What vertical mill to buy?

[Mech_Eng]

Let me preface by saying: I am not a professional machinist or anything. I agree that you should buy the largest machine you can afford/handle. I'm pretty sure even a 3 phase machine can be converted to a single leg fairly easily since ou already have 220v. I personally bought the Grizzly G0463 and have enjoyed it at least for aluminum(6x20 table). One thing I can highly recommend especially if you are new to milling is a variable speed spindle without changing belts, it really helps to dial in cutting speeds for a newbie like me. Additionally I bought my mill because of the weight, at 455lb it's heavy enough to do light work but does not require a forklift to move....this machine also has the capability for a power feed table which I bought and really enjoy. Lastly be prepared to spend as much on tooling as the initial machine investment. Good luck!

[Efroeh]

Originally Posted by Mech_Eng

Let me preface by saying: I am not a professional machinist or anything. I agree that you should buy the largest machine you can afford/handle. I'm pretty sure even a 3 phase machine can be converted to a single leg fairly easily since ou already have 220v. I personally bought the Grizzly G0463 and have enjoyed it at least for aluminum(6x20 table). One thing I can highly recommend especially if you are new to milling is a variable speed spindle without changing belts, it really helps to dial in cutting speeds for a newbie like me. Additionally I bought my mill because of the weight, at 455lb it's heavy enough to do light work but does not require a forklift to move....this machine also has the capability for a power feed table which I bought and really enjoy. Lastly be prepared to spend as much on tooling as the initial machine investment. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice. I've been really looking at the grizzly mills go759. Just not sure if there sold in Canada. There is a ton of info out on the net it's crazy trying to figure it all out. What all extra tools will be needed?

[TRUCKMAKER]

Take some time and read the threads in the following section which is the place for this type of info:

http://www.rctruckandconstruction.co...isplay.php?f=8

[Efroeh]

Originally Posted by TRUCKMAKER

Take some time and read the threads in the following section which is the place for this type of info:

http://www.rctruckandconstruction.co...isplay.php?f=8

Thanks for the link I was going to put it there but seems like it doesn't get much traffic. It can be moved if needed.

[Jack3M]

Originally Posted by Efroeh

What all extra tools will be needed?

Well, I just recently bought a grizzly, not sure of the version at the moment, table is about 6x40 or so.

Anyhow, tooling. A good 4" vise, pref one with ability to rotate and is graduated. Parallels are a must have. Collets. Bits, lots of bits. V-blocks and 123 blocks. Clamping set. A rotory table. You will also need a dial indicator for tramming out changes in setup. About the only thing in that list that is a could get by without is the rotory table, but when you need one, you need it.

Make sure you go a version with DRO or add it. It is invaluable if doing repeat work.