Milling machine recommendations

PhilP

PhilP

G Scale, 7/8th's, Electronics
Country flag
Does anyone have any experience / thoughts on milling machines?

I know 'Big, can also do small', but there seems very little between the desktop mini 'router/engravers' and a second hand Bridgeport.

I do not have an aversion to spending on decent tools.
The few-hundred pound small machines are interesting for the level of automation, but all the reviews say they lack power and 'stiffness' in the machine frame, and quill.

Thoughts please?

PhilP
 
Thanks Greg, not a name I am familiar with..

I will do a little research.

PhilP.
 
UK schools used small and mid-sized milling m/cs, and (criminally) some are still disposing of them because D&T courses are becoming less and less practical :mad:. Look on e-bay for Boxford, Emco and Denford -the latter are often CNC but will work in manual mode.
 
I have this small EMCO that has coped with everything I have needed it to do. But I guess the question has to be what are you intending to do with it? Certainly my little beast would not cope with massive jobs.

Try if you can to get a look at the current issue of 16mm Today (Issue 181 Nov 2021) where there is a big piece on Milling Machines, how to use them and perhaps some suggestions on size and power that you may need.

If all fails I could pm you with pics.
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    592.6 KB · Views: 0
We really need to know what sort of parts you anticipate making with it - a mini-mill is pretty useless for car/motorcycle parts, but excellent for most parts in the sizes you'll need on 16mm/G scale models. That being said, in general, the bigger the better! The UK Sherline importer is MillHill Supplies, but those machines aren't cheap in this country, due to VAT, import fees etc. They are capable machines though, but of limited capacity. Take a look at the offerings from Arc Eurotrade - I have their SX2-P mill and find it does all that I need, though a larger one will always be better! Any more questions, ask away!

G.
 
Thanks all..
More brands to research. I have SMT, and the article spurred me to ask the question..

Looking at Sherline, the column etc. Looks a little flimsy (relative to a machine you would see in a machining shop).

I have some light (plastic box) jobs, which are repetition, hence the idea of the smaller engraver-type machines.
But with inheriting the workshop, and a Myford lathe..
Thoughts (dreams?) go as far as 7 1/4 perhaps?
 
Ah, OK. If 7 1/4 gauge is in your sights, then you're going to need something like this, as the SX2-P to which I referred earlier has not got the capacity for the larger parts, such as frames etc. in that size of loco. If you know someone near you who has a good knowledge of machine tools, then the used route might well be a better choice, though you'll also need to take machine size and weight into account regarding your workshop. It's also worth bearing in mind that, realistically, you'll be spending as much on tooling as you spend on the machine unless you strike lucky with a used purchase.

G.
 
The Sherline is about the best of the compact mills/lathes available. It's just on the edge if I were to machine G scale wheels/tires... It's the most rigid of the small hobby machines, read the reviews, not look at pictures ;), but I know it's here and not there, so I was posting as an example

Sounds like a much larger used machine is best for you. Here, we would indeed be suggesting a used Bridgeport.

Greg
 
Hello, I speak for a continental (new and beginner) modeler: I have choseen a german mini mill, with a lot of accessories, that we can found in second hand - good condition - in France.
It is enough for my skill and for the G Gauge in aluminium or Brass. It permits this kind of work, first attempt ... of a Mikado K-27 scratch-built with just wheels and motor from Bachmann k-27.
This Proxxon MD 70 and his brother TBM 220 are used with cutting oil and very very slowly.
All finition by hand and files; curves with a jeweller saw (Bocfil saw).
Best regards.


DSCF9456.JPGDSCF9375.JPG
 
Thank you Gérard..
Proxxon is available in the UK, and I have seen their machines at shows.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top