News & Events

Used Milling Machine Buyer’s Guide

Buying a used CNC or milling machine is a big investment, and there are a lot of important factors to consider before making a purchase. Use this basic guide to buying used milling machines and parts to help you get started.

Budget

The first thing you want to do when shopping for a used milling machine is to determine your budget.  This can make any subsequent decisions much easier, as it narrows down the large number of options. Remember to include the cost of shipping when making your decision, as milling machines are very heavy and shipping fees can be hefty.

Types

The two basic types of milling machines are vertical and horizontal. The type you will want to purchase depends primarily on the type of cutting you intend on performing with the machine.

Vertical Mills

Vertical mills are a newer form of milling machine that work by employing a die sinking method.  Vertical mills, as the name suggests, use a vertical plane for cutting and come in three basic categories.

1. Turret Mills

One of the most versatile types of mills, the turret mill is useful for small, detailed designs.  It uses a moving table with a stationary spindle that can be used in the same way as you would use a drill press.

2. Bed Mills

The bed mill is similar to the turret mill, with the main difference being that the table can only move perpendicularly with the machine.  This limits the capabilities, compared to a turret mill, but can be a more economical option for someone who does not need to perform any parallel cutting.

3. Mill-Drills

For a lighter, cheaper, and smaller option, you’ll want to explore the option of a used mill-drill. Great for hobby shops and amateur machinists, the mill-drill is relatively inexpensive and is essentially a ‘desktop milling machine.’

Horizontal Mills

Horizontal mills have been around for much longer than their vertical counterparts and are primarily used for long, large projects.  Horizontal mills are great for creating the spirals, bezels, and grooves often seen on nuts, washers, screws, and bolts.  Most frequently employed to create piping and gears, horizontal mills have a number of useful applications.

For the leading source of used milling and CNC machines, visit our online store or contact us now for more information. Our extensive inventory is guaranteed to have the machine you’re looking for at a competitive price—all with a 30-day money back guarantee!

How to Become a CNC Lathe Machinist

In the dynamic world of manufacturing, a career as a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Lathe Machinist is both rewarding and in high demand. CNC Lathe Machinists play a crucial role in the production of precision components and parts. This article will guide aspiring individuals on the best route to becoming a CNC Lathe Machinist, offering […]

6 Important Rules In CNC Machinery Safety

Introduction In the realm of manufacturing, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines play a pivotal role in automating processes, enhancing precision, and boosting efficiency. However, with the power and complexity of these machines comes a heightened responsibility for ensuring safety in their operation. Neglecting safety protocols can lead to severe consequences, including accidents, injuries, and damage […]

Vertical vs. Horizontal Lathes

What Is a Lathe? Lathes are essential machining tools that support cutting, knurling, facing, and turning operations. They have been around for thousands of years and are one of the oldest machine tools. They work in a similar way to milling machines but, instead of the tool rotating, the piece rotates. They come in a […]

CNC Machining Vs Sheet Metal Fabrication

When it comes to making your custom metal products, there are many factors to consider. One of these factors is which manufacturing process you choose. CNC Machining is a great choice if your design can be machined, but sheet metal fabrication may work better for other types of designs. Here are some of the key […]

Surface Grinders vs. Angle Grinders

Surface Grinders Metal surface grinders are important tools in the metalworking shop, used to smooth a variety of parts. These machines are designed to grind flat surfaces with precision. They can also be used to grind hard materials that are difficult to machine with other methods. This type of machining is often used to eliminate […]

An Introduction to CNC Turning

When it comes to manufacturing precision components, CNC turning is one of the most important processes. This article will give you an introduction to CNC Turning so you can better understand this complex and versatile manufacturing process. The CNC turning process utilizes a lathe or turning center to construct cylindrical shapes. It can also be […]

3-Axis Vs 5-Axis CNC Machining

Extra axes on a CNC machine allow the cutting tool to approach a part from all directions without the need for extensive fixtures. This enables undercutting that may be possible on machines with fewer axes but requires time-consuming and costly repositioning of the workpiece. 5-axis machining offers greater precision, accuracy, and design flexibility when compared […]

