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Milling Machine Selection

B

Beez12

Ben
Hey fellas, after a few days with my lathe I suddenly have the urge to get a milling machine. The used market here in Western Canada is pretty spotty. So what do you recommend? I’ve been seeing a lot of guys with the king 1 1/4 machine.
 
2400 right now during the high demand low supply COVID 19, Suez Canal gouging time. I believe they go on sale for around 2000 at times.
 
Beez12 said:
Oh, it’s PDM-30. What kind of milling machine do you run Craig?
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An RF30 clone from House of Tools, which is the same thing as a PDM-30. I'm constrained by space and the fact I'm in the basement. If you have the space available get the biggest, heaviest mill you can afford. Mills are different animals than lathes, the tool forces aren't being directed towards the bed like a lathe. The column supporting the spindle had to be very rigid for things to work well. I'm sending you a PM.
 
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If you are not in a hurry but are prepared to 'look and leave' there is a lot to be had in the 3K range. @RobinHood got a pristine Deckel mill that is also a pantograph for about that price. the seller had a King 9X49 mill that looked pretty god for the same price. This year I have seen 5 or so in that price range that would do.I bought a PMV 935 in perfect condition for less than your price.

You will probably have a bunch of false starts -machines that are junk, or wierd spindle arrangements, or whatever, but then the perfect machine will be there and you need to pull the trigger right away. If I hadn't paid right away the PMV would have sold seconds after I viewed it...
 
Beez12 said:
Hey fellas, after a few days with my lathe I suddenly have the urge to get a milling machine. The used market here in Western Canada is pretty spotty. So what do you recommend? I’ve been seeing a lot of guys with the king 1 1/4 machine.
Click to expand...
Yes the virus progresses very fast once caught. However it is seldom fatal but is chronic and can be very debilitating to one's bank account. Machine acquiring syndrome seems to occupy much of the victims efforts but almost always with a sense of euphoria.
 
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As @DPittman has already provided the problems associated with MAS it is equally important to note: Awkward situations with peers and spouse can be avoided by wearing a mask that prevents the viewing of your big grin as you explain your symptoms. Some sufferers of MAS will appear asymptomatic and only after posting pictures of the machinery in question on forums and explaining the "deal" they got can they be diagnosed and informed to put on their masks before meeting up with spouse/peers. MAS can be spread....highly contagious amongst the soon to be and retired folks and is easily spread to others by displaying cool pics and video of restored machines. Be careful out there folks......there is no cure
 
I guess the impatience is getting to me, I best keep a close eye out and not rush into anything. Where generally do you look for machines aside from Kijiji?
 
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