Another person asking "What should I buy for a milling machine"

[zonk2]

Hi everyone, I am about to purchase a used milling machine, such as a Bridgeport OR buy a new CNC milling machine, such as a Tormach. I have only up to $7000. to spend and I am in Canada, so that limits me somewhat.
I have some experience will manual milling and also with writing basic G-codes. I know that I can get a heavier machine if it is a manual mill, but I would like to get into CNC. None of the things that I will build will need to be done
fast.
Would it be better to buy a used Bridgeport from Craiglist, or similar site for around $5000 or pay another $2000 on a new or newer cnc milling machine.

 

[xalky]

I like to be able to make something on a whim on my manual machine. Personally I think a manual machine is way more fun. Programming is a major buzz kill for me. My 2 cents.

 

[Bill C.]

I like to be able to make something on a whim on my manual machine. Personally I think a manual machine is way more fun. Programming is a major buzz kill for me. My 2 cents.

I agree.

He didn't say what he planned to do with the mill. If he plans on running short to medium production of repeatable jobs I think a CNC would be best.

 

[Karl_T]

IMHO, its best to run a manual machine quite a while before considering CNC. Remember CNC just turns the handles, you have to already know how to machine.

Also a Bridgeport will hold or increase in value over time.

 

[Thomas Paine]

in that case, get something with and CNC control AND handwheels. Best of both worlds. I'm not really hip to which controls are decent, and/or allow manual machining, but they're out there.

 

[Eddyde]

Hi everyone, I am about to purchase a used milling machine, such as a Bridgeport OR buy a new CNC milling machine, such as a Tormach. I have only up to $7000. to spend and I am in Canada, so that limits me somewhat.
I have some experience will manual milling and also with writing basic G-codes. I know that I can get a heavier machine if it is a manual mill, but I would like to get into CNC. None of the things that I will build will need to be done
fast.
Would it be better to buy a used Bridgeport from Craiglist, or similar site for around $5000 or pay another $2000 on a new or newer cnc milling machine.

I have been going through the same process. I decided to buy a used Bridgeport type mill and convert it to CNC but retain full manual control. my budget so far is $3k for the mill and about $5k for the CNC hardware & software. So I figure all in, will be $8-10K but I will have a very functional machine.

 

[compsurge]

If $7000 is your budget, I don't think Tormach will fit in, especially when you start adding tooling. The PCNC770 barely fits that in $USD and I don't think that includes the stand.

You may want to check out the PM-45 CNC. Ray C on here has one I believe and he is quite happy with it. You might be able to buy it and some starting tooling on your budget.

You can't go wrong with a Bridgeport knee mill if you have the space for it. You may also want to look at the PM935.

 

[zonk2]

I have been going through the same process. I decided to buy a used Bridgeport type mill and convert it to CNC but retain full manual control. my budget so far is $3k for the mill and about $5k for the CNC hardware & software. So I figure all in, will be $8-10K but I will have a very functional machine.

I like your idea, but that is going to be beyond my price range.
Most posts suggest just going with a manual mill.

 

[george wilson]

You can buy a nice rebuilt Bridgeport for $7,000.00. That means re scrapped working surfaces. Try Googling rebuilt Bridgeport milling machine.

 

[zonk2]

You can buy a nice rebuilt Bridgeport for $7,000.00. That means re scrapped working surfaces. Try Googling rebuilt Bridgeport milling machine.

OK, I'll try that and see what I can come up with, although I don't think there are many "deals" in Canada, compared to the USA