As some of you already know I have ordered a new Precision Matthews PM1054 mill. Due to production and shipping issues caused by the pandemic the ETA has been pushed back to late August. I ordered a 3 phase motor as I really like the electronic variable speed functionality afforded when using a VFD so it will be set up much like my old Ferro mill. I have sold 2 vintage motorcycles and my old mill to raise funds for the new machine and I have been watching our dollar value compared to the USD and sent PM the money in early July when the USD was at $1.21 Canadian. PM offered a 2% discount if paid by wire transfer in advance. I am going to install a Teco L510 VFD in a steel box enclosure on a swing arm mounted to the machine similar to what I had on the old mill. I am also going to install the 6" riser block that I had one the old mill.
I did a lot of research before choosing PM as the vendor over Modern Tools, where I bought my new lathe a while back. These are some of the factors I used to make my choice.
Milling machine comparison notes: Modern Tools 3VM vs Precision Matthews PM1054T
3VM available immediately (June 1 2021), PM1054 available end of August 2021 (advantage Modern)
PM1054 weighs 3000LBS vs 3VM weighs 2300LBS. (advantage PM)
Both are completely manufactured in Taiwan and have Turcite B coating on X and Y axis ways (draw)
3VM has 16” of ram travel, PM1054 has 20” (advantage PM)
3VM has 30” of X axis table travel, PM1054 has 36” (advantage PM)
3VM comes with Three HP 3 phase motor and CSA electrics, PM1054 three HP 3 phase motor has no CSA electrics (much simpler to install VFD) (advantage PM)
As quoted 3VM comes with X and Y axis power feeds ( Align brand) and a Sino 3 axis LED DRO installed, a halogen work light and flood coolant system. PM1054 comes with power feeds for X, Y and Z axes (Align brand), heavy duty leveling pads, a PM branded 3 axis LCD DRO and a Maxi Torque Right power draw bar (all accessories to be installed by purchaser) (advantage PM, I would never use flood coolant, don’t like the halogen work light and would rather install my own accessories)
3VM comes with 1 year warranty, PM1054 comes with 5 year warranty (advantage PM)
Total price including shipping, tax and customs brokerage for PM1054 is $1400 CDN less than the Modern 3VM machine (advantage PM)
I have already bought the VFD and installed it in the enclosure and I have all the wiring and set up done, I connected the VFD to the 3 phase motor on my drill press to function test it. When the machine arrives I will only have to bolt the swing arm bracket on and connect the 4 wires at the motor. I also stripped and repainted the riser block to match the color of the new mill.
Now I just have to be patient until it arrives.
Picture of a single phase version of the PM1054.
I did a lot of research before choosing PM as the vendor over Modern Tools, where I bought my new lathe a while back. These are some of the factors I used to make my choice.
Milling machine comparison notes: Modern Tools 3VM vs Precision Matthews PM1054T
3VM available immediately (June 1 2021), PM1054 available end of August 2021 (advantage Modern)
PM1054 weighs 3000LBS vs 3VM weighs 2300LBS. (advantage PM)
Both are completely manufactured in Taiwan and have Turcite B coating on X and Y axis ways (draw)
3VM has 16” of ram travel, PM1054 has 20” (advantage PM)
3VM has 30” of X axis table travel, PM1054 has 36” (advantage PM)
3VM comes with Three HP 3 phase motor and CSA electrics, PM1054 three HP 3 phase motor has no CSA electrics (much simpler to install VFD) (advantage PM)
As quoted 3VM comes with X and Y axis power feeds ( Align brand) and a Sino 3 axis LED DRO installed, a halogen work light and flood coolant system. PM1054 comes with power feeds for X, Y and Z axes (Align brand), heavy duty leveling pads, a PM branded 3 axis LCD DRO and a Maxi Torque Right power draw bar (all accessories to be installed by purchaser) (advantage PM, I would never use flood coolant, don’t like the halogen work light and would rather install my own accessories)
3VM comes with 1 year warranty, PM1054 comes with 5 year warranty (advantage PM)
Total price including shipping, tax and customs brokerage for PM1054 is $1400 CDN less than the Modern 3VM machine (advantage PM)
I have already bought the VFD and installed it in the enclosure and I have all the wiring and set up done, I connected the VFD to the 3 phase motor on my drill press to function test it. When the machine arrives I will only have to bolt the swing arm bracket on and connect the 4 wires at the motor. I also stripped and repainted the riser block to match the color of the new mill.
Now I just have to be patient until it arrives.
Picture of a single phase version of the PM1054.
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you won't get that from bangood although the last two items I received I received an email the same day it was delivered so there does appear to be some feedback from Canada Post. I am sure you are watching many videos everyday in anticipation of your new arrival.
