Thread: X2 vs TM16V

How much room have you got for a mill?. If you're not in a big hurry, I'd be inclined to keep an eye out for a good secondhand unit at auction or in the papers. I kept an eye peeled for over a year before I got very lucky with my mill at an auction.

Should have mentioned: I rent, and have a decent garage at present, but I certainly can't say the next place will be the same. Really need something that can be moved by one or two people and without an engine hoist or similar.

Should have mentioned: I rent, and have a decent garage at present, but I certainly can't say the next place will be the same.

D' oh. That makes it a bit harder, cause I was gunna recommend that you buy a bigger machine. Even the unit I have is only marginal for the work I do. As its not in my own shed, it has to be able to be moved at a whim and fairly easily at that, so the 1000Kg monster was out of the question.

They're the same machine, or close enough it doesn't matter. The weight gives it away.

They're variations on the Seig X2, there will be slight differences but it's hard to say exactly what. A company named Real Bull also makes a version.

They all use the same castings, and are finished by various companies. Those companies all add their own little touches, usually just the paint colour. The overall specs are identicale, despite both lists having diffrent numbers, so the 350w motor is the same as the 400w one.

I've had one for a while, the belt drive conversion is worthwhile.

For what it's worth, you want this one - Sieg SX2 Mini Mill. Downside is more expensive, and probably not available in Oz.

Seconded on the belt drive. Quieter and a bit faster.
I've found the air spring conversion worth it as well a bit of extra Z axis travel plug getting rid of the torsion bar gives you space for the inevitable CNC upgrade.

As dropcat said, they are all variations on the Sieg X2 and there are a lot of options for that model. As a member of Cnczone, you'll have seen that.

MiniTech have the SX2.

Nev

Thanks for the replies guys.

There seem to be minor differences in the castings between the two. The TM16V's flange for mounting holes runs the whole way along, where as the X2's are just tabs. The TM16V does not have the bit sitting at the top of the back of the X axis.

They are pretty similar otherwise. Are they likely clones made by a different manufacturer?

Can these mills handle copper?

And the TM16V has two X axis handles and FWD/REV switch(though I can't think of a reason for REV, tapping maybe?). They could be from the same factory and just be different age pictures or they could both be copies of someone elses mill, just like bridgeport clones.

"The TM16V does not have the bit sitting at the top of the back of the X axis." Can't see what you mean.


"Can these mills handle copper? " Sure, but can you afford it? hehe

Stuart

Oops, tired last night. Meant at the top back of the Z axis.

I've got no idea what might be in there. If I had to guess I would say "nothing". But I've never looked that closely at these machines.
Stuart

I have the TM16V
It is fine for what I use I for- making model engines.
I chose it over the X2 because the guy at Titan actually knew what he was talking about vs the salesman at H &F. Also at the time the X2 was unavailble.
I'm not sure what you are talking about on the top of the machine but there are only 2 things on the top.
The motor at the back and a cover over the draw bar/spindle at the front.

Terry B
I believe pippin88 is talking about the red box on the back of the column of the X2.
I think it just has the 240V power cord running through it.
Stuart

Terry, what materials are you machining?

Stustoys: Yep, that's the bit I was referring to. It looked like it didn't do much to me. Couldn't find a tear down or photos of it close up though.

Originally Posted by pippin88

Terry, what materials are you machining?

Stustoys: Yep, that's the bit I was referring to. It looked like it didn't do much to me. Couldn't find a tear down or photos of it close up though.

Mostly aluminium and brass. I have made some T nuts from mild steel with no problems. All of my work is small.
stuff like this.
https://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/yo...ml#post1212709
It would be fine to have a big mill if I would ever machine anything big but it is unlikely that I would ever machine anything over 1 kg in weight.
It would depend on what you want the machine for. For industrial work you need an industrial machine. Home workshop?
Do you machine big engines?