PM 935TV Review

[@brianleffler432]

Thanks for the GREAT knowledgeable review. You covered all the bases and got straight to the point. That's very rare on KZbin.

[@zmotorsports62]

Thank you and thanks for taking the time to watch. Mike

[@johndebrular979]

I just rec'd a PM - 935 TS. So far quality to the max.

[@zmotorsports62]

Yeah, I'm still very pleased with mine even after 7+ years now. Thanks for watching and hope you continue to enjoy the mill. Mike

[@patrickedgington6189]

That head dose sound good I hear some and it rattles bad vibration sounds thanks for the video

[@zmotorsports62]

Yes, it is a pretty smooth running machine. Thanks for taking the time to watch. Mike

[@taylorkelley4498]

Good job on that power draw bar! Love seeing people's creativity on stuff like that. I have seen several similar, but the way you moved the butterfly valve and plumbed it back to the body... excellent work!

[@zmotorsports62]

Thank you. I appreciate the comments and thank you for taking the time to watch. Mike

[@SquirrelsForAll]

WOW! I've been looking at this machine and you've pretty much sold me. Looks as though it's a true life-long investment. Your mods are extremely well done.

[@zmotorsports62]

Thank you. I don't think you will be disappointed. I have owned it for more than six years now and still enjoy using it. It has been trouble free and is accurate as the day I bought it. If you deal with Matt, let him know that Mike (aka zmotorsports) referred you and he will take care of you. Both during and after the sale. That is what's nice about Precision Mathews, Matt's customer service is hands down the best there is. It's what other companies should aspire to be like. Thanks again for watching and for the comments. Mike

[@SquirrelsForAll]

@@zmotorsports62, thanks so much, Mike! I'll certainly be happy to do exactly that. Your video really was a great help in helping me to select this mill. :)

[@davidpaulson666]

Hi Mike, Any chance you still have that link to the Hobby-Machinist article where you show taking delivery on the mill and how the mill had tipped over in the truck? It was very interesting and informative. I seem to have lost it. Thanks. and thanks again for the great review. I pulled the trigger on the mill.

[@zmotorsports62]

Congratulation on your purchase David. Here is a link. www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/my-precision-mathews-pm935tv-arrival-setup.25675/ Mike

[@zmotorsports62]

Thanks, I am really glad I raised it to the height that I did. It makes it very enjoyable to use without being bent over. Mike.

[@duanedickey7043]

Mike, You really raised it 8.5"? How tall are you? Setting mine up now.

[@zmotorsports62]

Yes I raised mine 8.5”. I’m 6’2” and my son is 6’4”. My son raised his PM932 CNC mill 6.5” as well and they seem perfect for us. Mike

[@piccilos]

Thank you for the review, I'm thinking about picking up one of these myself.

[@zmotorsports62]

anon you won't regret it. It has been a great machine. Thanks for watching and I'm glad you liked the video review. Mike.

[@davidpaulson666]

Great review as always! I got a lot out of your PM1340 review and bought one myself. Would you still recommend this mill after using it now for a while. I am about to order one.

[@zmotorsports62]

Absolutely. I've used it quite a bit over the past couple weeks and I still enjoy this mill and would highly recommend it. Thanks for watching. Mike

[@CruiserMac]

I like that riser you built, easier on the back if the work table is a bit higher like that. I used those leveling feet on my lathe as well, never thought to adapt them to the mill.

[@zmotorsports62]

Thanks Collin. Yes, it is a great machine with a 3hp full featured BP style head on it. I noticed it looks almost identical to your KBC and Tom Lipton's Acra. The size fits my shop perfectly. Mike.

[@timsworkshop85]

beautiful machine man, its definitely on my list! thanks for sharing!

