Hello
I need some 'new machine' advice. Currently I'm using a benchtop cnc mill (comparible to a tormach 1100). It does the job. But my company is growing and I'm looking for a machine with more rigidity and spindle power.
I only machine Aluminium and my parts are max 8" by 8".
I think I have two options
Buy a used machine for +/- 15.000usd
But they are fairly expensive around here
A bridgeport vmc 600 / 800 with fanuc 0m from 1999 will still cost 15.000usd.
Old controls, old electronics, expensive spare parts. But still good machines I think.
Or buy a new Haas Minimill with 6.000rpm spindle. It's not the fastest machine out there. But I dont care if I can do a job 5min faster on a bigger and more expensive machine.
A minimill is ready to go I think. I can send my cam files over and start making parts. With an old machine I need to get the serial cable working. Finding a postprocessor for my cad/cam.
A VF series is too expensive for me.
I'm no real machinist (i worked in IT) It's a hobby for me and last year I started my company and it' growing.
So it's hard for me to make a decision because I have no expierence with "real" machines
So I'm looking for some advic
Maybe there are people who where in the same situation
I need some 'new machine' advice. Currently I'm using a benchtop cnc mill (comparible to a tormach 1100). It does the job. But my company is growing and I'm looking for a machine with more rigidity and spindle power.
I only machine Aluminium and my parts are max 8" by 8".
I think I have two options
Buy a used machine for +/- 15.000usd
But they are fairly expensive around here
A bridgeport vmc 600 / 800 with fanuc 0m from 1999 will still cost 15.000usd.
Old controls, old electronics, expensive spare parts. But still good machines I think.
Or buy a new Haas Minimill with 6.000rpm spindle. It's not the fastest machine out there. But I dont care if I can do a job 5min faster on a bigger and more expensive machine.
A minimill is ready to go I think. I can send my cam files over and start making parts. With an old machine I need to get the serial cable working. Finding a postprocessor for my cad/cam.
A VF series is too expensive for me.
I'm no real machinist (i worked in IT) It's a hobby for me and last year I started my company and it' growing.
So it's hard for me to make a decision because I have no expierence with "real" machines
So I'm looking for some advic
Maybe there are people who where in the same situation