I've like to get into metalworking. And I was thinking of buying this:

http://www.siegind.com/product.php?id=7

According to their spec, how big of a piece can I mill??

Am I not limited to the travel of XYZ axis? But how does END& Face mill capacity come into play?

thanks in advance

 

you're not going to do much milling with that since it is just a fancy drill press. try and buy a used machine that is larger. i've bought some equipment at auctions.

 

Thanks for the advice...

But I need a tabletop milling machine, 'cause of the lack of space to store a full sized one.

 

They really take up just about the same amount of space, a real one isn't much larger foot print wise, its just taller. Table top mills are complete **** and should be used for nothing other than drilling small holes.

 

what do you intend to machine with it? it might be ok for wood or plastic, but any kind of metal isn't going to work out that well. that is a hobby mill for guys who make trainsets in their basements.

 

I plan to cut soft metals, plastics and such.

anyways, how big of a part can I cut?

 

 

haha...not everybody is into millimg heavy-duty "racing" parts... 'though at some point in my life, I too drooled looking at such products.

I plan to mill model car parts.

 

should be fine, but as far as precision goes, you'll want a bigger, more robust machine with a readout.

the size of the table is not always the amount of travel. it is the travel that determines your work envelope. so if the travel is x200mm y100mm z100mm then you can work on a piece that is that size without having to do a seperate setup... which isn't a problem. i've done work on machines where the piece was too big and it had to be moved or spun around to do a second setup where the machine could not reach on the first setup. you just have to have a reference point and a straight edge to set things up for the second operation.

 

Thank you so much for clearing that up.

 

Meh...too small.

Go for something at least the size of a Rong Fu RF-45 type machine, plenty of scope to do other work on it.

 

http://grizzly.com/products/Mill-Drill/G0463

You could use something like this. We used these in the machine shop at my university. They worked great on aluminum projects and I don't see why you couldn't do steel on them too.

 

Yes... Thanks for the info... I was actually rethinking that I need to buy that size.

 

Try buying used if you can. When it comes to machining mistakes happen, especially when you are learning. In my area you can get a pretty decent used entry level machine for 1-2K

If you were going to buy something like the grizzly I'd be tempted to go with this one instead: http://www.harborfreight.com/1-1-2-h...ine-33686.html

With the 20% off coupon price works out almost the same and you get more machine.

 

Check out the Smithy 3in1 machines, they are not exactly table top but they don't take up too much space.

http://www.smithy.com/product_home.p...1&scid=8&pid=3
Made is the USA and wieghs almost 700lbs!

 

When buying a machine, there are certain things you want to look for. I have been a machinist for 3 years now and I recommend taking these factors into consideration before buying:

1. Dimensions; What are you going to be making/modifying? Make sure your piece will fit into the dimensions of your machine. Look for vertical head travel and table size of your milling machine, and distance between centers and swing over bed of your lathe.

2. Milling Head Angle; You want to get a milling machine with 90 degree rotating head (45 left and right) that has a dial for angle setting.

3. Precision; Check the dial calibration precision and make sure that the machine can turn/mill as precise as you need.

4. Tools; Check tool companies to make sure you can find a wide range of machining tools (milling bits, boring tools, turning tools, ect.) that fit the taper of your machine.

5. Voltage; Some machines operate at 220v, make sure you have a 220v outlet.

6. Threading; Make sure machine can thread all the thread pitches that you may encounter.

I recommend getting a lathe/milling machine combo. They are way more versatile, and not very much more money than a mill alone.

This is the machine that I am going to get when I get the money:
http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-x...ing-Head/G0492

I would recommend this machine (or similar) to anybody looking for a lathe/mill for smaller applications. This is the best type of machine for vehicles without going to CNC, which is more costly.