Lathe Mill add-on

[Greg Zapf]

I think the lathe is a Sherline 4400, right?  If it's a Sherline, has anyone seen this?  http://www.sherline.com/3050inst.htm  There's variants with CNC mount points, and an 8-direction one as well.

Assuming we don't already have such a device, and that having one wouldn't conflict with the existing plans for the lathe, would anyone find this a worthwhile accessory to chip in on and purchase?  The most basic one with stepper mount is $235 on Sherline's site... About $175 shipped from an Amazon vendor here:
http://www.amazon.com/Sherline-3050-CNC-Vertical-Milling-Column/dp/B007Z1VAII

There's several different parts for this on Sherline's site, and I don't know enough to say what's best.  If someone with more knowledge on this can chime in on what's appropriate, I'd really appreciate it.  If we can identify an ideal accessory to add on for this purpose, I'll definitely chip in some cash towards it.

Thanks,
--Greg

[Sonny Mounicou]

Greg,

It is a Sherline 4400.  I'd recommend against getting a device like that.  The milling area is very limited and the rigidity is very poor.  In addition, you have to remove the spindle and remount it to use it.  That means realigning (tramming) each time you reconfigure it.  If you want to go that route, you could get the actual sherline base for the mill and move the motor when you want to use it.  It wouldn't be much more expensive, but you would have 4 times the work area plus rigidity to mill steel.   My .02 …

[Greg Zapf]

Wow, that was quick!  And informative!  I see the XYZ bases out there too... looks like over $600 for the CNC ready one or just over $400 for without... If there was enough interest to go this route, do you recommend DIY CNC mounts or are the factory ones worth the extra $250 or so?

Barely related: know if the Sieg X2 (http://www.harborfreight.com/two-speed-variable-bench-mill-drill-machine-44991.html) is worthwhile?  Know if any other low-cost, mini mills are capable of precision steel or titanium work (my first project would be jewelry)?

Thanks,
--Greg

[Sonny Mounicou]

Greg,

If you watch ebay enough, you'll see those bases come up pretty cheap.  I've seen them for under $150 (not CNCed though).  The CNC kit comes with the mounts and new leads crews.  I actually went through the process of CNCing my Sherline 4400 lathe.  You might save $50, but it would take a lot more time to fabricate and you'd likely spend the difference with any things that you had to do twice.

A friend of the MM, Jay has a Seig X2 that he tricked out.  I've heard they work well, but need a lot of upgrading to get there.  I think Taig and Sherline are the biggest players at this investment level.  Tormach mills are awesome too, but a tad pricey.

If you are planning to do jewelry (rings), you really need a 4th axis.  That allows you to carve inlays.  You can check out http://www.dearmondtool.com/index.htm and http://www.cartertools.com .  Both of them have a hand in jewelry creation.  You can see the video from my blog here and get an idea about how it would work http://os1r1s.com/?p=272 .  

Is there a reason why you wouldn't do wax and have it cast?  That would be much easier than milling titanium or steel.

[Greg Zapf]

Thanks again for all the info.  As for milling vs casting and Ti vs Au, planning to do a tension setting, and just aesthetic preferences...  Plus we're just really interested in learning more about CNC.  I may just re-evaluate soon to make sure I'm not going insanely over-complicated.

--Greg