Mini-mill

[michael_aos]

Not necessarily thinking gunsmithing, exactly, but...

I've often felt a drill-press would be awfully handy. With that in mind, I started looking at some of the "cheap" (~$500) Chinese mini-mill's.

Anyone have any experience with them? Worth tinkering with?

Harbor Freight (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=44991)

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/44900-44999/44991.gif

[cdrissel]

Mike,

I work full time in a small machine shop. Keep in mind we use full size CNC mills. Both Haas and Fadal.

From my experience you get what you pay for. Cheap means low power, tons of back lash in the ball screws (if it has them at all) and over all poor quality.

That said, I've seen some nice work done on cheap or old machines. You will have to get to know your drill/mill very well.

Hit me up again in person at the next match I make.

[Beer]

Charlie

[Mule]

I have that one. It works for remedial tasks but I won't trust it for real work. Some guys I know use them for close tolerance work, but they tore them apart and did a lot of cleaning and adjusting and some changed lead screws. Mine likes to drop all of a sudden on me and chew into the work piece. I think it's an adjustment in the Z tension, but I still pull it off the work to make z changes, lock it and move back in "if" that is possible.....
I'm not a good machinist, so there is probably a lot I could do with it but just can't make it do it with my limited knowledge...

[hobowh]

Personally I would save my money, and get a good one. Depends on what you are making I guess.

[michael_aos]

Like I say, I've just always thought a drill-press would be pretty handy.

So that got me thinking -- if I'm going to spend the money to get a "nice" drill-press, maybe I should spend a little more and just get a mini-mill that has some additional capabilities.

[kpp80202]

Michael-- There are several internet forums on how to make that type of mini-mill work pretty well. I have thought about doing that myself. My advise though, would be to do some research and watch craigslist or ebay and try to buy an old mill from the 50's. My experience with woodworking tools has shown me that you can get a far better built product for almost the same money (or sometimes less) as new manufacture. If you do your research, you can find out what machines still have an active enthusiasts' forum and parts network. I did that when I wanted a radial arm saw, and ended up with a 1950's DeWalt (from well before their sellout to Black and Decker) that is all cast iron, and dead nuts on for every operation. It cost me 1/3 what current Sears and Ridgid crap runs and is far superior. It takes a little work and time to get there, though. I wish I had done that when I was looking for a planer, table saw, etc.

[68Charger]

I also have that model- got it in a trade on craigslist...

basically, I've got around $300 in it, with some tooling... but have been buying more tooling..

one good feature- it uses R8 collets- same as many Bridgeports & clones... so if I ever upgrade, I'll be able to re-use my tooling...

I've tightened the gibs,and the acme screws- the backlash is noticeable, but I'm looking into getting digital scales (or digital calipers) to have a DRO... then I can work around the backlash..

it's usable, and can be quite accurate- but not if you're trying to hog too much out in one pass- go slow, and it'll work... it's better than no mill at all!

there are alot of upgrades out there- all the way to CNC kits.. but I don't know how far I'd go upgrading this before can afford to upgrade to a larger mill... but then again, if I really get into it, having a mini around for some operations and/or parts could be an advantage- not having to fire up the big machine for a small job..

the other choice that's been mentioned is getting a '50s full-size mill.. but then you have to move a VERY heavy piece of equipment, get a phase converter (unless you have 3-phase power), and many times the older machines will be cheap for a reason- they're worn out & need work to make them accurate... just something to consider when looking at one...

I think getting one of these used is a good way to go, get your feet wet on machining (I'm just barely scratching the surface, pun intended [ROFL1]) but I find that I'm going to spend more than what the mill cost me in tooling- all depends on what you're trying to do...

[cdrissel]

Mike,

If you ever want to stop by the shop I'd be more than happy to show you around and talk about machines.

So far all replies to your question are very valid and some good advice.

[Beer]

Charlie