What Type of Work Can Be Done?

[SpeedsCustom]

Hello Everyone, I was just wanting to know what type of things can be made from this type of mill http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44991 My work is small, but have people made using this type of mill and that is WITHOUT CNC. I'm very interested in this mill because of the money issue.

Thanks,


-Jason

[Chris64]

I'm a total Newby to machining, but I've investigated these quite a bit looking for the least expensive, most pratical solution for this.

The biggest problem with that machine is that the chuck head will never work properly. It isn't designed to withstand lateral pressure. To be honest I don't know what you could use that machine for other than a nice little drill press.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=33686

This would be the cheapest mill they sell that I would consider capable of actually milling. This identical model is sold by many other companies for $999+.

I've heard better things about this machine if size is an issue:
http://www.taigtools.com/mmill.html

Hope that helps.

[SpeedsCustom]

I have seen that Mill.


I'm just looking for the best afforable priced mill I can get, 500-700 is my Limit!

Would you say that mill is quite good.


-Jaosn

[Chris64]

Originally Posted by SpeedsCustom I have seen that Mill. I'm just looking for the best afforable priced mill I can get, 500-700 is my Limit! Would you say that mill is quite good. -Jaosn

I really don't know...I've read people say that it was OK for what it was.

I've just gone through this and pretty much what I've read is that nobody makes a micro mill that is both cheap and/or good. Some are better than others but none are as good as the real deal. I've always ended up getting the same advice, if you have the room just get an old REAL mill (like a bridgeport). I have seen big mills sell for around $600 on ebay...but then you have delivery and whatever electrical changes that may be required.

Now there was one machine that had me very interested which was this one:
http://www.shoptask.com/
But it's around $3k. I have seen people sell the older version of this for around 1K on ebay. My recommendation is keep doing what you're doing. Search around and find a mill, then search the internet for someone who's used it.

Just don't even try one with a drill chuck head...I did and they don't work.

[SpeedsCustom]

Ugh... I'm trying to find a good, decent mill, but I don't have much time. I need something soon. 3k and 1k are out of my limits! Though I have seen the Atlas Grizzly Mill, but it looks exactly like the Harbor Freight Mill?

I need something. Like the TAig Tools, looks good.


-Speed

[mdreitzusa]

here is a sample of what you can make with a mini mill.
My mini-mill built Colt 1911 .45 clones
if you read some of the posts in the benchtop mills forum.you can see what others are doing with this type of machine.the one you are looking at is the same as the x2.
i have the micro mill (x1)from hf and am very happy with it.
the micro mill for under 300$ makes a nice first mill.

[SpeedsCustom]

Man that is awesome stuff.

Done on a CNC Grizzly Mini Mill? Awesome. What program do you run.


-Speed

[Kipper]

It seems it has an R8 spindle so if the bearings are good then I see no reason for it not to operate within it's parameters :shrug: ...it's got to be better than a drillpress...People make all sorts with small mills so theres no reason (unless you need to make lots of parts fast) to spend huge amounts of wonga (cash) on a larger one unless you need the capacity. My 2np

[SpeedsCustom]

Oh absalutely not, I make good money, but am not loaded with my work so a mini-mill is just what I need.

I think i'm going to buy a 400.00 mill, same as a grizzly and convert it to CNC. I have a budget so a 400.00 mill is nice, but I need to buy collet, I already have a substatial amount of milling bits. So I need an R8 spindle and then need to use Collets, and different collet which every different bit? Seems very costly....


-Jason

[DareBee]

El cheapo collets are about $10 ea and a set for $100.
Respectable collets 15 - $25 each.
A rotary table and boring head will each cost as much as that mill as well.

[SpeedsCustom]

I'm going ahead with R8 End Mill Holders. Not collets.


-Jason