i do a lot of the machining (everything non-sheet-metal) for our team.
we (my work) have a bridgeport boss 1, and believe me its no problem. extremely rigid CNC, very accurate, stepper motors hard to beat.
have an '04
Hurco VM-2... which i'd recommend over the haas only on the point of value, you pay less for the same machine with hurco, and theyre designed/serviced/based right here in indianapolis.
for manual stuff we have a generic 7" jaw enco engine lathe, and a bridgeport-type enco generic knee mill.
for a
vm1, 26"x14"x18" work envelope, you can expect to pay $35,900. if you buy used, just make sure you know exactly what they've been doing with it, example, graphite milling ruins ballscrews, inconel milling tears up spindle cartriges, etc.
honestly your machines are all just fine, i don't think you need to get anything new unless something breaks... or if you come in to some money and don't know what to do with it. remember after buying a new or even a used machine you still have to tool it, and depending on how crazy you get that can be in the mid to upper thousands of dollars, or more.... one added bonus is hurco offers a nice set of collet holders, endmill holders, keyless chuck holders, pullstuds, for just $300, a very very low price for what you get.
PM me or post with any questions you might have. i'm a g-code programmer too if you need help there.
-Q
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Originally Posted by MrB
OK, need some help. Please :-)
We have been trying to keep our robotics/metal/automotive shop running on a couple of southbend lathes(1950s/60s?), a bridgeport mill(1986), and a Bridgeport Series 1 BOSS 5 CNC (with tape reader :-), circa 1977)
Everything works, but I'm trying to look toward the future and plan some replacements, or add new machines if the old stuff keeps chugging along.
I would like to know what NEW equipment people would buy for a robotics shop/ high school metal shop. The room is actually an automotive shop, but all metal fabrication is done in that room.
Anyone work with or recommend any of the Smithy, Shoptask, ENCO 3-in-1 machines as a replacement for a southbend lathe?
What would you recommend for a USED or NEW CNC machine?
Thanks in advance!!!
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