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

Thanks Ron,

That explains it. And I have since learned that one is made in east
Germany, and the other in west germany. How hard will it be to add
steppers to the '450? I've just heard that it would be difficult. I
was advised to get the "bigger" series, perhaps it's the one you spoke
of. 'Supposed to be available CNC ready. But yes, MORE money.

How much bigger is the '450 then the Sherline? Enough to make it
reasonable? And who has the RongFu 45? HF?

Alan KM6VV
P.S. Where did you see it for 1995?

ron ginger wrote:

>
> 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