Help purchasing a CNC Milling machine!

[jamays]

Hello All!

I feel like my head is close to exploding with all the information I've been absorbing over the past week.

A little background on myself: I co -own a small telecommunications company in San Diego, a good amount of our work involves the use of small engines in different applications (self propelled concrete saws, generators, ect).

Our equipment takes a beating and requires constant maintenance, which brings me to my current situation. As a general hobby, and now as a quasi necessity, I've am very interested in purchasing a CNC Mill to create new, and replicate current, small engine parts. Also, as a hobby, to create chess pieces and other fun stuff!

I find my self looking at two models which seem to offer a variety of applications for the business and hobby.

1. Little Machine Shop 3501 Milling Machine CNC

2. MicroProto MicroMill DSLS 3000

The 3501 seems to offer a few advantages, being self contained and offering lubrication.

My questions to the community: Are these sufficient models, or well performing models to work with? Are their others that I have overlooked that would work well or reliably? Anyone have experience with these, or comments?

I have been doing research daily trying to catch up to speed as best I can, I apologize in advance if I'm asking obvious questions, or if I missed something. I'm as green as it gets!

Thanks for your input! Anything, even if it's not directly related to my questions, would be of help!

- Joel

[ostie01]

Hi, it depend how small is small.

For me, machining engine part require boring and either one can do it , I think.

Take a look at this model, good price for this mill. Model NM200

http://www.novakon.net/nm200.html

http://www.novakon.net/products.html

http://www.novakon.net/nm200.html


Jeff

[jamays]

Thanks!