Just came across this - small knee mill for 3k:
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-power-tool/trenton-on/craftex-ct054-milling-machine/1608694587
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-power-tool/trenton-on/craftex-ct054-milling-machine/1608694587
Oh I stand corrected.Those were $2899.00 retail
The CX603 is an updated version of the B048 .I recently kicked the tires on its bigger brother, the CX603. Does the 054 really have a 2 hp motor. The 603 comes with a 1.5 hp.
I like the one I have .It is on sale this month, but still 7k. I showed the sale ad to my BIL, and he pretty much did a thumbs down as well, suggesting I direct any interests to Precision Mathews which would still be 7k (minimum). At 1000 lbs, the 603 did look like a perfect size for a semi serious amateur. Not small but certainly not overly large like an industrial sized Excello or Bridgeport.
Yes, I read your lathe saga, and this definitely weighs on any decision. The only plus (and in my opinion a big plus) is that the 603 is Taiwanese built, and seems fairly well built. The guys at my nearest BB seem to be OK with wood working stuff, but pretty much clueless on anything metal working.I like the one I have .
But
If I was just starting out and was looking to buy a knee mill , knowing what I know now , it would not be anything Busy bee sells .
Just sayin
Fully agree. If I needed parts etc. I would exhaust all avenues via Grizzly myself. Haven't needed a part yet. Power feed was a direct bolt on (5 minute install).stuff, but pretty much clueless on anything metal working.
I don't really have any issues with it , for what it is it's a pretty good little mill , this machine fits in with what I have going on , sort of .What issues do you have w/yours @Gearhead88 ? I've done the checklist of mods on mine (DRO/Powerfeed (x)/VFD, better one-shot-oiler etc). No major complaints except for table-size/height etc. but it is my go-to manual mill/drill for sure. I'd like to be staring at a 10x50 universal mill ....... but this is good for me for now. Mine has the metal wheels etc.