[@zmotorsports62]

Thank you for watching. I hope it was helpful. Mike

[@CompEdgeX2013]

The head on that mill looks identical to my KBC 9x49 just with the more compact table. I bet it's a great machine when you don't have the space for a full-size. Nice runthrough.. ;-) Colin

[@zmotorsports62]

Thanks Colin. I’m embarrassed that I missed your comment. Thank you very much. So far it’s been a great mill and like you said just a little smaller table. Mike

[@robchesley4591]

Man i just read and saw your story about the driver having tipped the mill over through the crate..WOW.. Im suprised you didnt activate that truck drivers dental plan..

[@zmotorsports62]

Yo say I was kissed is a HUGE understatement. However it didn’t do any damage other than a broken knob so I was able to control my temper and look at the bright side that my mill had arrived. Thanks for the comment and for taking the time to watch. Mike

[@ShuffsPrk]

Really an outstanding review Sir.

[@zmotorsports62]

Thank you. I’m glad to enjoyed it. Thanks for watching. Mike

[@jdirt1982]

I'm thinking about a pm 932 m for my first mill ????? Thoughts Yes..... No ?????

[@zmotorsports62]

Cool user name. I don’t have any first hand experience with the 932 but I was originally going to purchase the PM932PDF but really wanted a knee mill. I think it has a pretty respectable table size and travel distances. My son has the PM45 CNC which is pretty much the same thing but geared head. If the spindle speed is higher on the 932 that would be beneficial because I feel the spindle speed is lacking a bit on the PM45 but it’s a torque monster. Overall quality of the machine is good but not nearly as nice of fit & finish as the Taiwanese machines. Matt is great to deal with and will definitely take care of you. Thanks for checking out my video. Mike

[@justinbrewer8408]

I know you posted this video a long time ago but was wondering how you have liked your mill over these years. I am looking at this same mill but trying to figure out single phase vs three phase. I ordered a GT1340 (still waiting to come in) in singe phase bc I was hoping to avoid having to buy a phase converter or VFD. Have you had any issues with your single phase machine or problems with the motor? Thank you for any advice or insight. Justin

[@zmotorsports62]

I still have both the lathe and mill and would absolutely purchase them again. They have performed flawlessly with minimal maintenance. I have had no issues with the single phase milling machine nor the 3 phase lathe. Both are a pleasure to operate. Let Matt know that I referred you or my video referred you as he seems to have taken good care of those whom I have sent or directed to him via either videos or forums that I participate in. Mike

[@justinbrewer8408]

@@zmotorsports62 Exactly what I was hoping you’d say! Can’t wait to get this lathe in and looks like I need to pull the trigger on this mill. Thanks again and have great New Year

[@zmotorsports62]

Happy New Year to you as well. Mike

[@FastSloW-qt8xf]

Nice machine.. i want one. . Im upgrading from a mini so id love me some spindle to table clearance

[@zmotorsports62]

It’s been a great mill. I highly recommend it. Thanks for watching. Mike

[@gordonwiessner6327]

Either a copy or a Enco or Kondia Mill. Enco's are sold under various names because everybody knows Enco stands for junk. Kondia is a decent milling machine. Jet is lower end products.

[@zmotorsports62]

I’m very familiar with the Enco and this isn’t even in the same league. Matt works directly with the manufacturer in Taiwan on these. Very nice quality mill. Mike

[@nasty509ss]

Awesome video Mike.Last week I ordered this exact machine and this video makes me confident I ordered the right one.I originally ordered an 833t mill/drill,but decided to go one step up because most likely this will be my first and last mill.I was thinking of doing a table cover as well,but I like your idea better.Did you get that material from Mcmaster Carr as well?Was also wondering what size vise you are using?Thanks again for the great video. Dan

[@zmotorsports62]

You’ll love the mill Dan. Yes I ordered my material for table covers from McMaster Carr. As for vise, in the video I have my 5” Glacern but I now have an older 6” Kurt. There are many more accessories available for the 6” vises and they seem to fit the table well. Thanks for watching. Mike

[@nasty509ss]

@@zmotorsports62 I was going to go with a 6" for just that reason.

