I have a biased view, I suppose, as the owner of a VMC machine. I can see where Bill is coming from when he says about the axis travel on the GH universal being superior, but I have to wonder how often you would need to use all that airspace. Only you can answer that one For myself, I have found the VMC can do all I ask of it – and more. Over my 6 year's ownership, I've added a DRO on the three axes, a digital readout on the quill feed and power feed to the X-axis (brilliant addition, by the way) and fitted an uprated 3-phase motor and associated VFD . The latter I wouldn't be without both, for ease of use and the improved finish it affords. I specifically didn't want a geared head machine when I ordered mine, mainly due to the perceived noise concerns. I'd previously had a two-speed bench mill which munched its way through gears like there was no tomorrow. But that's a personal choice, again. The VMC appears to have a much beefier column that the GH as far as I can tell from the pictures, so that would sway my choice in itself.

I see that both are out of stock at the moment, so you've got time to make up your mind. A visit to the showroom might help with your decision as well. You've no profile so I can't tell whether you are close enough to warrant a visit or not.

As has been said so many times before when these "choices" threads come up, it's horses for courses- what do you want to do with it – will it fit your workshop – will I need something bigger as soon as I get it? At the end of the day, it's your money and your choice. If it was me, I'd choose the VMC again. Its only drawback that I've found so far is the sometimes limited Y-axis travel – but even then, some adventurous work holding can usually provide a solution.

Whatever you eventually buy, have fun with it an enjoy it for a very long time.

John

The thread(s) by gazz might be of interest if going the GH way. It may already be 3 phase….

The choice of R8 or MT depends on whether you have other machines with MT tooling which you want to double-up their use on the mill. In my case, I chose R8 and opted to purchase new tooling, though that was restricted to ER25 and 32 collet chucks and a small range of R8 direct collets. My previous lathe had an MT3 up the spout , so for tooling such as the face mill and boring head, all I needed to do was buy a new R8 arbor. As this is your first mill, I believe, you won't have that added expense. For ease of extraction, I find the R8 better for me. Again, personal choice.

John

Andy,

Sorry. Should have re-read your first post! I see that you have a WM14 mill with an MT2 spindle taper. That just reinforces my statement about replacing the tooling and arbors for any existing boring heads and the like. Chester only list MT3 versions and Warco seem to be running down that option. Might be worth a phone call to check when they expect the fresh delivery – and whether or not that will affect the price.

John

Edited By John Hinkley on 30/05/2021 14:56:38