Wet Mill Shopping

  • Thread starter Thread starter Brett Hansen CDT
  • Start date Start date
currently milling zr, some pmma in a dwx 52 d
never any issues ( knock on wood)
looking for 2nd mill to keep up with volume

any thoughts or opinions
If you're planning on milling same stuff on another mill and you're happy with what you have why not just get another of the same thing. Same tools, same cam, same everything, same setup and keeps it simple, familiar and redundant.
 
If you're planning on milling same stuff on another mill and you're happy with what you have why not just get another of the same thing. Same tools, same cam, same everything, same setup and keeps it simple, familiar and redundant.
that is direction I'm leaning , lab owner asked if we had any other options- think he trying to save a littler $ on monthly payment
 
Well, I don't have any experience with rolands, but I think you would be hard pressed to find alternatives that were much cheaper that had the same track record. Sure there may be a slightly cheaper alternative but support? parts? etc?, and the fact you are already familiar with them and running costs.
 
currently milling zr, some pmma in a dwx 52 d
never any issues ( knock on wood)
looking for 2nd mill to keep up with volume

any thoughts or opinions
I just bought this machine and am waiting for it to be delivered.🚢 I talked to a few people who have already bought it, and they were happy with their purchase... So, I thought, for $13K USD, what could go wrong? It comes with CAM included. I'll report back soon after I’ve had a chance to play with it a bit. Stupido2
 
currently milling zr, some pmma in a dwx 52 d
never any issues ( knock on wood)
looking for 2nd mill to keep up with volume

any thoughts or opinions
Do you plan on increasing the volume of PMMA work you do? Are you in a position to take advantage of a disc changer so you can run parts overnight?

The 52s are fine, and if you already have one they can share spare parts and consumables, but the disc changer version (52dci) isn't great imo, it's a compromised design. The prices on the 52 line seem to be coming down, or will in the near future, because it's last year's model. There are so many 52s out there that support and spare parts should be available for the foreseeable future.

The 53 is a clean-sheet redesign that learned from the mistakes of the 52dci. It's got a beefier spindle and more rigid construction, so it's a much more effective PMMA mill than the 52s are; there are roughing tools you can use on a 53 that will cut your job time for big restorations by, I dunno, 2/3rds at least. The disc changer was included in the design from the ground up so it's well-integrated and seems pretty reliable. OTOH there isn't much part commonality between the 52s and 53s, so you'll need to stock two types of spare spindle, two types of replacement collet, two types of replacement ballscrew, etc. Not a huge deal but it may mean having to sink more money into those replacement parts until they need using.


So: if you want a disc-changer dry mill, or if you want to do more PMMA, the 53 is worth looking at. If you want more of the same for cheap, 52d. You can also go non-roland, of course, but once you're in the ecosystem it's easy to just stay there, and you probably won't get as much entry-level bang for your buck as you might with a 52 series.
 
Do you plan on increasing the volume of PMMA work you do? Are you in a position to take advantage of a disc changer so you can run parts overnight?

The 52s are fine, and if you already have one they can share spare parts and consumables, but the disc changer version (52dci) isn't great imo, it's a compromised design. The prices on the 52 line seem to be coming down, or will in the near future, because it's last year's model. There are so many 52s out there that support and spare parts should be available for the foreseeable future.

The 53 is a clean-sheet redesign that learned from the mistakes of the 52dci. It's got a beefier spindle and more rigid construction, so it's a much more effective PMMA mill than the 52s are; there are roughing tools you can use on a 53 that will cut your job time for big restorations by, I dunno, 2/3rds at least. The disc changer was included in the design from the ground up so it's well-integrated and seems pretty reliable. OTOH there isn't much part commonality between the 52s and 53s, so you'll need to stock two types of spare spindle, two types of replacement collet, two types of replacement ballscrew, etc. Not a huge deal but it may mean having to sink more money into those replacement parts until they need using.


So: if you want a disc-changer dry mill, or if you want to do more PMMA, the 53 is worth looking at. If you want more of the same for cheap, 52d. You can also go non-roland, of course, but once you're in the ecosystem it's easy to just stay there, and you probably won't get as much entry-level bang for your buck as you might with a 52 series.
thats a yes on the pmma , 53 may be better option- appreciate the informative post - thank you
 
I just bought this machine and am waiting for it to be delivered.🚢 I talked to a few people who have already bought it, and they were happy with their purchase... So, I thought, for $13K USD, what could go wrong? It comes with CAM included. I'll report back soon after I’ve had a chance to play with it a bit. Stupido2
only $13k? interesting. please keep us posted, would love to hear some honest zero feedback
 
only $13k? interesting. please keep us posted, would love to hear some honest zero feedback
Yup, only $13k... no typo there. I can't wait to get my hands on it... it might give the name brands a run for their money... lol. Eviltongue
 
That's a pretty slick looking machine! I love the 1/3 puck holder design and separate electrical housing . Looks like it might only run on 220v? Definitely keep us updated with a review, $13k with cam is a pretty sweet deal!
 
Just make sure you're not getting what your paying for, in build quality, CAM software, and support. Granted, with the big name brands we may be overpaying, but I would still rather spend more, and hopefully get more (after having done online research and from the years of feedback here on this forum) ;) :)

Otherwise, there is always this gem ;) :)
 
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