Hiya guys, I am shopping for a mill at the moment, Bridgeport is out since I cannot get it in the garage! That doesn't leave many options, but I have stumbled across this machine at Grizzly - http://www.grizzly.com/products/item.cfm?itemnumber=G3102
I can get that one in the UK, but would like some peoples opinions before shelling out the cash! Anyone got one, or something similar?
halfa32
04-26-2005, 10:33 PM
Kong,
Why can't you get it in the garage? if the hieght is a problem just tilt he head to move it in. I have a series II in my garage I tilted the head to move it in.Then move it back to zero between the trusses and drywalled a box around it.
Halfnutz
04-27-2005, 01:06 AM
Thats commonly callled the 6x26 and its a very well liked mill. Its also called the baby bridgeport. Yahoo has a users group for the 6x26. Man, I would love to have that baby in my garage. H%$, whats not to like? Go for it! (seriously, go to the yahoo 6x26 user group for some advice)
Thanks guys, halfa32, it is not the height, but the footprint once it is in there. In the UK I can get a decent bridgeport, with tooling, for less than the Chinese mill.
I have gone over and over how to fit it in there, but it would not be useable once in. I really need more space.
The beauty of the Chinese mills is that they hold their value. They are not exactly common in this country, so if/when I get a proper workshop, I can sell it and get back a fair amount. Stupid, but not that stupid!
Cheers Halfnutz, I will go there now!
I strongly considered this mill at one point for the same reasons you are. For me, the main weakness is the spindle to table measurement. Put on a vise and a 1/2" drill chuck and you really dont have much z to work with. It all depends on what type work you will be doing though. I decided not to buy this in favor of a square column mill-drill (see http://lathemaster.com/HEAVYDUTYMILLINGMACHINE%207045FG.htm) and all but had the order placed when I found an old mill/drill (not the typical import variety) in great condition for $100 locally.. So I bought that and spent the extra money on tooling.
Good luck.