How well does your CNC retrofitted desktop mill performs?

Hi,

I'd like to know the experiences of people who have CNC retrofitted desktop mill like the ZAY7032, Sieg X3 or Super X3 on how it performs compared to a manual Bridgeport Clone class of knee mill.

Specifically, I am interested to know your experiences in a production setting (not mass production nor one-off parts but moderate quantities) wherein you have to mill, drill, threading and facing of stainless steel, aluminum and engineering plastics (sizes of about 4" x 4" x 4" or less) within close tolerances needed by the semiconductor industries.

Most of the small and medium machining shops here in the Philippines who are already ISO-certified are still using manual bridgeport clones to do their milling. If you are to use CNC-retrofitted desktop mills, can it outperforms a manual knee mills in terms of production efficiency, close tolerances, and capacity?

Clue for you out there who may want to do business here in the hot tropical country :)

Best regards,
WT





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