Bakerprecision
Plastic
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2022
Hi guys (and gals),
New here to practical machinist. I'm a long time fabricator and aircraft structures guy, and I'm getting into the world of machining. To make it better (or worse), I'm starting a garage shop. I don't have to capitol or space to aquire the types of VMC's that I would like, so I'm wondering if going with a CNC knee mill is a good alternative (at least to start with)?
I plan on running as a job shop (repairs, prototype, small runs, etc.), and I will also have a 14x40 lathe, so I'm wondering where the best bang for my buck is as a start up shop.
I've looked at everything from Haas mini mill and TM1, various cnc knee mills and even tormach. While I certainly want the ease of use with a VMC, I think a cnc knee mill might be more versatile in a small shop (I think?).
I'm also diving into the world of gunsmithing, so a knee mill makes sense for this type of work. However, there are a lot of uses for a VMC as well with consideration to custom machining and engraving.
Given I don't have to funds to purchase a VMC and knee mill, which one would you pick? And apologies up-front if this is a beat up topic. I couldn't find anything useful other than the "haas vs tormach" debate.
New here to practical machinist. I'm a long time fabricator and aircraft structures guy, and I'm getting into the world of machining. To make it better (or worse), I'm starting a garage shop. I don't have to capitol or space to aquire the types of VMC's that I would like, so I'm wondering if going with a CNC knee mill is a good alternative (at least to start with)?
I plan on running as a job shop (repairs, prototype, small runs, etc.), and I will also have a 14x40 lathe, so I'm wondering where the best bang for my buck is as a start up shop.
I've looked at everything from Haas mini mill and TM1, various cnc knee mills and even tormach. While I certainly want the ease of use with a VMC, I think a cnc knee mill might be more versatile in a small shop (I think?).
I'm also diving into the world of gunsmithing, so a knee mill makes sense for this type of work. However, there are a lot of uses for a VMC as well with consideration to custom machining and engraving.
Given I don't have to funds to purchase a VMC and knee mill, which one would you pick? And apologies up-front if this is a beat up topic. I couldn't find anything useful other than the "haas vs tormach" debate.