a square key. New they
list for about $1995 I think.

If I were going to buy a mill I think the RongFu 45 would be my choice,
based on the specs and what I have read here.

ron ginger