Looking for my perfect size hobby mill....

[dabear3428]

The mill only has 15" travel so it doesn't need a lot, but the camera also makes it look tighter than it really is.

when i looked at the photo the wood on the table to each side of the vice made me think the x table was part of the bench behind the mill so at first glance it looked like no x travel. I had to look at it a second time to pick it out.

 

[Aaron_W]

On another Note... Your Clausing Mill looks very well cared for, That is one nice looking machine....

The prior owner is meticulous with everything he does, and had completely gone through the mill, it was basically like new when I received it. Another factor that jump started my decision.


If I was in your shoes and had the space for either, 728 vs 932 it would not an easy decision. The 728 is significantly better than the PM25 I was considering so closer to the 932 than I would expect.

Hopefully this is helpful rather than adding to your misery.

Weight, so probably rigidity goes to the 932 at double the weight.
The 728 being a Taiwan machine probably has better fit and finish.

Table 932 9x31" vs 728 7x28". The table size might allow a 6" vise on the 932, the 728 will probably want to stick with a 4". 6" vices are far more common so more options and about the same price as 4".

The 728 actually has slightly larger Y travel ( in and out) 8.5" vs 8".

The 728 only 1" less X (vertical) travel 16" vs 17", and 2" spindle to table 16" vs 18".
932 has 3" more X (side to side) 22" vs 19".

Both use an R8 spindle. The 932 has 5" of quill travel vs 3" on the 728. This would not be a big thing for me, but if you plan of using it as a drill press this could be a plus.

728 is 1hp and 115v, 932 is 2hp and 230v.

Price is the same. Both have DRO and powerfeed available.

I don't think you will go wrong either way.

 

[RJSakowski]

I'm late to the party but here is my perspective.

I look at new tool or machines in the light of what they allow me to do that I couldn't otherwise do. I bought my Tormach CNC mill because I had projects that were impossible to accomplish by my existing tooling, namely cutting precision curves that had complex geometric forms. I could have farmed the work out to a job shop but the cost would have been close to that of the CNC mill so I opted for the latter. OTOH, I have other projects that would really benefit from a plasma torch. Again, cost of farming out would be prohibitive. But there are workarounds so I have not succumb to the urge. Were I younger, the decision would most likely have been different as the possible additional use would come into play.

There is a camp that believes that bigger is better. There is some truth to that in that bigger machines have a larger work envelope, they are more massive, more rigid,and generally have more motive power. However the down side is that they require more floor space, possibly will require a rigger to transport and move them into your shop, are more expensive to repair, are more expensive to operate, and may require beefing up your electrical system.

I tend to look at the scope of my anticipated projects and base a new acquisition on that basis. If you plan on restoring heavy machinery, by all means get the bigger machines. But if your plans are to build miniature models, you don't need those big machines.

My compliment of machines include my Tormach PCNC770, an RF30 clone mill, A Grizzly G0602 lathe, An Atlas/Craftsman 6x18 lathe, A buffalo bench drill press, a Buffalo horizontal band saw, and a pedestal grinder. All run comfortably on 20 amp 120 volt circuits and fit within a fairly cramped 270 sq. ft. , along with 30" shear, a workbench, a desk, and storage. When I bought my Tormach CNC, I considered buying the larger PCNC 1100 as the cost differential was only a little over $1K at the time, but opted for the smaller machine due to size.

 

[Larry$]

even though it was about $1000 more than I had budgeted for a mill.

I got my 9x49 jet mill about 10 years ago as part of a shop buyout. No way of knowing what I paid for it but over time I've added enough accessories to probably more than match the price of a decent hobby mill. Much of it Chinese. Some of that has been OK some disappointing. Prices on everything have been going up, a lot!

You will likely go through the same process of debating how far to go when buying all the "necessary" accessories. Recommended lists have been posted here by people that have long experience. They are good starting points. Buy as needed!

 

[Mr Mike]

I'm late to the party but here is my perspective.

Thanks for Chiming in... sounds like you have lots of toys in a single car garage - bet your good at Tetris...

