Newbie here... I have checked the archives, some very experienced users! I am sure you are all tired of these by decision threads, "this vs. that" .... but any input would sure be appreciated. An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure! :-)
Background.... I have not been on a mill for 30 years, but am very mechanical, do lots of woodworking and some light design work in my engineering work. Good CAD skills. I plan to use this CNC mill for small parts for a part time business....my goal is to make my own parts when the volume is low enough to save on costs. Low run, maybe 30 of a given part, which is why I prefer the mill be set up CNC right from the start...I can learn one system and use it for both manual and CNC.
I have narrowed down my choices to the above two CNC mills, however, I am open to other suggestions. I have no real budget, but would like to keep the entire start-up package (including 4th axis rotary table and assorted clamps and mills) under ~ $8k. I prefer to buy a package that is a complete system, I don't have the time or the desire to build tools, I prefer to invest my time on using them efficiently. (that will take enough time) That said, I think the BobCad / Mach 3 system is a nice combination that I would like to employ on the CNC I choose. It seems with the Mach3 interface, there is no real need to have manual controls on the axis as it seems everything can be dialed in via the keyboard....quite an evolution since I used mills long ago...... very impressive machines considering the price.
I have narrowed down to these two CNC's cause they have about the right working area...
DSLS 12" / 5.5" / 6" (XYZ)
SSX3 15.5" / 6.9" / 9.1"
for comparison, here is the Smithy CNC622
622 9" / 5.5" / 12.2"
http://www.microproto.com/MMDSLS.htm
http://www.syilamerica.com/product_h4.asp
https://www.smithy.com/uploads/Smith...nformation.pdf
The SSX3 does have a bigger work cube which is nice. It also is much more robust machine, 85 lbs vs. 425 lbs, 1/4 hp vs. 1.3 hp. I will be milling smaller parts mostly alum. and brass. But one never knows what the future holds, so its nice to keep the options open.
The price for the SSX3 is $3850, which does not include the Mach3 software (I think) I am curious if the X3 has a working licence with Mach3 software, as this is probably a key component for a ready-to-use system. Does anyone know this?
The DSLS3000 system with Mach3 and BobCad is $3700... a lot for the money. The SSX3 would have the added cost of BobCad and Mach3.... still, a lot more robust machine for the small difference in price.
The benefits of the DSLS, as I see it, its a proven system and complete from soup to nutz. A little short on power though. Not sure how long the SSx3 has married all the bits n pieces into a pre packaged system?
I looked at the Smithy, but the work cube areas are quite smaller, even though the price is much higher. They appear to be very well built machines, and I really appreciate the nice marketing material they have on their web site, often a sign of an organized company.
So unless I am missing a paticular CNC mill that fits in this category of "CNC ready-to-run", with similar cube sizes, I am leaning towards the SSX3, but really would love to hear more about your experiences with this machine and how well it interfaces with the software. Or, any comments regarding this purchase. TYIA