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

[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.



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.