Msc Mill

Well I finally got around to downloading some pictures to the computer that I took of the mill while unloading. So I will try my first attempt at posting some pictures. I have the mill sitting in place where it is going to stay.
I need to run power to it yet and I am undecided as to which direction I will go. I know the VFD's are nice in many ways but I may get some more three phase machines and do not want to buy more VFD's. The machine has high and low range with a two speed motor. I think it is a four step pulley drive, which gives a pretty good speed range.
I have it leveled up and have been going over things and cleaning it up. It is missing a couple of small knobs but other than that, everything seems good. I have run the X power feed and it functions well as does the two axis DRO.
This is my first mill, so I will probably be asking a lot of questions as time goes on. I was very close to ordering a brand new PM932 but saw this and thought you can't beat having the mass of a machine this size. Hope I made the right choice.

Looks like a very nice mill in great shape and the shop looks CLEAN !! You'll be happy with that mill for sure .

Looks good. Time to make some chips now.

I am not familiar with the comparison 932 machine, but I have no doubt that the MSC machine will serve very well. Unless you are working on very small components, you will not find it to be too large. Tooling and work holding set ups can really consume a work envelop quickly - sometimes even a pretty small component is much easier on a mid sized machine (such as the one you have picked up). I have a Cinci Toolmaster that is of comparable size and I would not think of it as "too big" (which came to me with some small knobs broken off - a fun challenge to copy them & worked out well).

As for power, there are a number of options. I have an RPC, which has worked out great (now 9 machines connected) - I just keep plugging more in. I have one 3 phase drill press, that I run through a single phase supplied VFD (it is an old VFD that came to me for free) - it is very nice on the drill press, but it does not make me miss having it on the other machines enough to make the conversion. I'm sure if I have a VFD on some of the other machines I would appreciate it. My smaller lathe has some shift on the fly (6 speeds in back gear and 6 speeds in direct) and the Cinci mill has a Reeves drive - and each of these give near full rated torque at the low spindle speeds (VFDs have some low speed limitations).

I have room in my shop and I like being able to bring another machine in and have it running in about an hour. An RPC makes that an easy thing to do.

Another option ($$$) is a Phase Perfect, which electronically generates the 3 phase but allows you to leave all your controls as is.

Let us know how you make out. David

Great looking mill and shop. It's super clean and bright. I like the I-beam trolley setup too.

Thanks for the replies guys. I just added on to my shop building last fall and am in the process of setting up the metal shop side. I previously had it all under one roof, metal and woodworking shops. It was just getting too congested with too many pieces of equipment. I have most everything moved over that belongs there but still have some cabinets and benches to build. As most of you, we are never done. After I get it wired up and running, I will post some pics of the install. Thanks.

Billh51 said:

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I need to run power to it yet and I am undecided as to which direction I will go. I know the VFD's are nice in many ways but I may get some more three phase machines and do not want to buy more VFD's. The machine has high and low range with a two speed motor. I think it is a four step pulley drive, which gives a pretty good speed range.
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Here is a very recent (posted yesterday!) link to a real expert talking about the ins and outs of choosing between a VFD and and RPC (and static phase converters, too):

I watched the video that you suggested, very informative. Somehow I missed that one as I am a subscriber to Stans channel. I think for all practical purposes, I am leaning towards the VFD. I will probably wait a week to order one as I am going on vacation and don't want it sitting by my front door while I'm away. Thanks for the tip Bob.

Billh51 said:

I watched the video that you suggested, very informative. Somehow I missed that one as I am a subscriber to Stans channel. I think for all practical purposes, I am leaning towards the VFD. I will probably wait a week to order one as I am going on vacation and don't want it sitting by my front door while I'm away. Thanks for the tip Bob.

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I think that might be the best decision for a step pulley mill, especially if you do not have or plan to have a bunch of other 3 phase machines.

Edit: Very nice looking mill, by the way...