Bench top mill

[sean logieParticipant @seanlogie69385]

The title should read bench top mill?.

I’ve decided I need to get myself a mill . Space is tight so a decent bench top would have to be my choice ,budget is tight absolute max of ?750 what would you recommend guys . The heaviest usage would be to make some extra QC tool holders .Been looking at a used Sieg x3 with loads of tooling.

Sean

Edited By sean logie on 03/07/2017 07:40:24

Edited By sean logie on 03/07/2017 07:40:54

Edited By sean logie on 03/07/2017 07:42:03

[sean logieParticipant @seanlogie69385]

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Weelll, I would say a good Centec. But I would – as I like mine.

Both horizontal and vertical options in one package. Mind you it will need to be a robust bench.

Riser blocks are available on occasion, power feed is an option – good but expensive – and no silly DC motor and electronic motor control boards to go wrong.

[sean logieParticipant @seanlogie69385]

I’ve been keeping an eye on a centec mill but it’s only in horizontal configuration so that would mean I’d have to source a vertical head for it which would prove costly . Building a stout bench not a problem .

Sean

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Vertical heads on epay often go well over 300 squid and have made over 600 – rather more than the rest of the machine!

2 and 2A are cheaper and would definitly benefit from a riser block. 2B versions are more popular and fewer on offer.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

If the X3 has been looked after and there is a lot of tooling it does not sound a bad buy.

My X3 is going strong after just over 10years use, no electrical issues with the DC motor just a couple of £5 belts in that time and it gets used a lot and also for quite large items as they have a bigger work envelope than a Centec. X3 is also plug and play, no Inverter to eat into the overall budget to get the 3-phase machine to work

 

Edited By JasonB on 03/07/2017 11:44:03

[sean logieParticipant @seanlogie69385]

Hi Jason , the x3 has a lot of tooling . There are some going for 600 and no tooling.

Sean

[RobboParticipant @robbo]

Sean

I have only had one of the smaller Sieg mills, but it was good. If offered an X3 with tooling I would grab it, even though the X3 is now superceded I am sure spares will be available in the event they are needed.

Edited By Robbo on 03/07/2017 13:42:51

[Stephen BensonParticipant @stephenbenson75261]

Space is so limited in my tiny indoor workshop that my bench has to be clear, have a lathe or a mill on it paid about £700 for the mill but will not lose much if I wanted to sell it

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I would be happy with an X3 in good condition and lots of tooling if you have the space. You can do a lot on a lathe with a decent chuck, a tailstock chuck and a few HSS tools. With a mill you need different gadgets for every job!

Neil

[sean logieParticipant @seanlogie69385]

Mills been sold dam!!!!!

Anyone have any ideas on the best place to search for a good used mill .

Sean

[sean logieParticipant @seanlogie69385]

Anyone use Apex auctions?. They have this up for auction https://www.apexauctions.co.uk/auction/search?query=Bridgeport%20Milling%20machine&tree=

Was toying with the idea of sticking a bid on it ?

Sean

Edited By sean logie on 04/07/2017 19:18:31

[RobboParticipant @robbo]

Posted by sean logie on 04/07/2017 19:18:08:
Anyone use Apex auctions?. They have this up for auction https://www.apexauctions.co.uk/auction/search?query=Bridgeport%20Milling%20machine&tree=
Was toying with the idea of sticking a bid on it ?

Sean

Edited By sean logie on 04/07/2017 19:18:31

Thought you said space was limited and you wanted a bench top machine?

Don't forget auctioneer's fees and VAT and cost of transport = load of dosh.

[sean logieParticipant @seanlogie69385]

Struggling to find a decent benchtop mill . For the budget I’ve set .

Sean

[sean logieParticipant @seanlogie69385]

Anyone know of a warehouse or shop that sells the like of what I’m looking in Scotland or the north of England . Prepared to travel for the right machine .

Sean

[RobboParticipant @robbo]

You could try Barry at Bede tools and Machinery in Newcastle upon Tyne – [email protected]  tel 01914286575

Edited By Robbo on 05/07/2017 14:05:09

[RobboParticipant @robbo]

Another approach is to put a Wanted ad on here :- **LINK**

[Henry ArtistParticipant @henryartist43508]

I have a Sieg SX1LP which I purchased from ArcEuroTrade. It is sufficient for my modest needs as I only build small steam engine models as a hobby.

[sean logieParticipant @seanlogie69385]

Thanks everyone for the input… going to see the centec2 this afternoon and make an offer .it’s been sitting outside since the turn of the year so I reckon it’ll bee goosed.

Sean

Edited By sean logie on 07/07/2017 13:12:13

[sean logieParticipant @seanlogie69385]

Well.. I’m now the proud owner of a Centec2 horizontal mill . Mill is already stripped down bar the arbour (haven’t figured out how that comes apart . The mill has had very little use I can still see the original grind marks on the ways ,all the leadscrews are like new . The spindle bearings feel good but I’m going to replace them anyways . It needs a motor if anyone knows of one let me know please. All in all I’m delighted ,it took nearly 9months 😁 so well worth the waiting and a bargain to boot 😉.

Sean

[sean logieParticipant @seanlogie69385]

Have now added a couple of photos in my albums .

Sean

[george356Participant @george356]

Posted by sean logie on 05/07/2017 13:13:34:
Anyone know of a warehouse or shop that sells the like of what I'm looking in Scotland or the north of England . Prepared to travel for the right machine .

Sean

Try http://www.rondean.co.uk/ – based in Birtley, County Durham

As always, I have no connection to this company, I know people who have bought machinery from them.

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