Originally Posted by
VTX
1. How well built are these machines? Is Haas service/support good?
Very well, very good. Haas has given better service than any other machine tool service I've dealt with.
2. Can the 4th axis be used as a lathe? I'm guessing it's not ideal for production work, but wondering if it could be used for one off prototypes.
Never tried, but the indexer does not turn more than a couple RPM
3. Does anyone have any links to 4th axis setups where people are using it for lathe work?
I've done turning on a VF-3 before by putting the stock in the spindle and a turning tool in a vice.
4. Does adding the 4th axis reduce your work envelope at all?
In the case of the Minimill, no. The table is way longer in X than the machining envelope. The indexer can be put entirely out of the machining envelope (using a 5-C collet indexer).
5. How much would I be missing out on by not getting the VF-1 instead? I don't know if I currently have the space for it though, which is why I'm looking at the Super Mini Mill 2, but they are the same starting price.
No matter what machining envelope you have, the part you are working on will be just slightly larger than it.
That's all I can think of for now. Any other info you think might be good for me to know about them please share. Thanks!
The VF-1 I ran about 7 years ago had less rigidity and torque than the Minimill I have now, but I don't know about the newer VF-1s.
Compare the prices of each of them equipped exactly with the options you want on them and the $ differences may make the decision a lot easier.
Apparently I don't know anything, so please verify my suggestions with my wife.