Selection of suitable milling machine for CNC conversion

**IanT** · 08-07-2018

Hi,
I am in the process of choosing a milling machine for hobby use.
Mainly milling aluminium, and occasional mild steel.
I intend to convert it to CNC in the future.
Part of the reason for wanting to do this is to have a useful tool, much of the reason is the learning exercise.

Space in my garage is limited so I am only looking at small bench top machines.
I do not have the knowledge to take a gamble on a second hand old Ebay purchase.
I have a few under consideration: Sieg SX2.7, Sieg SX3, Warco Major and Axminster ZX30M.
Are there others I should be looking at in this size & price range?

Out of the ones listed...
Which would be the easiest to convert to CNC?
Realistically, what level of accuracy can I expect to achieve for a reasonable price?

The SX2.7 is probably the favorite at the moment.
Would this be a good choice?

Thanks,

**Clive S** · 09-07-2018

Ian. First welcome to the forum you will find it a fountain of knowledge

I have had and converted a Warco WM18 I have also helped in a conversion of a Seig mill. I used Linuxcnc on both.

There is quite a lot of working in doing a conversion.

Personally I would not go with a round column mill like the Major If you can find a mill with ball screws that would be a big advantage when it comes to conversion. Good luck with that tho.

Have a read through some of the build logs and do some research before buying anything. (as you are doing)

**magicniner** · 10-07-2018

Originally Posted by Clive S

If you can find a mill with ball screws that would be a big advantage when it comes to conversion. Good luck with that tho.

Wouldn't that be because unlike lead screws ball screws turn fairly easily in response to force applied to their axis unless a significant holding torque is applied?

**Clive S** · 10-07-2018

Originally Posted by magicniner

Wouldn't that be because unlike lead screws ball screws turn fairly easily in response to force applied to their axis unless a significant holding torque is applied?

I wish we all had your wisdom:

**routercnc** · 11-07-2018

Originally Posted by Clive S

I wish we all had your wisdom:

I think he means that they can be back driven more easily from the cutting forces. Or for the Z axis may tend to drop under their own weight.
I think lead screws would be most likely be fitted over ballscrews on a manual machine just due to cost.

Yes avoid the round column as you loose position when adjusting in Z.

I’ve not looked at the sx2.7 but wm16 or 18 are top of my list should I get a mill as they look well made (and would match all the Warco stuff I have!)

**magicniner** · 12-07-2018

Originally Posted by Clive S

I wish we all had your wisdom:

I though you'd be interested in a basic feature of the technology almost everyone here is interested in using, would you rather I followed the advice of W.C. Fields? ;-)

**m_c** · 12-07-2018

There's a European supplier who will supply their machines already fitted with ballscrews (and I think steppers/servos), but I can't remember their name.
IIRC they were based in Austria, but it's been a few years since I looked at their website.

**cncmystic** · 16-05-2020

Originally Posted by Clive S

Ian. First welcome to the forum you will find it a fountain of knowledge

I have had and converted a Warco WM18 I have also helped in a conversion of a Seig mill. I used Linuxcnc on both.

There is quite a lot of working in doing a conversion.

Personally I would not go with a round column mill like the Major If you can find a mill with ball screws that would be a big advantage when it comes to conversion. Good luck with that tho.

Have a read through some of the build logs and do some research before buying anything. (as you are doing)

----------------------------------------------

Hi Clive,
I have just joined mycncuk.
I am new to CNC but have done quite a bit of research on the web
I have a warco wm16 (plus adequately equipped home workshop)
I am planning to convert my warco wm16 to cnc, but I would not know where to start.
Usually people know someone else who knows how to do it and they learn "on the job" whilst that person helps/guides them through it, but I know no one n that field of expertise.
I note that you have converted a wm18, which is the bigger brother to my wm16.
My technical ability is reasonably good, so I think I am up to the job of doing the way once I know how to actually do it.
There are plenty of youtube videos, etc... but none that take you step by step and explain how to actually design, make all the required parts and put it all together with all teh appropriate tolerances, etc...
I have done quite a bit of research on the web, and I understand in principle how it all work and fits together, but I have no idea on how to actually do the whole conversion.
How would you recommend that I go about the whole thing from A to Z in my home workshop ?
Many thanks Clive

**IanT** · 09-07-2018

"Avoid round column" seems to be the general consensus. One of the reasons why sx2.7 is currently top of my list. Thanks.

**Cube3** · 11-07-2018

Hi Ian,
I am currently converting a Warco GH universal. I have it all in CAD and would be happy to explain how and what I have done so far.
Regards Simon

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