[@zmotorsports62]

I think you will be pleased with either but my 6” Kurt vise is what is usually on my mill. My 5” Glacern now spends most of its time in the drawer but is every bit as nice as the Kurt. Mike

[@xrm1996]

Good review. Question.. the quill lock is sort of a funky setup for a standard adjustable handle. Can you possibly comment on anything special you did to adapt to it please? The McMaster handles that fit the gib locks don't do anything for the quill. Thanks.

[@zmotorsports62]

The quill lock is merely two brass tapered wedges the pinch around the quill when the lock is tightened. The handle I added from McMaster Carr didn’t replace or change the brass wedges in any way, it merely added a bit longer handle and makes it adjustable. All I did was order a standard 3/8”-16 stud handle that threads into the brass wedges. I sure hope that made sense. Thanks for watching the video and commenting. Mike

[@xrm1996]

Thanks Mike. I'm guessing your 935 is a little different at the lock than mine. The stud from the factory handle is inches long, threading into the back wedge. The studs on the McMaster handles I received, which were just like the others I saw at MC, were maybe 1/2" long give or take. I might have to make something. And hey... looking over your garage... I think you need a dirt bike:) - Mike

[@zmotorsports62]

I’ve had dirt bikes and sand toys for nearly 30 years and my wife, son and I snowmobiled for 20 years. Although they were fun and I built a lot of them over the years, I am enjoying my Jeep and Harleys much more. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Mike

[@slip0n0fall]

Interesting - that upper head+quil, everything down to the gear change, the speed indicators, look exactly like the Southwestern bed mill's. Coincidence? Is this simply a common design, or I wonder if Southwestern / PM are re-badged?

[@zmotorsports62]

Sorry, I can’t answer that. Matt from Precision Machine told me which factory in Taiwan where this mill was made but I can’t remember the name off the top of my head. It’s sure been a great mill though. Mike

[@michaelmaloney1027]

Mike Thanks for this review video. Five years later are you still happy with the PM935 mill? I am contemplating buying a similar mill.

[@zmotorsports62]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, I’m still very pleased with my PM935TV. I’ve moved it to my new shop a few years ago but still very happy with the mill. Mike

[@michaelmaloney1027]

@@zmotorsports62 Mike- Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback, it is much appreciated. Have great day! Mike from Canada

[@Eggrollofdoom]

Do you still have this mill? I am trying to decide between this and the PM949, but the 935 is the largest mill that they can deliver with liftgate. What are the machine's limitations besides the travel? I like to work on harder steel such as stainless, and I need a mill that can work on those easily, as well as handle larger end mills like a 1/2 and up.

[@zmotorsports62]

Yes I still have the PM935TV. It’s a great mill. The heads are the exact same between the PM935 and the PM949. Same HP and same features. The machine bases are the only differences whereas the 949 is larger with more mass. There will be some rigidity advantages with the larger machine but I feel they’re negligible because even the 935 is very stout and robust. In my opinion I would base your choice more on the work envelope seeing as how both machines are so well cast and built. I haven’t really found anything yet that I haven’t been able to machine based on the work envelope of the 935 but I’m sure I will get up against its limitations one day. I really enjoy using this mill as it is so smooth and fluid but if I were to be buying now with my larger shop and with a neighbor who has a skid steer I may have purchased the larger 949. My last shop was so small the 935 was a perfect fit but I can’t justify upsizing as I haven’t hit the limitations yet. Best of luck in your decision. Matt is a great guy to deal with and his customer service is second to none. Mike

[@keithgoenner1124]

Question do you still have your pm 935 mill and do you like it and would you buy it again?

[@zmotorsports62]

Yes, still have it and still enjoy using it. I’d purchase it again. Thanks for watching. Mike

[@VenturaSewerInspections]

Thank you for taking the time to do the review. So it's been almost 7 years since you did this review. Are you still happy with it? Any regrets or something you would've done different with it?

