Looking for my perfect size hobby mill....

Aaron_W said:
I have a Clausing mill roughly the size of the 728. I really like my mill, and it has pretty much done everything I've asked of it, however if I could fit a larger mill into my shop, I wouldn't complain.

I think your logic on going with the 932 is sound.
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lol I'm sure your Clausing mill will run circles around a PM-932 just for being a Clausing Machine tool. :)
 
Mr Mike said:
Its less about cost and more about use, so my thinking at this point is... too small and I know I'm shooting my self in the foot, I'm trying to find a middle ground here or ill never get started with one... If I had the knowledge and knew the scope of work id like to use it for, most likely Id would get something more like the G0757 - 9" x 39" 2 HP Horizontal/Vertical Mill for making gears with.

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it you get a good dividing head you can cut gears with any of them. If you are planning to cut heavy gears like those in a third member or transmission the horizontal portion would be very nice though...
 
Mr Mike said:
lol...
Time to wake this thread Back up...


Hello, I believe you may have my answer, I woke this thread back up because I'm ready to bite the bullet on a Mill... other then the bolt shear issue on your PM940 You indicate that you really like your Machine, So I think I have my choices narrowed down to a Grizzly G0759 7x27, PM-728tv, or the PM-932M..

I honestly don't know how much use I will get out of a mill, but Its kind of inspiring that you really like your PM940..

I was really looking hard at the Grizzly G0759 7x27 because it comes with a stand and DRO, but its some what limited with the its quill travel... then I ponder the PM728 with 1" more travel but at a much higher price no stand or DRO, and some issues I have read about the machine, then I got thinking about the PM932M...

Here is what I'm thinking, see if it makes sense to you ?
The PM-932M has a lot more capability than the other two choices and lower base price so if I find I am using the mill more it lets me grow into it by adding missing features down the road, and I like that you are really happy your PM940, and since I already have another PM machine It would make sense to stay with the same dealer...

What do you think, is this decent logic for my situation... I believe this size would be complimentary to my PM-1236T as well.

Thanks for your help...
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you keep talk about the limitation of quill travel, that is a small concern with square column or knee mills because if you run out you just move the head up or table down, a round column is a different animal in this regard.
that being said i would recommend going all the way to the PM940 if you have the room and budget, it is not that much more than the PM932 less than 1k diff and you get a cast iron base for that diff.

actually there is about 300 diff between the two if you plan on adding the base to the PM932
 
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Mr Mike said:
lol I'm sure your Clausing mill will run circles around a PM-932 just for being a Clausing Machine tool. :)
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Maybe in quality, but it is a small mill with a 6x24" table and 3/4 hp. It has been perfect for my needs, but doesn't keep me from envying others Millrite and Bridgeport mills. ;)
What I don't envy is moving those machines.
 
Aaron_W said:
Maybe in quality, but it is a small mill with a 6x24" table and 3/4 hp. It has been perfect for my needs, but doesn't keep me from envying others Millrite and Bridgeport mills. ;)
What I don't envy is moving those machines.
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I set mine up and it lives where it is. Good point though an engine hoist is defiantly needed...
 
dabear3428 said:
you keep talk about the limitation of quill travel, that is a small concern with square column or knee mills because if you run out you just move the head up or table down, a round column is a different animal in this regard.
that being said i would recommend going all the way to the PM940 if you have the room and budget, it is not that much more than the PM932 less than 1k diff and you get a cast iron base for that diff.

actually there is about 300 diff between the two if you plan on adding the base to the PM932
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I have been researching for a while now and struggling with a Mill purchase stating point, I need to get the ball rolling, for better or worse the PM 932M will be my first milling machine. I am purposefully buying an inexpensive machine that can be upgraded to my liking if I find its size sufficient or out right dump it and trade up if need be... Its a starting point I can live with, I'm sure I could do worse.

Thanks for dropping by.
Mike,
 
verbotenwhisky said:
I set mine up and it lives where it is. Good point though an engine hoist is defiantly needed...
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The Pm 932M is 850 Lbs per PM's website, lol hopefully my 2 ton HF engine hoist will be enough lift it to the stand. Worst case ill weld a gantry up to lift it.

Lastly I just need to confirm whether the 932M vs the 932V is the right choice, 1975 RPM vs 3000 RPM.... No problem adding bells & whistles down the road when needed, will likely be the shop drill press here and there but will never be a CNC machine.

Best guess I can see Proto typing in Aluminum & plastic 50% and finished product in Steel & Iron for making tools, clamps and the likes 50%.
I would really like and intend to learn sand casting at some point & using the lathe & mill to make gears...

What's your thinking on it, Gear head vs variable speed.

Thanks Mike.
 
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I am glad I listened to the voices in my head. Those were heavily influenced by the folks here. I started not wanting anything used and finished buying two used machines.

If you can, just go big… the difference in weight and rigidity of a big machine makes working on anything, so much better.

I wished I had done that from the start…but I did not listen at first… pardon the mess, work in progress as I decide where everything goes…

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