I just pulled the trigger on an Altmil and wanted to say hello. I have been lurking for soooo long while deciding which machine to purchase. This forum helped greatly in my decision so wanted the thank the community. Looking forward to becoming more a part of it while I wait the agonizing few months to get mine. I live in Northern California (Redding area) in case there are others nearby that are willing to share their set up and experiences. I am a long time woodworker with a typical garage shop with all the usual tools for building fine furniture. Or trying at least as I am no master craftsmen. I just love building and creating.
It’s funny, I spent months cautiously researching my options, across all brands, reading, watching, learning in no rush. A few times I felt overwhelmed and gave up for a bit, thinking I would just stick to my traditional wood working. Now a day later after making the purchase, I am not sure I can survive waiting for it to arrive. I am approaching 60 years old and feel like a kid waiting for Christmas to come!
Anyway, I am sure I will posting quit a bit as my journey continues.
Oh, I do have one question. One thing I decided on is I wanted to go with a spindle that accepts 1/2" bits. So I elected not to get the spindle kit. I am hoping that in the time I am waiting Sienci comes out with a plug and play option I can purchase rather then go third party. I am curious if others are doing the same or perhaps have found a solid third party option that works with no issues. I guess this is one advantage of the wait time as I can research this as I watch endless YouTube video of other using their Altmil.
Welcome to the wonderfull world of one step after the other. I know the place, not knowing what a cnc even is, what machines are out there, what you even need. It took me years to get from, what is this thing I see in this youtube video, to - This is my cnc machine, I just bought and have to wait for to arrive!
You have just made the most important step. Getting a capable cnc, and not just any one, a bloody fully fledged monster of an Altmill. Daaaaim, you lucky you! Good job on choosing that one. I turned green for a moment, but then I looked at my longmill and felt warm and cosy again. I’m good too.
By the way, you know what Christmas and an Altmill have in common?
Now the next step, getting the shop ready for tha beast. Maybe some electric work, shop vac rearangements and whatnots. Plenty of time for that. After that the assembly step and then.. oh my.. the learning to work with it. Awesome times ahead. I almost feel excited with you.
But first.. knowing it is comming months and months of knowing it is comming.. like Christmas songs in August.
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!1!
I have a LongMill myself and it’s a great machine. The AltMill looks like a beast, I think you made a good choice. I came at this from the other end, a little carpentry, decent design and computer skills but no woodworking experience. It’s been fun to learn some woodworking as I’ve always admired the craft.
I look forward to seeing how you incorporate the AltMill into your work and of course the cool things you make!
