[skidog]

This appears to be a great resource for a newbie like myself. I've been reading and reading and have decided to post.
My needs are to buy a small benchtop mill to create prototype parts for a project and then repeatedly create those parts fairly accurately out of acetal, other plastics and aluminum. All of these parts would end up at about 3" size range or less. Mind you, I'm not looking at really getting into milling as a hobby (although it sounds like it could be really cool and pull me in), but for now, only to create various custom small parts to make the prototype scientific products I'm working on.
So many links for reviews on the web seem outdated since the micro/mini mills seem to be changing each season, so I stuck all the current specs I could find in a spreadsheet to help me get a grasp on what is available as of today (Jan 2011). [If anyone would like this let me know and I'll figure out how to post it.] I originally started out looking at Proxxon M70 for price, apparently numerous CNC conversions available, and the capacity seems ok but now I'm thinking I could very quickly outgrow it or quickly find it is too limited (as a novice at this I really don't know).
Consequently, I'm now focusing on the current MicroMark Microlux Mill with a larger capacity. However, I haven't been able to find anyone that has converted this to CNC. I believe this expandability should be a consideration for me in buying a mill. It would open up new possibilities as my projects progress.
So, what questions should I be asking about the MicroMark Microlux to see if it would be a reasonable candidate for conversion? Has anyone done this or seen a kit for this mill? Thanks a bunch/skidog

[hoss2006]

allenj20 has done a great review of the micromark in his battle of the minimills.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/bencht..._2010_a-5.html
Since the LMS SX2 came out, people are gravitating to it since it has more X and Y travel then the Micromark.
LittleMachineShop.com - HiTorque Mini Mill
Several builds are in progress here on the zone.
Cncfusion.com has a kit that will work on either one.
Hoss

[skidog]

Hoss2006 - Thanks for the quick response! I may not have been descriptive enough in my question. The Microlux Mill I'm considering is the Micro mill MicroMark is currently selling. I don't know the 'X' comparison but I'm thinking it is more like an X1. By the way, is this X labeling I see everywhere related to the Sieg line as a comparison to their models?
Anyhow, micro is the region I'm looking for CNC conversions, etc.

[hoss2006]

Ah, I see. That's a new mill that's just come out so there is very little going on with it on here yet.
MICROLUX MICRO MILLING MACHINE
It's been compared to the sherline mill but it's not quite the same.
The "X" terms we use do compare to the Siegs as they started it and all the machines out there
basically are made by them and a few others, all copying each other.
You can see the machines from Sieg and the X models.
Shanghai SIEG Industrial. Co
The Micro is the same as Siegs new SX0.
You can add an L onto some of the models for a longer table and more X travel.
Hoss

[skidog]

So I started searching for the SX0 or the same under different names than MicroMark and haven't found any. Are there other distributors you know of that have this newer item? It seems like there are so many variations to the same idea it would be great to compare a few before I buy.
Any experience with the service/warranty from MicroMark?

[mhackney]

skidog, MicroMark has top notch service from my experience. I have quite a few specialty tools from them as well as their minimill and 7x16 lathe. Have not had a problem with anything and the one time I called support when a little thickness sander arrived without a manual, they sent it to me pronto.

cheers,
Michael