[@zmotorsports62]

Thank you for taking the time to watch. Yes, I am still very pleased with the mill and would purchase it again. It has not let me down once. Mike

[@robchesley4591]

Hey pal, are all the PM knee mills 3/4 size? Or is it just the 35? Thanks

[@zmotorsports62]

Just the PM935 (TV or TS) is a 3/4 size Bridgeport. Matt sells both a PM949 and a PM1054 both in either a step pulley (TS) or variable speed (TV) that are full size Bridgeport clones. All of them feature the same BP head, it’s just the body and tables that vary in size and all great machines. Thank you for taking the time to watch. Mike

[@johnhili8664]

Nice machine I might say it a faithful copy of a Bridgeport machine secondly that power drawbar is esthetically a monster/eyesore!!!!! Look at this much more simple by the way still an eyesore:-((

[@zmotorsports62]

It's been a great machine. No issues or regrets about buying it at all. As for the power drawbar, the one in the video was my prototype and first iteration. The one I machined shortly afterwards has more finishing touches added to it, but I'm sure still not as nice as a mass produced purchased one. Thanks for watching. Mike

[@naasehvnishmaJH87]

Hey Mike. I bought this mill from matt based on your recommendation.Great review. I was wondering if you had any plans for the platform you made as well as the drawbar. I'm going to have to to have this platform made locally . thanks again for this insightful video!

[@zmotorsports62]

Thanks for the comments and for watching the video. I am glad you enjoyed it. I don't have any plans for the base as I just winged it based on the base of the mill and the overall height that it needed to be for both me and my son. I think I have some drawings and parts listing for the owner drawbar. Shoot me your email address and I will see if I still have them. Mike.

[@naasehvnishmaJH87]

That would be great: [e-mail] Thanks for taking the time. Much appreciation Mike!

[@bannybanerjee1792]

Hello Mike, Thanks. Your video was super useful! - I learnt a lot and you really helped me make up my mind about going for this mill. I like precision but I don’t have room for a Bridgeport in my 2 car garage shop. I was hesitating because it costs more than I was hoping to spend and was looking for reviews when I found your video. I’m convinced now that it’s worth going for. If you can spare the time, I would very much appreciate if you could share the parts and drawings for the drawbar arrangement- I must say it’s the most elegant upgrade I’ve seen on a machine tool. Thanks again, Banny [e-mail]

[@zmotorsports62]

Thanks Banny. I appreciate the comments. Email with drawings sent. Hope you find them helpful. Mike

[@jasper-cg]

@@zmotorsports62 Hi, I just bought one similar PM-935TS-3PHASE after watching this review. Would appreciate if you still have the drawings to share at [e-mail]. thanks -Koz

[@duanedickey7043]

Mike, what's that base made out of. Those leveling feet must be about 2"- 2.5" so that would leave 6". 2" x 4" rectangle tube and 2" x 2" square tube?

[@zmotorsports62]

That is correct. I used 2”x4” tubing then 2” square tubing to get the 6” with the adjustable feet netting me another 2.5” in height for a total of 8.5” overall height.

[@duanedickey7043]

Thanks, do you remember the gauge?

[@zmotorsports62]

.188” wall thickness if I remember correctly.

[@harlech2]

Now that you have had it for 9 years, how is your experience?

[@zmotorsports62]

Excellent. Still runs smooth and accurate. I have no regrets on the purchase even after none years. Thank you for taking the time to watch. Mike

[@mqeqeshe1]

Looks like an awesome mill. I'd love to watch the whole review but the camera shaking makes me sick.

[@rickking5343]

Hey Mike, I to have bought this mill. I am also interested in your power drawbar, anyway I can get your plans? Thanks

[@zmotorsports62]

rick king shoot me your email address and I can send them to you. I actually have a newly revised version on my mill currently vs. the one in the video that is much nicer. Thanks for watching. Mike.

