Best 9" Band Saw

[colu41]

You know how to make a grown man jealous

A little off topic, but still on machines Since I'm a very small time knifemaker, working full time, I'm really under a small budget. But my question was, I was thinking of the HF Mini Mill. Other mini mills with the same specs are MUCH more expensive, and I've heard nothing but great reviews on it (for small tasks). I'm just looking to use it for guard slots in brass, and 416 stainless. I'm sure I will find other uses for it but, thats pretty much it. I watched a video online of a guy milling a very thick cast iron plate. And it was moving decently fast. I'm sure the bits have a lot to do with it but, a few years back a guy from my work gave me a handfull of industrial mill bits. Hopefully I have some smaller ones. Any insight on if this would work? I'm not in the market of spending $1500 or more on a mill.

 

[javajaws]

I used to have one of those mini mills. They're not too bad for such a little machine. I think for small tasks you'll be alright. I never worked stainless on mine, might have to go a little slower on that. Cast is pretty soft. It'll cut through aluminum and brass no problem.

 

[grumpy_grinder]

No idea on the HF , a few guys here have the king Canada one and princess auto one (they look like the HF one ... Probably is the same) they like it but they where saying something about the gears being weak or stripping or something along those lines. Like me I have a full time job and I'm just into this for myself. No sales so spending over a grand on a mill will make my wife very upset ... Scary upset ...