I did a search for Centec and found a bunch of them... all in the UK. Are
they common/available in the States? Any suggestions about who may carry
them?

Peter

"Wooding" wrote in message
...
You might consider a small industrial m/c such as the Centec. The model 2B
with a vertical head is about the same size as a standard mill/drill on a
stand - its essentially a horizontal mill, but Centec made a very fine
vertical head for it that converts it into a vertical knee mill. It also
has
power feed to the table. They are usually available for just a little more
than a basic RF-30 without a stand - add a stand and power feed and the
Centec wins. I have two friends - one has a Centec 2B and the other has
an
RF-30. I've used them both and, for me, there is no contest.

--
Regards, Gary Wooding

(Change feet to foot to reply)

"Peter Grey" wrote in message
nk.net...
Hi all,

In researching mills, I'm stuck between the possible need for a larger
mill
and the convenience/size of a mini mill. I realize that I'll have to
stay
within the limitations of a mini mill, but despite my searching the NG,
I
can't find any post that quantifies the limitations. IOW, is it
possible
to
say that for a certain mini mill that one will only be able to work on a
piece so big or take cuts so deep? Or are the capabilities entirely
dependant on what you're trying to do to the specific piece and type of
metal?

Obviously, I'm new to this and have a bunch of books coming. I'm just
trying to decide if I can get by with a mini mill or if I need to buy an
RF-30 machine. I have a very small garage into which this stuff will
have
to fit, along with the car du jour.

I'd like to make pieces for automotive and motorcycle projects
(brackets,
pillow blocks, component mounts,etc..) mostly out of aluminum but some
out
of steel. Most of these pieces would FIT on a mini mill table but I'm
getting the feeling that the mill might be out matched. Are there any
general rules of thumb that suggest the maximum size (% of table, % of
X,Y,X
travel, HP x phase of the moon?) or capabilities of a mill?

Thanks,

Peter