I need some advice from you guys. I want to go with a CNC mill. I will be milling aluminum, plastics and some steel. Too many variables, I have my own parts that I want to manufacture as well as customers, but let's say that the machines I am considering can do the materials I listed (maybe some better than others). My biggest concerns are:
1. single phase power
2. precision
3. ease/speed of conversion (if converting a machine to CNC)
My options:
1. I can get a Jet copy of a Bridgeport that is like new, convert it to CNC
2. Purchase a Tormach
3. Look for a used CNC machine
Purchasing a used CNC brings in the problem of single phase power and precision. Finding a machine in the under $8k range that hasn't seen a good bit of work will be hard.
I've heard good things about the Tormach, but then it's still considered a hobby machine?
Who makes a good CNC conversion for Bridgeport clones? I've seen plenty of conversions that are self design plans, which I wouldn't be opposed to doing, but I don't want to spend months on.
Am I missing any other options?
I'm torn between the Jet and Tormach, the Tormach is ready to roll. The Jet is a heavier built machine, larger work surface.
I'm just looking for some guidance from you guys, maybe some thoughts from someone that has done a conversion.