Thread: HM40 Mill/Drill

Hi Gazz,

The HM40 seem to be a popular machine amongst metalwork hobbyists. The usual questions are: how much is it and what do you want to make? The second question is always difficult as when you start out in metalwork and learning, it's difficult to envisage what your skills may lead you to make. Often when it comes to the type of machine, it comes down to what your budget is. Some people are not fans of such machines because of their round columns (instead of the square dovetail) because when you raise or lower the head, you loose your position, since the head is free to swivel. However, all is not lost as you can always plan the job so you only use the quill or, re-position the head to a known reference point. Some people also claim that round column machines are not as rigid as square but if you are going to be doing light cuts then it's not an issue, in any case I can't make comment on how accurate that statement is. There will be others here that will have specific CNC experience with machines that can add further info. WRT CNC, I'm not sure how well it works with a round column machine.

In any case, if it's a very reasonable price, then it's a worthwhile investment and a capable machine to learn on. Then, if you outgrow it or your needs change, you will be in a good position to know exactly what your needs will be for if/when you purchase your next machine!

Welcome to the world of choosing your first milling machine! It's enough to do your head in!

Ahh. I just noticed, you joined a month before me and this is your first post! Stop lurking and jump on buddy, we're all friendly here!

Cheers,

Simon

Haha, I guess I am a stalker, have always been interested but not informed enough to comment so happy to just listen to those who know more, thanks for your reply Simon, some food for thought, is it possible to upgrade a round column to dovetail in the future?

Gazz

Hi Gazz,

I'm fairly new, unqualified and inexperienced (relatively to others here) so it took me some time to make comments too. Even now, unless it's something I'm really squared away with, I'm more likely to pose questions than make comments. I have certainly learnt quite a lot in the last 3 years, mostly thanks to the guys here!

Replacing the round column with a square sounds like a fair amount of trouble. I think that the bases and columns are matched to each other in the factory so that they fit to within the dodgy tolerances they claim. Also, I'm not sure how prevalent "spare" dovetail columns are, even if you wished to replace, assuming one would fit your existing base & bolt hole dimensions/pattern.

If the thought of a CNC conversion is a distant project that may or may not happen, I would be inclined to purchase based on your budget and your needs for now and not worry about whether it's suitable for CNC. I say this because after you gain some experience and confidence with the machine, you may change your mind and decide that a different machine may suite your needs for CNC anyway.

If you tell the forum what your budget is, some members may be able to keep an eye open for S/H machines. If you're not in a hurry, a machine to suite your needs and budget will present!

Cheers,

Simon

If it's the right price go for it. Pipeclay on here and a good friend of mine who is 60 have been using a round column mill for years and it has never stopped them making whatever they wanted.

Just remember a new dovetail mill is $2000, so a second hand round column should be $1000 or less for a great deal.

Dave

Im thinking I should just fork out for a mill with dovetail now rather that want the option later, looking at the HM46, cost is a bit prohibitive mabey a Sieg X2 or this one on ebay
eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home d

the only reason I would go with the X2 would be that there seems to be alot of information out there on the conversion of this machine to cnc (lots of support) and cost would be less with the trade off being size and power

any thoughts?

I think I will have to pass on HM40. My budget is below the $2000 mark admiral (wife) permitting. Am now on the market for dovetail column. Looking at the HM46 and Sieg X3 but with stand and tools will be over the budget mark. The Sieg X2 though smaller seems to have alot of support and information about CNC conversion and at its price will have enough to get some tools, stand etc. I suppose I could learn on it and later on upgrade.

any thoughts, suggestions?

thanks

Hi Gazz,
It really comes down to what you want to do with the machine now. As Simon pointed out this can change in a couple of years if the bug really bites hard. (which it does!) Do you have certain projects in mind? Will an X2 do these?
The other thing that you have already mentioned is tooling. By the time you buy a vice, chucks, collets, cutters, setup tools etc it can be as much as the mill cost. No doubt you have seen the sticky thread "your favorite tooling supplier". CTC is getting a bit dear on their postage these days, but there are many online sellers that are far far cheaper than our local H&F.

Milling steel the round column mill will be better than a Sieg X3.
There is loads of info on converting the 45 to CNC, just have a look at CNC zone they even have a section for it and an industrial hobbies forum. Titan machines sell the IH equivalent mill for $2900 in the central coast NSW.

Dave