On 3/30/2020 5:17 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
"Terry Coombs" wrote in message
...
On 3/30/2020 7:57 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:

I gotta disagree with your opinion of the new machines ... well ,
some of them . My (Wholesale Tools ZX45) RF45 clone is rigid and
accurate enough to machine anything I'm capable of doing . It wasn't
cheap at over 1800 bucks , but after the addition of a 3 axis DRO
and X axis power feed I think it's every bit as capable as a
Bridgeport . Geared head and a dovetail column are the 2 reasons it
won out over an RF31 type mill-drill .

--
Snag
While I grabbed time on the CNC mill whenever I could, a DRO or power
feed aren't essential if you are shocked by the high cost of just the
bare machine. My 1950's Clausing has neither and I haven't been
tempted to install the DRO scales I bought for it, which on inspection
would require some freehand butchering. A 6" ruler graduated in tenths
of an inch easily confirms the dial turns count.



Â* Most of the reason I mounted the DRO is because the X and Y move
..125/revolution while the Z moves .100/rev . The power feed is because
I'm lazy and it is much more consistent . I get some really smooth
finishes now even using a single-point fly-cutter ...

--
Snag
Yes , I'm old
and crochety - and armed .
Get outta my woods !