RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Mill Opinions & CNC simulators

Remember the definition of an expert. An ex is a has-been, a spurt is a drip
under pressure. So, don't just take the advice of the has-been drip under
pressure as the gospel. We all have had our experience and know what we like
and don't. That done not mean that it is not a good solution for you. After
you do some homework you have to apply your own thinking.

I have a Shoptask (a Chinese 3 in 1 machine) that has provided me with a lot
of fun, learning, and finished parts. It is a fine machine for the job. I
probably have $3000 - $3500 invested in the machine and getting it set up as
CNC. I like what it does and feel it was money well spent. I also have a
Bridgeport series II that I am in the process of replacing the control. I
will likely have $4000 invested in it when complete including the freight
and rigging. While I like the Shoptask and would recommend it, it is nowhere
near the machine the Bridgeport is. For a difference of $500 there is no
comparison and I can assure you getting the Bridgeport up and running will
require far less work then getting the Chinese machine up to an acceptable
level. If you are limited in the room you have to put the machine in the
Shoptask is a good alternative. It is designed for adding motors right off
the bat, no figuring out how to mount everything.

Guess my advise is to pick something (and if you have a hang-up with used
quality equipment that is your problem and likely your loss) and buy it.
Once you get it making parts you will be an expert also. Will love to hear
what you have to say then.

Tim
[Denver CO]

P.S. any reason you don't what to put your name on any of your posts so we
can chat name to name as friends? Informal etiquette around here is to sign
your messages.

> -----Original Message-----
>
> poor sarcasm on my part - what I mean to say is that all
> the 'experts' keep saying do not buy a $5000 mill. I have found
> several but whenever I ask for opinions on them all I get is "don't
> buy them get a used xyz instead". I can honestly say I have had 20+
> of those replies (in 2 months of asking) and not one person has
> said "I bought a $5000 xyz and it works fine" - which is starting to
> make me believe the experts.
> A $1500 1/5 horsepower sherline is not going to do what I need. And I
> find it hard to believe that a $999 1.5 HP enco is not a better mill -
> sure it is not a $10,000 bridgeport but it has got to be better than
> a tiny sherline that costs more. But I keep hearing, "dont buy one of
> those."
>
>
>
> Addresses:
> FAQ: http://www.ktmarketing.com/faq.html
> FILES: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO/files/