August 26, 2025 BY
IN Blogs , CNC Machinery

Are you planning to buy a Haas CNC?

Or are you planning to buy a vertical machining center, CNC?

In case you’re trying to be a jack of both, then there is good news: there is a right machine series for you, which is the Haas VF series. The VF series features several CNC vertical machining centers that excel in performance. Among them, two of the most famous are the Haas VF2 and the Haas VF2SS.

So, which one should you choose among these two machines? In reality, there is no clear cut answer to these questions, as which one is better for you can totally be determined by which one satisfies your particular business requirements. So, let’s jump into finding out which CNC machine, among VF2 and VF2SS, is better for your machining business.

Differences between Haas VF-2 and Haas VF-2SS:

Here’s a detailed description of the major differences between the Haas VF2 and Haas VF-2SS CNC models, which can help you make the final purchase decision:

  1. General overview of both products:
    • The Haas VF-2 model comes with 3 axes, a spindle of 8100RPM speed, 20 tool capacity, spindle power of 30hp, coolant capacity of 55gal, carousel type tool changer, and can handle a max weight of 3000lb on the table, with liquid cooled cooling system.
    • The Haas VF-2SS model also comes with 3 axes, the spindle speed is 12000RPM, 30+1 tool capacity, spindle power of 30hp, coolant capacity of 55 gal,  SMTC type tool changer, liquid cooled cooling system, and air or oil injection style bearing lubrication system.
  2. Tool changer: 
    • The VF2 model of Haas comes with a 20 tool automatic changer and a robust drive system. The standard carousel tool changer is reliable but slower, like 4-6 seconds chip-to-chip.
    • The VF2SS model of Haas comes with a 30+1 side mount tool changer, which reduces non-cutting time. This system can cut the tool change time in half, which saves minutes and hours of time for production plants.
  3. Performance and speed: 
    • The standard Haas VF2 model comes with an 8100RPM speed spindle and is designed for versatility. Their machines offer practical speed for most of the shops. These models are fine for stainless steel and other tougher metals.
    • The VF2SS model of Haas is made for rapid production, with a strong 12000RPM spindle and ultra fast rapids. They slash the cycle time and help in excelling in high-volume production and high precision work. They are great for materials like aluminium, plastic, and composites.
  4. Durability and reliability:
    • All the Haas CNC machines are known for their durability and reliability. Their machines generally provide a long service life and have a robust design. The VF-2 is no expectation, and is ideal for general purpose applications.
    • The VF-2SS model is also the same, but it is more focused on speed. This machine also retains the well celebrated Haas build quality, and is also well known for its reliability during demanding machining environments.
  5. Application suitability: 
    • The VF-2 model of Haas can work with the toughest of materials like titanium and stainless steel. They are best suited for prototyping applications and other custom works, where speed is not the major factor. These machines are ideal for machining shops that handle small to medium scale productions.
    • The VF-2SS CNC machines of Haas are more optimized for soft materials, where speed is more important than torque. They excel in high precision and high volume machining work. If your business needs fast turnaround, frequent tool changes, and tight tolerances, then this CNC model can be a good choice for you.
  6. Pricing and costing:
    • The VF-2 CNC machine of Haas comes at an affordable upfront cost, but if you want to get it upgraded with a higher speed spindle or some automation features, then the prices will shoot up.
    • The VF-2SS model of Haas generally comes at a higher price compared to the former one, but the price gets justified because of its features. You don’t need to spend a lot on upgrading either, so you will just have to bear the upfront cost, but you can save on that too by purchasing used machines.
  7. Resale value: 
    • Haas VF-2 is arguably the most famous CNC machine of Haas. This machine has a huge demand among machinists all around the world, so if you can maintain the machine properly, then you’re definitely going to get a good resale price after years.
    • The VF-2SS model is also very popular, and has a huge demand among people in the machining industry, so a well maintained VF-2SS CNC model will fetch a good price. But, a detrimental factor about reselling is that you’re selling the machine. If you’re selling to MachineStation, then we can ensure the right pricing for your used machines.

Which one to choose? 

Here’s a short explanation of which one you should choose between the Haas VF-2 and VF-2SS models:

Go for VF-2 if you:

  • Want a cost effective CNC machine.
  • Want a machine that can handle heavier workpieces.
  • Want a machine that can handle a variety of materials for your shop.

Go for VF-2SS if you:

  • Want a machine that has speed and precision.
  • Want a machine that can give the fastest possible cycle times
  • Want a machine that can cut aluminium and other softer materials.

Conclusion:

Both the Haas VF-2 and VF-2SS are great CNC models and super powerful workhorses in their genre. So, to know which one you should choose, you should read this blog and find out which one suits your business needs more. In case you decide to buy the used models, then you can check our collection of used Haas VF-2 and used Haas VF-2SS.