Re: Advice please on CNC Mill

If you want a machine, with training and support for the machine
And a CAM package, with training and support for the CAM package,
I can't think of anyone that can fill that bill for the money you
describe. Any used machine won't come with any training or support
unless you pay extra to get it. A good rule of thumb is if you want
to save money, you're gonna have to teach yourself. For instance, my
company teaches Solid Edge, trust me when I tell you it's expensive.

I don't think machine size will save you money in this case either.
Even the small machines (bigger than a Sherline but smaller than a
full size) are in the 10K and up range if you are talking about the
high end (roland/EMCO) companies that offer training and support.

Mikrokinetics sells a CNC Jr. retrofitted mill/drill. I'm sure they
would be happy to sell you training too. But you would spend about 8
grand on the machine, probably another 5 minimum for training, and
their CAM and control are not what I would call professional.

Lots of companies out there selling retrofitted CNC. But many are
upstarts and I wouldn't bet my 20 grand that they are going to be
around next year when I need help.

The closest I can think of is like a HAAS. They are very affordable
machining centers. Everyone I know is very happy with the control,
machine, and the support. Make sure you have a LOCAL rep close by.

For CAM your best bet is something like BOBCAD or Vector that are
very affordable and offer support and training and are used in many
professional shops. Lots of great deals on Vector and BOBCAD these
days too.

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Mark Fraser <mfraser@h...> wrote:
> Instead of the usual "how much for a ....", we'll start with:
>
> Given budgets of 3000, 6000, 10000, 15000, 20000
> What would people on the list recommend for a CNC'd mill?
> Should probably include software, or a controller able to generate
> toolpaths.
>
> And let's talk relatively small workpiece, as opposed to a kazillion
> cubic feet. Buyer wants accessible training, support, parts. He
> had an Emco-Maier CNC5 lathe that the maker has abandoned, so
> perhaps leave that brand off the list.
>
> Thanks /mark