price check, aisle C!

[Kracin]

ok, i've been scouring a bit, i want a milling machine and found this locally. good deal or no? i couldn't find a whole lot on it.

http://omaha.craigslist.org/tls/5641150444.html

 

[paulsomlo]

I'd say that's a good deal, especially with the vise and indexer included. BUT... if it's a milling machine you're after, you may be disappointed. Small round column mills tend to lose vertical position when you move the head. And something that size will struggle to take a sizable cut. They do make pretty good drill presses though.

 

[extropic]

The question implies that you're a hobbyist and think that machine will suit your needs, at least for the near term.

If the stuff isn't trashed/crashed (I think it looks OK in the photo) and everything works properly, you're getting a lot to work with for $500. One question; the listing refers to "#8 collets". I hope they are "R8" collets (same as most Bridgeports & clones). Many of those type machines use Morse Taper collets which are less common and less desirable IMO (I don't see any collets in the photos).

Anyway, for $500, you should be able to resell it for that if you ever want to upgrade.

 

[R.Anderson]

The question implies that you're a hobbyist and think that machine will suit your needs, at least for the near term.

If the stuff isn't trashed/crashed (I think it looks OK in the photo) and everything works properly, you're getting a lot to work with for $500. One question; the listing refers to "#8 collets". I hope they are "R8" collets (same as most Bridgeports & clones). Many of those type machines use Morse Taper collets which are less common and less desirable IMO (I don't see any collets in the photos).

Anyway, for $500, you should be able to resell it for that if you ever want to upgrade.

This, I would personally jump and buy it at that price.

 

[helterskelter]

That's a very light duty machine. Think of it more as a drill press that can do occasional light milling and it's probably not too bad. But you will be disappointed if you try any serious cuts. A bridgeport style knee mill is the lightest duty mill I would consider usable for routine mill work. YMMV. Some people are a lot more patient than myself. I find even a bridgeport to be monotonous at times with the small cuts.

 

[helterskelter]

Understanding the limitations of the machine isn't trivial IMO. It's fine for light milling but will not be adequate for any significant stock removal. As long as his expectations are aligned with the design intent of the machine he will be fine.

 

[larry_g]

At $500 that could be an investment if all the tooling in the pictures is included. I've bought a few machines for the accessories and then sent the bare machine down the road minus the accessories for the same price I paid for the whole lot.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[LXCam]

Hell yes that's a good price for all that. I have the jet version (ok, paint job really) for years and use the **** out of it. Once you learn the limitations and work arounds you won't have any issues making a decent part. Yes it's a R8 collet machine btw.

 

[APEowner]

That's a very good price if it comes with all the tooling and fixturing. Yes, it's light duty but it'll teach the OP a lot about feeds, speeds, fixturing and selecting tooling appropriate for the job.

 

[Kracin]

looks like i should hurry up and get on this. i've been wanting a decent dp/starter mill for a while and this might suit the need it seems, just didn't want to jump into buying a rebranded hf deal.

thanks guys

damnit, i get off work finally, call, and its gone