Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 12 of 12
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    124

    Default which milling M/c

    thinking of buying a milling machine but can't decide on to go for belt driven or gear driven.

    I wont to use this machine as a drill, to replace my relic of a bench drill, as well as for milling work.

    the belt driven machines I'm looking at are all 12 speed (100-2080rpm) 2 hp models, but the gear driven ones are only six speed (80-1300rpm) 1.5/2 hp.

    I'm concerned the limited speed range may be a problem when drilling especially small drill sizes.

    Intertested in ppls thoughts

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Brisbane
    Age
    33
    Posts
    58

    Default

    wat is the machine? lol i dont know wat it is or does

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    124

    Default


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Australind , WA
    Age
    58
    Posts
    1,277

    Default

    Oldhack,
    The lower number of speeds of the gearhead machine, is compensated, somewhat, by the convenience of changing speeds. It's up to you whether it is enogh or not. I have a HM-45 and love the speed changes and don't mind that it only has 6 speeds.
    A mate who bought a HM-50 ( I think) is not happy his is belt drive, after using it for a few months.
    Something to consider anyway.......
    How much do you want to spend?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Australind , WA
    Age
    58
    Posts
    1,277

    Default

    hmmm...That pic wasn't there a minute ago...lol

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    124

    Default

    I had decided on a toolex 2hp belt drive @ gasweld for $1650, but then I found a geared 6 speed on ebay that looked good ??????????

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    124

    Default


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Grafton, N.S.W.
    Age
    63
    Posts
    185

    Default

    I don't like round column mills.
    Or belt drive.
    I got a Seig X3 gear drive and square column.
    Sweet mill.
    Hooroo.
    Regards, Trevor
    Grafton

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Hillman Western Australia
    Age
    80
    Posts
    38

    Default wysiwyg

    Old Hack,
    The Mill you show here is damn near the same as mine which I`ve operated often
    over the last 5 years, I`ve made up many "Jigs" to add more use for my hobbies.

    Complaints with this type are:
    1.Great care to be excersized when changing Belt speeds, or you`ll get an unexpected
    manicure ;-},
    2. No lube point on Quill.

    The round column is not a problem if you fit a "Small Laser light" to the Mill Head and
    a "Target Spot" on the rear wall, Makes things very easy to return to dead centre.
    I`ve found the Speed Range to be second to none for milling Live steam Chassis, wheels,
    cross members and little bits in between.
    In lue of a "Tilting Head" I`ve invested in a "Sine Plate" ??$50} U.S.which swivels between 90Deg` and therefore is a very cheaper alternative.
    5 and a half years ago these were $1800.00 here in W.A. {the nations capitol} ;-}
    I see them on Ebay now for around $1100.00. Such is Life.
    I hope this is some help towards your final decision.

    Good Luck in your choice.
    John.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    A.C.T
    Age
    89
    Posts
    190

    Default Old Hack

    If you choose the last pic mill I have one with a 2hp 3phase motor Aussie replacement,the stem on mine appears heavier.The locking lever next to the spring on the left hand side can be removed ,thru the front plate and the two locking pieces shaped to the stem that then really locks not pretends,they have had tons of time to correct this anomally and may have by now.Mine is sturdy and to blazes with the gymn it gives you a good workout using the X and Y axis.My next project with it is to fit an infinite speed control single to three phase inverter,my mate presented me with two from service in his mushroom farm. Peter

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Location
    Warwick, QLD
    Age
    45
    Posts
    1,165

    Default

    One advantage of having a belt drive in a mill (or a metal lathe) is as long as you don't have the tension on the belt ultra tight then it will act as a sort of safety if the cutter gets jammed some how. Better to have a belt snap then have a couple of gears stripped. (and yes I've seen it happen)
    Have a nice day - Cheers

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Millicent, S.A.
    Age
    65
    Posts
    28

    Default

    G'day oldhack,

    I have a Taiwanese "First" Mill/Drill that I bought s/h in 1992. It came from a government workshop and had little use. It has served me very well to date. You will always find short comings with whatever you buy. I still want a proper Bridgeport swivel head mill but never seem to have the dough when one turns up. I also have a tiny Emco geared head mill which I used for many years making small gun parts. It's on it's third set of gears so I must concur that if you get a jam with a gearhead mill the gears will suffer. Also backlash and possible chatter with geared head mills can become a problem when a bit worn.

    Anyway, my recommendations would be if you decide on the round column type belt type,
    (1) make sure the belt drive cover is hinged and you can open and close the cover when the head is adjusted down. I had to modify my MD for this very reason. (2) Realigning the column can be a pain in the backside but you can use a laser pointer as already mentioned. I use two fixed pointers (one slides up and down) mounted to convenient points on the machine. This gets me very close and then I use the dial indicator if it's a precision job I'm on.
    (3) Make sure the MD you buy has the quick engage/disengage drill handle to quill feed wheel. 99% of new units have this feature but my unit is old and has to be bolted and unbolted.

    The belts themselves last forever, in my experience, and I fitted a quill shield so you don't get hit in the face by flying oil out of that area after your regular maintenance.

    These machines are good basic workhorses.

    Cheers.........Barry.
    Quote "What one man can do another man can do" UnQuote: Anthony Hopkins in the movie "The Edge". "A problem is just a solution in disguise", author unknown.

Similar Threads

  1. Milling attachment
    By Tiger in forum METALWORK GENERAL
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 2nd Feb 2008, 11:29 PM
  2. Milling attachment for lathe
    By graemet in forum METALWORK GENERAL
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 3rd Jul 2006, 08:48 PM
  3. Milling Machine vs Drill Press
    By Mindabout in forum METALWORK GENERAL
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 8th Jun 2006, 10:41 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •