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  1. #1
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    Default SIEG PREMIUM SX3.5ZDP HiTorque Mill. Thoughts?

    I’m keen to hear your thoughts on this:

    https://www.ausee.com.au/shop/category.aspx?catid=8440

    Seems expensive for the size. But if it’s well built, maybe not? I don’t have room for a big milling machine. I probably don’t have room for this mill! Currently making do with the Hercus milling attachment on my Hercus 260.
    Chris

  2. #2
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    Hi Chris,

    A friend has a similar Sieg SX3.5LB with R8 spindle, the same as the one from ARC Euro here in the UK ! Its roughly on par with my Optimum BF20LB mill, but I don't have the tapping facility that he has.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  3. #3
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    May 2011
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    Murray Bridge S Aust.
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    I had the standard X3 for a while, it was the biggest POS I've ever come across.
    It had plastic gears inside, swapped to metal ones after about 3 sets.
    The column was almost impossible to keep in tram, as it had a large nut at the back to allow it to pivot sideways, I ended up making a couple of large angle pieces and bolting together to try to fix it, was successful to a certain extent.
    Did in several circuit boards and a motor.
    It was OK if you're only taking off a couple of thou at a time.
    Whether they've improved that side of things, who knows?
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore View Post
    I had the standard X3 for a while, it was the biggest POS I've ever come across.
    It had plastic gears inside, swapped to metal ones after about 3 sets.
    The column was almost impossible to keep in tram, as it had a large nut at the back to allow it to pivot sideways, I ended up making a couple of large angle pieces and bolting together to try to fix it, was successful to a certain extent.
    Did in several circuit boards and a motor.
    It was OK if you're only taking off a couple of thou at a time.
    Whether they've improved that side of things, who knows?
    Kryn
    Hi Kryn,

    The SX3.5 Long bed machine is quite a different animal ! I do agree that the X3 was a very poor machine, there are a lot of disappointed people with them, having to modify them to overcome their shortcomings.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  5. #5
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    Nov 2007
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BaronJ View Post
    The SX3.5 Long bed machine is quite a different animal !
    That's what I figured John. For that sort of money you would be expecting metal gears.
    Chris

  6. #6
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    Apr 2004
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    Notting Hiĺl (Melb) or Echuca
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    64
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore View Post
    I had the standard X3 for a while, it was the biggest POS I've ever come across.
    It had plastic gears inside, swapped to metal ones after about 3 sets.
    The column was almost impossible to keep in tram, as it had a large nut at the back to allow it to pivot sideways, I ended up making a couple of large angle pieces and bolting together to try to fix it, was successful to a certain extent.
    Did in several circuit boards and a motor.
    It was OK if you're only taking off a couple of thou at a time.
    Whether they've improved that side of things, who knows?
    Kryn
    Kryn, I wonder if the machine you had was an X2.. they were much lighter. https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/M150
    and a friend had one and did all sorts of things to enhance it including replacing the plastic gears. For the money at the time they were an affordable entry machine for light modelling work but I agree they had limitations and I am glad I did not get one.

    Jack 620
    My machine is a late 90s X3... light yet metal gears, fixed column, 600W DC motor driven by electronics that are still going. https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/M153
    The one shown is even later than mine as the e stop is on the column instead of the front of the motor.

    My experience is it works but is light and not as rigid as I had hoped. Given the machine referred to looks to have the same column and is $4k I would look for a less featured heavier/more rigid machine. However, that is said as I have ended up trying to mill steel and the bits being machined only seem to get bigger after we bought an "well loved" large tractor (90HP) that I have been charged with keeping running at minimal cost. Maybe if I was still just planning on small model work I would be content.

    Dad had a mill from the 70s -- R3 I think and despite its round column, small table and fiddly belt drive is much more suited to the jobs I do now...
    cheers
    David

    ------------------------------------------------
    A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they’ll never sit in. (Greek proverb)

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by HavinaGo View Post
    My experience is it works but is light and not as rigid as I had hoped.
    thanks for the feedback. Oddly, you can get an HM-46 which is 200kg heavier for less money.

    https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/M139D

    What am I missing here?
    Chris

  8. #8
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    Revesby - Sydney Australia
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    The tiny little Sieg has power feed on X and Z.

  9. #9
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    I freely admit that I have a bias toward as large a machine as I can get my hands on, but that really doesn't look like enough machine for the money to my eye. I guess if you were a dedicated model builder it would be an absolutely magic machine, but for general milling duties, I reckon you could find the limits alarmingly quickly.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Karl Robbers View Post
    I guess if you were a dedicated model builder it would be an absolutely magic machine, but for general milling duties, I reckon you could find the limits alarmingly quickly.
    This. At 1kw it's basically a glorified drill press :/

    If space is the problem, I'd be more inclined to go with this one https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/M138D 50% more power and you save $1k to stock up on tools. Obviously you'll never be hogging material out on something that size, but every little bit helps.
    Gear cutting specialists and general engineers www.hardmanbros.com.au
    Fine pitch gear cutting from 0.1 Module www.rigear.com.au

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by elanjacobs View Post
    This. At 1kw it's basically a glorified drill press :/
    IDK, my lathe motor is only 550W and has no trouble turning a decent sized milling cutter (a sharp one) at a DoC that is adequate for hobby purposes. I find rigidity is a much bigger limitation than power. So yes, the HM46 would be better. 50% more power too.
    Chris

  12. #12
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    Sep 2012
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    Hi Guys,

    I too think that the Sieg SX3.5 Long bed machine is a bit over priced ! However it is touted as a high quality mill and good quality control. But I do agree that the HM46 would be a better buy.

    A quick note about the column: I believe that it is larger in cross section than the X3, its also securely bolted to the base. Non of that silly swivelling column.

    Have a look at the specs on the Arc Euro web site !
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

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