Anyone have any experience with Grizzly's mini-mill?

[raythebigfoot]

I've been looking for a small mill lately to help with guard and bolster making and some smaller wood projects that really require a mill. I don't really have the slightest idea of where to look or what would be a decent mill but I really only need it for small projects. By the look the Grizzly mini-mill looks decent enough for what I need, but I wondered if anyone with more experience milling had any opinions on it. I would appreciate any comments greatly!

 

[Chris Meyer]

I have a Grizzly mini-mill. I've only used it for metal, so I can't really say how it would work on wood. The machine does not have a lot of clearance between the mill and the column, so you'd be limited to small pieces.

The mini mill works okay on metal but, in my opinion, its biggest problem is the tilting column. There is just one big bolt securing it in the upright position. So, if you try to take off too much material in one pass, the column will jump out of alignment. Then you have to remove anything you were working on, re-tram the mill, then try to reposition your work where you left off (if you didn't already ruin it). It's a real PITA. Still, a mini-mill is better than no mill.

Even though it's more money, I think you'd be far better off with the fixed column G0463 Mill/Drill, or better still, a used Bridgeport mill (if you have the space). You can probably find an older Bridgeport for not much more that the G0463 costs.

G0463

 

[Tad Lynch]

After checking them both out in their showroom, I got the Mill/drill shown above. It is a WAY more substantial machine. For an imported piece of equipment, I have no complaints with it.

Tad Lynch

 

[raythebigfoot]

Hmm, thanks for the comments so far. Definitely makes me think I should spend the extra money for the nicer mill.