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milling machines

smelly

smelly

Joined
Feb 8, 2020
Messages
372
Points
238

Location
Near Quebec City, Canada
hello , L was wondering about milling machines to mill some of the intricate details. gussing with a knife and saw, can be difficult for me . I have a touch of the trembles since the age of about 14 years old. Doctors say i have some loose neurons. would a mini cnc be good. I have seen thecnc 2018 pro, made buy sain smart. https://www.amazon.ca/Genmitsu-3018...WSM06DQRXNB&psc=1&refRID=ES7NE94ZAWSM06DQRXNB

its a router can it replace like the proxon machine? For doing the kind of work people in this hobby.
 
I have to agree.The machine is only the start, software,CAD programs and licenses etc add to the expense plus the very big learning curve.This becomes an involved hobby in it's own right.Less so if you are involved/knowledgable with CAD in your daytime job.

Kind Regards

Nigel
 
Hi Smelly,
I too was in the market for a tool to help me make more precise, cuts, rebates, form fitting pieces, etc. I came across and purchased a Sherline Milling machine that I've been very happy with. I did a lot of research before buying. The model I bought was their base machine, BUT, and this was a big factor in driving my purchase, it is scale-able. You can purchase stepper motors to convert it into a CNC machine at a later date, or you can purchase the CNC ready model, or a true CNC model that comes with it's own dedicated computer, software, etc. I was not sure I needed a CNC machine, so I opted for the base model with 1 upgrade, the digital read out (DRO), which makes using it sooooo much easier for someone not familiar with milling machines. Allowing you to reset ZERO at any point. Their machines are not cheap, but building mini lathes and milling machines is all they do and they are a leader in the field. Their customer service is amazing also.

Below is the link to their site along with a photo of my machine. https://www.sherline.com/

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My response may not be exactly on-point in answering your question, but I just couldn't help myself. I believe Donny also uses Sherline machines.

Cheers,
Ken.
 
I also have the Sherline mill and find it is all I need then some. I am not all that computer savvy so having a cnc machine is not my cup of tea(vodka in my case, and yes @Clair G air a full cup!!LOL). After watching Mike Shanks in his shop setting up his cnc machine I learned two things 1: I would not have the patience for all the computer work and 2: Buying a cheap machine is just going to add to your frustrations.
The Sherline mill is an excellent machine. If you do decide to buy one be sure to buy one of their packages, these come with accessories that will have you milling the day you unpack it. Further to this DO get the DRO at the time of ordering as this makes things much easier especially for repetitive cuts which you will be doing lots of.
Another big factor with Sherline is they have all the accessories you will need(and you will be buying more!), unlike other manufacturers.
Maybe a little on the costly side but money well spent on a quality tool. They do have dealers in Canada so check their site for a list of them, there maybe one close to you
 
Last edited:
Clair G said:
Absolutely love your avatar Ken Thumbsup
Click to expand...
Hahah, thanks Clair. When I was a young boy, there was a very popular Western TV show, called Bonanza. The Cartwright family owned a big ranch and were the "good" family in a country of outlaws and evil villains. Hoss Cartwright (real name Dan Blocker) was a "gentle giant". That is his photo from the show. I know he looks a little mean there but he was a goofy guy, just like ME!! Even as a youngster, I identified with him and honor him in a small way. lol
 
Smelly if you do change your mind on getting the sherline a couple of accessories for it would be the sensitive drilling attachment. Keeps one from breaking very small drill bits and the Manual Rotary table. Both really come in handy. At one time I thought about turning mine in to a CNC, but by the time I do I could of just purchased a new CNC machine. Any way they are good and yes do agree, they are expensive.
 
I have a question for you dear friends
Which PROOXON product do you recommend, I have seen friends who get from MF 70 nice results and the price is reasonable.I have a question for you dear friends Which PROOXON product do you recommend, I have seen friends who get from FM 70 nice results and the price is reasonable or the FF230- or PROXXON FD 150/E.
Agree that it is far from being cnc, but gives an output close enough and meets the needs of shipbuilding
 
shota70 said:
I have a question for you dear friends
Which PROOXON product do you recommend, I have seen friends who get from MF 70 nice results and the price is reasonable.I have a question for you dear friends Which PROOXON product do you recommend, I have seen friends who get from FM 70 nice results and the price is reasonable or the FF230- or PROXXON FD 150/E.
Agree that it is far from being cnc, but gives an output close enough and meets the needs of shipbuilding
Click to expand...
Maybe best is to ask @Olivers Historic Shipyard who has two mills from Proxxon - I am pretty sure, that he can tell us already some experiences

Purchased shortly ago / sthg new in your workshop -> present it here

How do I get to Donnie’s building logs? I’m working on rigging now. I show shortly the way how to find a Thread easier, if you know which member started the thread. 1) Go to "Members" and you find the area "Find member" -> type the nickname and the software is proposing the link 2) Here you...
shipsofscale.com
 
The proxxon MF70 has a limited cut size ( 10 x 15cm). For milling small parts is good. it is manual so doing accurate curves is almost impossible with a X/Y Table by hand. BUT for straight lines on single parts its more accurate

You can upgrade to a CNC automated version with an add-on kit which is not expensive( http://www.robotpark.com/Robotpark-MF-70-CNC-Kit ) Great for curves and repeatable processes.

It all comes down to how much work are you going to need it for. If you were scratching then by the time you set up the CNC & its associated app to cut the parts you could have cut them by band saw / scroll saw / or a not so Coping saw!.

Horses for courses. However if like most males you just gotta have it then the MF 70 is great value for money.
 
ok boys and girls I have made my decision, after surfing the net and checking whats availabe for what we ship hobbyist require, and not to mention the tips from you guys I have settled on this item

www.ebay.com

Sherline 5410A-DRO Metric Deluxe Mill Package A. Oil reservoirs on all axes. | eBay

Special handwheels are supplied with DRO machines. These handwheels can be reset to zero electronically with the push of a button on the DRO display box. Sherline DRO mills are outfitted with the special DRO 2″ (51mm) handwheels on the Y-asix leadscrew and X-axis table feed screw, and a 2.5″...
www.ebay.com

It is more than what i wanted to spent but the value is there.
 
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