I appreciate what your saying... In order to pick a Mill you need to know what you'll be doing with it.... that would be Sage advice if I had an inkling of a clue what tasks ill need it for... Since I don't, I'm going to run the three bears route...

The PM-932 isn't a small Mill, I can grow with it and learn the ins and outs of milling as I go... I think its a better choice to start with over the PM-728 because I have the room and power for it, and a bit of growth potential... Its less intimidating to begin with than say a larger Mill and like you say bigger mill bigger mistakes.. I can tell you right now - Murphy loves me - Mistakes will be made.

Thanks for your perspective, Mike.

 

[Mr Mike]

The prior owner is meticulous with everything he does, and had completely gone through the mill, it was basically like new when I received it. Another factor that jump started my decision.


If I was in your shoes and had the space for either, 728 vs 932 it would not an easy decision. The 728 is significantly better than the PM25 I was considering so closer to the 932 than I would expect.

Hopefully this is helpful rather than adding to your misery.

Weight, so probably rigidity goes to the 932 at double the weight.
The 728 being a Taiwan machine probably has better fit and finish.

Table 932 9x31" vs 728 7x28". The table size might allow a 6" vise on the 932, the 728 will probably want to stick with a 4". 6" vices are far more common so more options and about the same price as 4".

The 728 actually has slightly larger Y travel ( in and out) 8.5" vs 8".

The 728 only 1" less X (vertical) travel 16" vs 17", and 2" spindle to table 16" vs 18".
932 has 3" more X (side to side) 22" vs 19".

Both use an R8 spindle. The 932 has 5" of quill travel vs 3" on the 728. This would not be a big thing for me, but if you plan of using it as a drill press this could be a plus.

728 is 1hp and 115v, 932 is 2hp and 230v.

Price is the same. Both have DRO and powerfeed available.

I don't think you will go wrong either way.

I too looked at all the specs of both, And there are a bunch of videos about both on the net as well... I'm thinking going with a bare PM-932M as opposed to the VS one... is it really that big a plus to go with the VS over the Gearhead..?

 

[Larry$]

VS is very convenient. There are so many tool changes for every simple series of operations that if you have to spend time changing spindle speeds in anyway that takes time, you will just use less than ideal speeds. Machines that require belt location changes are a real PIA. Not sure about the geared head system.

 

[Mr Mike]

I am back up. Trammed in and running

That's great to hear, Did you make the bolt or get a replacement...? I have a sneaking suspicion the same will happen to the PM-932...

I just watched Clough42 setting up the PM-940M PDF - Its a Monster, There is enough room under the quill to sleep.

Also is there any reason for me not to get a bare gearhead vs the Variable speed. thanks, Mike

 

[Mr Mike]

VS is very convenient. There are so many tool changes for every simple series of operations that if you have to spend time changing spindle speeds in anyway that takes time, you will just use less than ideal speeds. Machines that require belt location changes are a real PIA. Not sure about the geared head system.

The PM-932M uses quick change gear knobs, is what I'm seeing.

• Spindle Speeds (RPM): 90, 210, 345, 670, 1180, 1970. Is what it shows.. thanks

 

[matthewsx]

The PM-932M uses quick change gear knobs, is what I'm seeing.

• Spindle Speeds (RPM): 90, 210, 345, 670, 1180, 1970. Is what it shows.. thanks

The 932M looks like a lot of bang for the buck, you are right about speed changes so no big deal going from one size cutter to another.

I was going to suggest the PDF option but unless you're planning on doing a lot of boring there are probably better places to spend $1200. The cast iron base for $400 is likely a no brainer though unless you already have other plans, it would be hard to build something as stout for that money.

You've gone through a lot of Q&A in this process so I think you can be fairly confident in your choice, for hobby use you're unlikely to outgrow this machine anytime soon. Also, although you could probably find a decent used knee mill for this price, having support from PM is excellent peace of mind for a major purchase.

Let us know when it's on the way, and keep asking questions....

John