Milling macine

[woodfast]

Over here in Perth we don't have much choice of suppliers we have Hare & forbes
Ron mack which pretty much sell same machines just under different badge the HM50 appears to be belt drive where as the HM48 is geared head and MT3 and the HM50 is NT30 taper a lot to consider and digest

[Dave J]

The HM50 is a step up in size over the bench top mills, but it does have some down falls. The quill is only supported by 2 collars where the mill drill is supported most of the way.
If buying a HM50 check the to see how much slop is between the head and the quill by extending it down with the handle and pushing and pulling it back and forward. They vary as it looks to me like they are hand finished with a hone on a drill.

HM50/52
http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=204414&stc=1&d=1333951245

Geared head mill drill
http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=204415&stc=1&d=1333951245

In my opinion a belt drive is better over the gear drive. One reason is because of the noise and also the geared head is limited in speed. Changing belts only takes a minute and you can always switch over to a VFD latter on which will eliminate most belt changing.
The HM50 has a larger work area and is a knee mill, you can always add a riser as well if you find you are running out of room for the jobs you are doing. On a mill drill you are stuck with what you have as far as spindle to table height goes.

Bridgeport type power feeds will fit the HM50 without to much trouble, where the power feed for the 48 is more expensive as it lays down. The HM50 also come with a range of accessories where the 48 doesn't.

Dave

[woodfast]

Thankyou for this information very helpful David