Jumping on this Bandwagon.
I too am find myself considering a hobby mill. Additionally, I would like to look at purchasing a lathe as well.
I get the feeling that
Precision Matthews makes the best available entry level Mill. They are in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - a short 5 hour trip from where I live. I read their FAQ's and would plan a visit before purchase.
I ask which machine would be a good fit for my needs.
I am:
1. Completely new to Machinist work; I have taken basic Mill operation only.
2. I am interested in doing only hobby work and maybe OAK pieces of art in T6061. Any harder materials would rarely used - occasional projects to
make cutters or tools for the workshop or lathe.
3. My project will more than likely always be smaller than a breadbox - 12" x 6" x 6".
3. I have a fairly healthy budget for a hobby interest - $3000.
4. Space - my limiting factor. I would prefer to keep the mill in a 24"x 36"x 96" space.
5. Considering a Dividing plate with a tail stock or rotary table for circular pieces.
Which PM machine would you get? I have little interest in mass production. CNC seem of little use to me. Digital read outs seem a reasonable desire.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Clint