The Basics of CNC Milling and Turning

CNC machining is computerized production technology that uses pre-programmed software to control various types of machinery. However, many people are confused by the terms CNC turning and milling. Milling machines create custom-designed parts or components by progressively carving away material with rotating multi-point cutting tools. Unlike CNC turning, which only uses one point of contact, […]

A Guide To Buying A Lathe

Buying a lathe is a big decision. A machine shop owner should consider the type of work they plan to do and future plans. What to Look For The lathe is one of the more complex machinery available to home workshop owners, or industrial production shops. It is also one of the most expensive tools […]

What Are the Basic Types of Surface Grinders?

Surface grinders are a common fixture in heavy industry. These machines are used to refinish items such as pins, pistons and connecting rods, as well as machine tool components like ball screws, indexers and roller bearings. They are also commonly used for finishing molds and dies, especially those with flat surfaces. They need to be […]

How to Sell Your CNC Machine

If you have an industrial scale CNC machine and you are looking to sell it, there are many ways that you can do so. While some of the below ways are good routes to take, Tramar is the best fit for anyone looking to buy or sell used CNC machinery. With a wide variety of types […]

What Are The Three Types of Machining Process?

A machining process removes excess material to shape, size, and process a product into the desired final form. Unlike other manufacturing methods, machining can remove high amounts of material from hard materials without damaging them. It can also produce a higher production rate and reduce labor costs. Turning Turning, also known as rotary machining, is […]

The History of CNC Machining

CNC, or computer numerical control, is a method of controlling machine tools through programmable computers. It allows for highly precise machining that eliminates human error, and is now used across industries. The history of CNC machines traces back to the 1940s, when John Parsons worked on a system that was fed punch cards that told […]

What Is a Boring Mill?

Boring mills are machines that can bore through solid material, such as metal, without damaging the material itself. They work by using a bar with an insert attached to the end, which is fed into an existing hole in the workpiece and rotated until a chip forms on the surface. The insert itself can be […]

3 Types of CNC Lathe Machines

Brief Background: Lathe Machine Invented at around 1751 by Jacques de Vaucanson, the Lathe machine is a tool used even during the ancient times, dubbed as the “Standard Machine Tools’ Father/Mother” and is considered as the machine that is the most flexible, in terms of function, among all the other machines. Purpose and Types: CNC […]

The History of FANUC Corporation

About FANUC Corporation FANUC, which stands for Fuji Automatic Numerical Control, was a company founded by Doctor Seiuemon Inaba – the person who developed the concept of Numerical Control (NC) – at Minamitsuru, Japan in the year 1956. The company is currently considered as the “Largest Robotics company in the World”. The company initially developed […]

What is a CNC Lathe and How Does it Work?

To better navigate an object, having basic knowledge regarding its background (such as – what it is, its purpose, types, and outcomes) is important. CNC Machines, such as CNC Lathes, are required to be programmed to produce results. These machines can be programmed in two ways – either by using the CAD/CAM system or directly […]

Industries That Benefit from CNC Machines

In the manufacturing industry, the use of CNC machines has become dominant. It promises improved processing and quality results. It also holds the key for a fast, accurate and cost-efficient operation – it helps minimize expense as it cuts costs on paying workers that serve the same function as the machines. In terms of benefits, […]

Tips To Increase Your CNC Machine’s Longevity

CNC machines are reputed for their ability to work non-stop and produce quality outputs. However, in order to maximize its lifespan, it needs to be maintained. Much like humans, machines are prone to over-working and require regular maintenance. They need to be cleaned, lubricated and treated well in order to last long. If your CNC […]

Types of CNC Machine

Due to its efficacy, accuracy, and precision – Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machines have become a vital tool for manufacturing companies, especially those that cater the demands of these industries – Medical, Optical, Military Defense, Commercial Goods, Aerospace, Transportation, Petroleum, Marine, and Electronics – these machine are vital for reproducing high quality and reliable parts […]