04-03-2014, 07:49 PM
You'll hear this more than once - get the biggest mill you can afford. I have an X2 mini, which I've converted to CNC. You can do a lot of good work on one, if you take your time and work within its limitations.
I also have a ZX-25 round-column. The main issue with an RC comes when you don't plan ahead far enough. If you get part way through a project and realize that you have to change the height of the head, you may have a hard time picking up your reference point again. It can be done, though, so I wouldn't dismiss them altogether. Given a choice between a round-column and an otherwise equal dovetail, I'd go with the dovetail.
Used can be good value. I got a Victoria U2 horizontal mill with a vertical head and an estimated $10k in tooling for $500. Another $500 to move it and a bit more than that for a new motor and it's still a good deal. It does have some wear and abuse issues, but nothing I can't work around.
I also have a ZX-25 round-column. The main issue with an RC comes when you don't plan ahead far enough. If you get part way through a project and realize that you have to change the height of the head, you may have a hard time picking up your reference point again. It can be done, though, so I wouldn't dismiss them altogether. Given a choice between a round-column and an otherwise equal dovetail, I'd go with the dovetail.
Used can be good value. I got a Victoria U2 horizontal mill with a vertical head and an estimated $10k in tooling for $500. Another $500 to move it and a bit more than that for a new motor and it's still a good deal. It does have some wear and abuse issues, but nothing I can't work around.
Mike
If you can't get one, make one.
Hawkeye, proud to be a member of MetalworkingFun Forum since Jan 2013.
If you can't get one, make one.
Hawkeye, proud to be a member of MetalworkingFun Forum since Jan 2013.