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View Full Version : Buying a Milling machine



Timox
25th February 2005, 05:21 PM
Ok, so i want a milling maching.

I see hare and forbes have a X3 mill/drill for about $1700

Or would there RF-31 mill/drill for $1700 be better ???

Thanks guys,
Tim.

rodm
25th February 2005, 10:39 PM
Hi Tim
You are a thrill seeker - lathe and mill :D
The X3 is very good quality but limited by capacity. It is considered an entry level unit for hobby machinists. Do not be tempted by the X1 or X2 models as they are too light to do any serious machining.
The RF31 is a much bigger and heavier unit but lacks some of the features of the X3. The RF-31 has been around for years and there have been heaps sold. I have the equivalent of the RF-31 and are reasonably pleased with it. It has a round column and this can add to the set up time whereas the X3 has a dovetail column.
Again think about your use for a mill and match the machine to your requirements.

Timox
25th February 2005, 10:47 PM
Thanks for that Rod,


Yep, mill and lathe. I am hooked already:D .

I dont need a big mill at all. I like the dovetail column very much over the round. I think the biggest parts i am likely to do would be no more than 100mm high and or 300mm long.