Hello Guys,
Ok, firstly a bit about myself: I am a systems-specialist for Metso Automation, a QCS and DCS supplier to Paper, Pulp, Power and energy, as well as Marine and a few other Industries.

Our systems are for example controlling the Cruise-vessel, the Queen Mary II, military vessels, many paper-machines across the world, Power stations, et al....

With that said, I am an expert with process-controls, and have access to some of our own hardware and applications to make for a killer automated setup - 16-bit analog control anyone :rofl:

With that said though, I am pretty much a noob when it comes to milling-machines. Six years ago, when I left South Africa for Australia, I sold my Chinese round column-based Mill, and have wanted/needed to replace it ever since,

Getting tired having to outsource my multitude of small jobs, so decided it's time to get a new machine.

I had 2 options, either the MachTech Vh1000, which I could have had for AUD 5,200, and that would have included 3-axis DRO, cooling system, limit switches, et al, and it would have been a much better buy than the BF46 - but, it weighs in at 1080kg vs the 630kg (Mill and base) of the BF46.

The VH1000 would be difficult to maneuver into my garage, plus, it is to big for my intended application. Thus, I decided on the very nice, and arguably the best Bench Mill available on the market - the Opti BF46 Vario. Paid AUD 4,450 (incl 10% GST and delivery) for this machine, with a good quality collet set, as well as a 150mm/6" vice. Not to bad I would reckon. The Mill excl. GST was a bargain at $3,700 at Applied Machinery in Dandenong/Melbourne. A very nice sales-engineer, by the name of Kris assisted me - ask for him next time you need help/advice, luv'ed dealing with him. Ok, it was on the floor for $4,200, but as I said, Kris wanted to do business, so....


Ok, now a few questions to those that have done a CNC conversion on this Mill before:

I know the manufacturer sells a CNC kit for this - I will get the ballscrews of them.

What I need though is the mounting brackets/plates for the motors - just them, not the motors etc. I will still make my mind if I'm going steppers, or servos (leaning in this direction for now, due to my automation background)

So, anyone pointing me to a source for the mounting hardware, will make my day.

The machine will be delivered tomorrow, paid for it this morning, and I will uncrate and take a few pics on the weekend - not sure you guys want to see a virgin BF46 though, but would be nice to document y build from the start.

Look forward to input/advice/feedback.

Kind regards,
Phillip aka mrbean