[@rickking5343]

zmotorsports [e-mail]. My mill is on it's way. Is is possibly to send be the lengths of your metal you used in your base. Thanks

[@zmotorsports62]

rick king email sent. Thanks again for following my channel. Mike

[@salahzenieh2515]

@@zmotorsports62 Thanks for the reviews and the detailed information. After seeing your videos and reading your reviews, I also bought the 1340GT and the PM935. I then picked up the PM940CNC from Matt. Your reviews made me confident to do that investment. Matt and Nicole have also been great and helped me through the purchase. Would love a copy of the plans for the power draw bar if you're still ok with that. My email: [e-mail].

[@zmotorsports62]

Thank you for watching. I’m glad they were helpful and happy to hear Matt took care of you on your purchases. I’ll have to see if I still have the drawings and parts lust for the drawbar. Mike

[@nicholasskific4795]

What is the size of vise that you use on your machine?

[@zmotorsports62]

The vise in the video is a 5” Glacern but I bought an older 6” Kurt that I’ve had on it for the past few years now.

[@nicholasskific4795]

@@zmotorsports62 One more question, when you got your machine what process did you use to tram the head square with the table?

[@zmotorsports62]

I simply use an indicator attached to the quill and rotate it through all four quadrants and tweak the tilt and nod until it’s trimmed. No special procedure really. Mike

[@robotech]

Do you still have this mill? Any limitations you've come across all these years? This is the mill I'm leaning towards on purchasing

[@zmotorsports62]

Yes I still have this mill. I haven’t run up against its limitations yet. Mike

[@SanDiegoSuperbike]

I really like your power drawbar. I have a PM 935 coming soon. Do you have any plans for the drawbar that you're willing to share?

[@zmotorsports62]

Shoot me your email and I can send you what I have. I just fabricated a newer model compared to the one that is on the mill in this particular video. See my Power drawbar videos part 1 an 2, that is my new style that I have on it now. Mike.

[@jmh8743]

mike, saw your reference on HobbyMach forum. finally found this. mine should be here in 10 da. did you bolt machine to floor or just level? I am 6' and I have plenty of 3x3x1/4 tubing left ever from circle track days. I can see need for riser. will an engine hoist get it off pallet or will I need a fork lift? I have Duhatsu loader to get it off truck. mike

[@zmotorsports62]

You will really like this milling machine James. I used a standard 2-ton engine hoise to lift mine up off of the pallet/crate onto my base and move around. It worked just fine. You just have to move the table around to get the weight balanced as it is a bit forward biased. Mike.

[@Ziknazoo]

Did you have a mill in your shop before? Right now I have a PM-45PDF mill/drill but would like to upgrade to a more rigid and accurate machine. Any words of wisdom?

[@zmotorsports62]

I have had a benchtop 3-in-1 machine for about 16-17 years and last year II had originally ordered a PM932PDF from Matt but couldn't wrap my head around getting another benchtop as I really wanted a knee mill. I know many are happy with the PM-45 and I have seen some amazing work come off ot those machines but I have no personal experience with the PM-45 so I don't feel comfortable commenting on it. I can say that I am extremely pleased with the rigidity, accuracy and fit & finish of the PM935 knee mill.

[@Musicalbullet]

Awesome mill. I will be getting this one soon. Did you get the single phase motor option or is it three phase?

[@zmotorsports62]

+Musicalbullet sorry I missed this. My mill is Single phase. Mike.

[@duanedickey7043]

What kind of power feed? How does that work for you?

[@zmotorsports62]

My X-axis power feed is made by Align and it has worked well. No issues and a wide range of adjustment as well as override for high speed. Thanks for watching. Mike

[@duanedickey7043]

Thanks Mike. Those are Taiwan made, no?

[@zmotorsports62]

Yes, the Align’s are Taiwanese made. Very nice quality. I purchased mine from Matt @ Precision Mathews. Great guy to deal with. Mike

[@michaelvaughn2287]

How accurate??

[@zmotorsports62]

Very. Every bit as the BP’s that I’ve used just a smaller work envelope. Full-size BP head.