I was reading through, "A treatise on milling machines", sponsored by the Cincinnati Milling Machine Co.
Thinking about the old massive, heavy cast iron milling machines, surface grinders, lathes etc.
I found this statement I'll share here.
"""" It is impossible to eliminate
all vibrations from even the very best types of machine construction,
but they may be reduced to a minimum, or, in other words, to
a point where they will not affect the accuracy of the work, if every
part is so constructed that it is capable of resisting heavy stresses, and
absorbing vibrations. Weight and well-proportioned construction are
most necessary to overcome vibrations.""""
Thinking of my surface grinder, It's on three points and has a massive, heavy cast iron construction. The 6x18 table is going back and forth automatically with no discernable vibration or movement in the casting. The table must weigh over 100 pounds.
Think of that, 100 pounds with no vibration/movement.
One of the complaints on the lighter imports is they are just that, lighter. It has to affect the performance relating to depth of cuts and how much you attempt to take off in a given pass.
Sorry for blathering, I find this subject interesting.
