Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: Admin on July 23, 2009, 02:33:49 PM

Title: mini-mill, micro-drill recommendations
Post by: Admin on July 23, 2009, 02:33:49 PM
I'm looking to buy a new table top size mini-mill. Must be good quality, *no* CNC or other computer control, price doesn't matter.

I already have a CNC, so I'm looking for something that I can do imprecise quick rapid prototyping on that'll fit on a small table.

I can find a lot of links on google, but no way to really know quality without trying them out, so looking for recommendations. Something that doesn't bend or vibrate, with good clamping and x-y table.

These, at least from the pics/descriptions, look like what I want:
http://www.emachinetool.com/new/catalog/vertical.cfm?ProductID=718
http://www.mini-lathe.org.uk/more_images/mini_mill_extended.jpg
Title: Re: mini-mill, micro-drill recommendations
Post by: Admin on August 03, 2009, 02:04:40 PM
I think I'm going to get the Proxxon FF230, as I see several people have converted it to a CNC. I figure it must therefore be decent . . .

Also, these look interesting . . .
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=715053&name=mill&user_search=1&sfile=1&jump=44
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=719673&name=mill&user_search=1&sfile=1&jump=44

I wish I can just try them myself, it'll be soooo much easier to tell which one I like!

(http://www.axminster.co.uk//images/products/600858_xl.jpg)
Title: Re: mini-mill, micro-drill recommendations
Post by: Joker94 on August 06, 2009, 06:10:09 AM
i would go with http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=715053&name=mill&user_search=1&sfile=1&jump=44 (http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=715053&name=mill&user_search=1&sfile=1&jump=44)

as it looks more use of friendly
Title: Re: mini-mill, micro-drill recommendations
Post by: ArcMan on August 06, 2009, 03:08:59 PM
I agree with Joker, but for a different reason.  I've done a fair amount of lathe work (with a 7x10 mini) and mill work (with a drill press), and IMO, the micro-mills are too small for hobby robotics.  I think they are better suited to model makers.  I think the "mini" size (like the Seig) is better suited.
The bed travel is a bit too short and especially the motor HP is too small.  The small motor forces you to take very light passes on some materials and it takes forever.
Title: Re: mini-mill, micro-drill recommendations
Post by: Kirk on August 09, 2009, 06:02:01 PM
Depending on how mini is mini to you.
Check Out Taig tools at  http://www.taigtools.com/.

I have a Taig Micro lathe.  It is very stiff and vibration free. Much better than the sherline units that I have seen. The design is very unlike other mini lathes making it very usable and strong.

I do not have direct experience with the Taig mini Mill

Let us all know
Kirk