Bench-top Mini Miling Machine Suggestions

Ivan Funk · From: Hamburg Pennsylvania, USA

I had to downsize and no longer have a shop space.
I'm thinking of getting a bench-top mini milling machine. I'm looking at something like the Grizzly G0781 or cheaper Amazon equivalents.
Looking for recommendations or suggestions.
What do you have or like? What ones to avoid etc...

David Ball · From: North Carolina High Country

I have the Little Machine Shop Hi Torque mini mill, and I have converted it for CNC. I also have a manual Harbor Freight mini mill. I really prefer the LMS mill since it doesn't have the tilting column and does have a bigger table.

The tilting column seemed like a good idea, but I've had problems with the HF mill getting out of tram due to the column tilt slipping just a little bit if put under a heavier load. I generally use that mill as a drill press these days--it's a really good drill press!

Ivan Funk · From: Hamburg Pennsylvania, USA

Thanks David.
Helpful info.
That Hi Torque Mini Mill looks nice.

Ross Shafer · From: Petaluma, California

I've been a machine tool nut all my adult life....forget those modern mini machines and sit tight for a Rockwell 21-100, 21-122 or a Clausing 8520. These are increasingly hard to find and can be spendy.

These are real machine tools that will outlast you if taken care of.

The Rockwells are the larger of the two brands, both come on their own stands so they're not technically "Benchtop" but they're much smaller than Bridgeport type mills and are the go too small mills for those in the know.

I prefer the Rockwells because they use a standard available everywhere R8 collet in the spindle. The Clausing uses a different collet size that is not as common, though still obtainable.

I just happen to have a Rockwell 21-100 for sale, but shipping from California to PA would make it more spendy that it needs to be. plenty of these machines there on the East Coast. Keep an eye out on your local Craigslist, Ebay and Practical Machinist Forum 9you can place a wanted to buy ad here.

Ivan Funk · From: Hamburg Pennsylvania, USA

Thanks Ross.
This is gathering some good info.
I did notice there are cheap used Bridgeports and other mid sized milling machines all over Craigslist. I could get a used real mill for the price of a new mini mill.
My limitation right now is I am in a small apartment so I want to get something to tinker with until I get a shop space again. I'm even considering a micro-mill. Then maybe upgrade to something bigger.
The Rockwell looks great.

Ivan Funk · From: Hamburg Pennsylvania, USA

Ross - is this older model any good?
Seems like a good price?
I wish I had the space for it.
Maybe I could put it in the kitchen lol.
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/tls/d/unionville-rockwell-milling-machine/7643358152.html

Ross Shafer · From: Petaluma, California

that's the boss right there, these aren't made anymore, so they're all old.

If the table moves smooth, is in decent condition and the spindle runs smoothly and true, that is a killer price!

Ivan Funk · From: Hamburg Pennsylvania, USA

Thanks Ross!
I thought the price seemed good.
Tempting. Maybe I'll go look at it...

Ivan Funk · From: Hamburg Pennsylvania, USA

To have something to use until I decide on a bigger machine I picked up a Unimat SL1000 that was for sale close by. The guy gave me a good deal on it. It's tiny but it works surprisingly well as a lathe and milling machine. Fun.

Terry Anderson · From: Oaklahoma, USA

Who makes steel seats

Marvin Born · From: Ohio, USA

Check out Sherline table top mills and lathes. US built and either manual or CNC available. The 5000 series work well. The 2000s work well but are more difficult to set up. Hundreds of accessories are available. I suggest the longer lathe. These are great for making pedal steel parts.

J D Sauser · From: Wellington, Florida

I am toying about getting one too.
I was trained in Switzerland in the 80's... so I am "metric". The choice of machines in the US... most cheap options from China, is difficult for me to mentally deal with. What I do see is that some of the table top "cheap" ones may have a "different" spindle and not work with common tool chucks sizes? So, look out for that.

And the I'm looking at 3D printers but I have such a hatred for all digital that is getting just stronger and stronger and has cost me some screens already.

... J-D
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