Hybrid View
-
05-10-2018 #1
I am looking at add a small CNC metal machining capability to my workshop, to sit alongside a larger manual mill. I am extremely limited in space, but I believe I could just about fit a smaller Denford or Boxford VMC without actually knocking down any walls. These seem to be an easier path to follow compared to a manual mill conversion.
My initial research suggests a Denford Novamill might be a good option - newer and better spec than a Starmill, and smaller than a Triac (which wouldn't fit!). Alternatively a Boxford 190 VMC could work. I just wondered whether any owners out there might have reasons to go for one brand over the other? Both seem equally straightforward to upgrade to Mach3/LinuxCNC without ripping out all the electronics. Are there any other considerations before I go looking to acquire?
Thanks in advance
Graeme
-
05-10-2018 #2
I can't comment on Boxfords, but I'm aware they certainly used to refuse to deal with non-educational establishments, so information is scarce about them. However I have seen a couple comments lately where they appear to be a bit more open.
I had a Novamill. It was a sturdy machine for it's size, but work area was limited. Biggest limitation is the spindle clearance, especially if you run the Coventry Quickchange system. There are plans for a rise block on the Denfordata forum, which contains a lot of information.
If you get a fully working Novamill with a VRMilling licence key, I wouldn't personally be in much rush to upgrade, as VRMilling is pretty good software. The one I had happened to of been upgraded to the USB controller, and there would be limited gains to be made by changing.Avoiding the rubbish customer service from AluminiumWarehouse since July '13.
-
05-10-2018 #3
Thanks for that, m_c - useful background. I have to say that the amount of info on Denfords seems to massively outweigh that on Boxfords, both in terms of original support and documentation and also forum-style experience with doing mods and upgrades. Denford is therefore in some ways my preference - but then I know Boxford kit is solid stuff too. In some ways it may be a case of what becomes available first.
Good to know the Denford sw is usable - if provided. I am guessing its cost is silly if the license key is missing.....
As an ex-Novamill owner, can I ask what the situation is with tool holding? Some of the ads I've seen come with loads of holders, and some with just what's fitted - ie. one! That could make a huge difference to the cost to get things usable afterwards.
-
05-10-2018 #4
From memory, it's about £200 for a VR Milling license, and it is pretty good software, but I probably wouldn't pay that to run an older serial controlled machine.
Regarding tooling, you have to be aware of spindle tapers. I think Novamills always used BT30 tapers, but there is a possibility older ones could be 35 tapers.
ATC versions (pretty rare) had a carousel mounted on the side of the column that swung around. It is possible to upgrade a non-ATC spindle to a power drawbar, as the main spindle is identical. You just have to swap the fixed drawbar, for a drawbar with gripper and adjuster for Belleville spring washers, then add a release cylinder/linkage. All the drawings are on the denford forum.
The far more common setup, was a standard BT30 taper fitted with a Coventry QC system. It's a good system, and toolholders are available, but at over £80 a shot, costs quickly add up, and you loose a couple inches of clearance between the table and spindle.Avoiding the rubbish customer service from AluminiumWarehouse since July '13.
-
05-10-2018 #5
Mmm, interesting - I hadn't realised the software was that reasonably priced. I think I'd seen figures mentioned over £1k, but perhaps I'm confusing it with something else. Boxford maybe.
In terms of tool holders, the ideal of course is to find a machine that comes with several included. As you say, if they are £80 a pop, then it could easily become too costly. I presume you could just get a suitable ER32 collet chuck though, if you accept that you'd need to manually calibrate Z height each time you switch tools. That's what I do in the router, so I don't see that as a deal killer. Depends on what you are used to I suppose.
One further question on the Novamill if I may. I just wanted to check that machining mild steel is well within its capabilities - assuming sensible sized cutters and feeds of course?
-
06-10-2018 #6
If you wanted to upgrade the controller to the USB version, then it's over £1k, but the software license alone isn't that much.
A Novamill more than capable of handling steel. The biggest issue is it's not got that powerful a motor, so you have to make sure you use suitable cut rates. I'm sure I did work out a bigger servo motor could be squeezed in, but I really needed a bigger work area, so I bought a Triac and sold my Novamill.Avoiding the rubbish customer service from AluminiumWarehouse since July '13.
Thread Information
Users Browsing this Thread
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Similar Threads
-
WANTED: Boxford Vmc 300 with atc or Denford Vmc 1300pro
By Benja in forum Items WantedReplies: 1Last Post: 01-09-2017, 10:39 AM -
WANTED: Wanted: denford mill + boxford tcl lathe
By mortenl in forum Items WantedReplies: 3Last Post: 13-11-2014, 04:45 PM -
FOR SALE: Emco mill 50 cnc mill like Denford Triac
By gavztheouch in forum Items For SaleReplies: 0Last Post: 18-05-2014, 10:19 AM -
NEW MEMBER: Boxford VMC 190 (and a Denford micromill)
By Screwdriver in forum New Member IntroductionsReplies: 11Last Post: 17-09-2012, 10:15 AM -
WANTED: denford nova/star mill - emco f1/ pc50 - boxford vmc or similar wanted
By jonnydeen in forum Items WantedReplies: 2Last Post: 04-06-2012, 12:31 PM
Bookmarks