Looking for advice on budget machine for watchmaking

[JAZZCNC]

One question on the closed loop system, is that something that can basically be added to any mill or are custom controllers / sensors required?

Depends on the closed loop system, if your talking servo system then you'll need a controller that supports closed loop. Common DIY controller is MACH3 and that won't do closed loop.
If your talking about the Lead shine closed loop Hybrid stepper system then yes this will add to any machine has the drive takes care of the closing the loop so can work with any controller.

And for Jazzcnc, I've read a few comparisons (and still don't have an answer!), but is the watercooled spindle significantly better than the air cooled to warrant the additional complexity of a plumbed system?

It's mainly to do with Duty cycle, meaning how long it can run without rest. WC spindles are 100% duty cycle and can run for days none stop, i've run mine 34+ hrs without stopping. This can be important if your doing large or very detailed 3D work that have tiny depth of cut or tiny step over, often both if high quality finish is required.
They are also much quieter than air cooled has they don't have a noisy fan to do the cooling.

The last CNC machine I had experience of was a Datron M8, and I see they do have an 'inline' mini-mill which looks great, but presumably as a 'POA' product, this isn't one for a hobbyist?!

Ah ah ye bit out the DIY range we thinks.!! . . . . If you have used or experience on a Datron M8 then your going to be sick with the offerings £1500 will get you that's for sure.!!

[lanky_streak]

Ah ah ye bit out the DIY range we thinks.!! . . . . If you have used or experience on a Datron M8 then your going to be sick with the offerings £1500 will get you that's for sure.!!

Ha ha - yeah, I'm well aware of the limitations of my budget! I think I was spoilt in the good ol' days when I could hand over a USB to the model maker to turn, mill or SLA whatever design I had in mind!

Thanks again for the advice - I think I'll respond to this post with any plans before I commit to purchasing anything. I'm currently having a look at other fixed gantry mills to get a feel for what is needed for this sort of project.

[lanky_streak]

I also wondered if anybody had any experience of this type of Chinese machine: Ball Industrial CNC Slide Rail Guide Syetem Mill X-Y-Z Engraving machine Motor | eBay

...I've absolutely no intention of buying one as I don't want the risk involved with Chinese CNC quality control, but the size, component spec and claimed accuracy all look pretty good value for money. Coupled with a water-cooled spindle and decent electronics, it would make for quite a cheap build. I've searched the forums but couldn't find reference to this (only the 3020 / 6040 machines that are all over ebay) so wondered if anyone has any experience of these machines?

[GEOFFREY]

Unsupported rails, no end bearings - I don't think Jazz will be too impressed!!! G.

price is low , but I expect you get what ou pay for.

[lanky_streak]

Unsupported rails, no end bearings - I don't think Jazz will be too impressed!!! G.

price is low , but I expect you get what ou pay for.

Hmm - definetly need to do lots of reading up before embarking on this project, where's the 'Idiot's guide to CNC milling'?!

[JAZZCNC]

Unsupported rails, no end bearings - I don't think Jazz will be too impressed!!! G.

Too right.!!. . . . .There'd be more chance I'd advise him to Dip is balls in sulphuric acid than buy that. .

[EddyCurrent]

Any use ?

Denford Micro Mill Cnc Machine 3 Axis | eBay

[GEOFFREY]

The Denford micromill is basically a small Sherline mill cnc'd by Denford. When I suggested a Denford I was thinking of a heavier mill, something more like a Novamill/ starmill etc. or perhaps even a Triac. As Jazz has already stated, the limiting factor is likely to be slow spindle speed for engraving with very small diameter tooling. G.