Small mills - options

[colinb4987]

Thanks everyone for chipping in.

I have two options, neither neatly fitting with my original parameters:
1) Centec 2b with MK3 vertical and horiOntal heads, and possibly a divider
2) Alexander Toolmaster with horizontal and vertical heads, fixed (not swing) table, no other "extras"

Both clearly have their pros and cons. The Alexander is probably the better machine; it's also twice the price and weight...and there are stairs to the cellar to contend with.

I guess my question is - for a small hobby workshop, focused mainly on making tools and "bits and bobs", is there much I would miss by saving £600 and buying the Centec over the Alexander?

 

[arther dailey]

how much is a centec with dual heads these days?

 

[RichardM]

Think about what you want to machine, the height of the piece, tool holder and vice as well. Centec 2b with Mk3 vertical head. Head clearance is limited on the Centec 2a, people make a spacer (I did for my 2a) to give more clearance. Also you will get a strip of oil across your chest when in use.
If by Alexander you mean the GHA in Rochester on FB, it looks a very nice machine and certainly if I had the space I would be interested in it. Check what the spindle taper is in the quill.

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[colinb4987]

how much is a centec with dual heads these days?

This one is "about £650"; I haven't looked around yet to sense-check that

 

[colinb4987]

Think about what you want to machine, the height of the piece, tool holder and vice as well. Centec 2b with Mk3 vertical head. Head clearance is limited on the Centec 2a, people make a spacer (I did for my 2a) to give more clearance. Also you will get a strip of oil across your chest when in use.
If by Alexander you mean the GHA in Rochester on FB, it looks a very nice machine and certainly if I had the space I would be interested in it. Check what the spindle taper is in the quill.

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That's the one. It was his father's, and he's got one himself - hence this one being moved on. Already sold off all the interesting attachments unfortunately.

Honestly though at this stage, I'm leaning heavily towards the Centec 2b - much cheaper, can probably do everything I anticipate doing, and I definitely have space for it now

 

[RichardM]

2Bs are nice machines, does it have the vertical head with it?

 

[colinb4987]

2Bs are nice machines, does it have the vertical head with it?

Didn't see this, sorry for the delay.

Yes, it does - Mk3

 

[colinb4987]

That's the one. It was his father's, and he's got one himself - hence this one being moved on. Already sold off all the interesting attachments unfortunately.

Honestly though at this stage, I'm leaning heavily towards the Centec 2b - much cheaper, can probably do everything I anticipate doing, and I definitely have space for it now

Quick update for any future reference - I've done an about-face and paid a deposit on the GHA. It occupies the same floor space as the Centec, but is much more rigid, and has so much bonkers flexibility that I doubt my rudimentary skills, or small scale projects, will ever exceed it's capacity.

 

[George Erasmus]

Found on bay of evil nice solid looking mini mill has the vertical head as well current bid £343