Micro or Mini mill

fast14riot

fast14riot

Joined
Oct 27, 2010
Messages
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Hey all, first off, I know most of you say to get the largest mill you can afford, but for me I just don't have the space. So I have been thinking about getting a micro mill. I have looked at various models/brands but just don't know enough to make an informed decision. Taig, Sherline and, Microlux are some of the brands I have seen. I know that no matter the price, I will have to double it to get a decent amount of tooling. I am a model builder so I don't foresee needing anything much larger than a mini, but if I do my uncle has a larger one I could use.

Do any of you guys here have any experience with such machines? What features should I look for?


-Xander
 
I have a Harbor Freight micro mill. It is simply too scrawny to do much metal machining with. Don't waste your money on it. Get, at least, the $500 mini mill. Both of these are made in China-as is the Microlux.
The Sherline and Taig are very good little machines. But, they are for very small projects.
 
I got the little Grizzly $500 mini mill, was trying to cut brass with it the first day I had it with a 1/4 inch 4 flute and the geartrain broke. POS!
I drove it back to Grizzly and traded up to the $900 mill/drill. I would like something more rigid for production cutting, I am wishing I had dropped the extra couple hundred for the next model bigger
Of course I really want a bridgeport!

-Page
 
I've been using a Shirline for 12 years and love it. I mill damascus mostly, using carbide endmills, up to 1/4" dia. Although I would like a larger mill, the little Shirline has always done what I need, never a problem. Fine machine!!!
 
I have the Harbor Freight Mini Mill that I converted to a belt drive and I really like it a lot. For the money its a nice package and has worked well for me. The micro mill from Harbor Freight was my first mill. I hated it! It was not big enough as Bill said already but if you buy it order extra gears for it right away. You'll need them because the first time you put any kind of load on the thing during use, something far too easy to do with that machine, you'll find that you need them. The gears are nylon and the teeth just get raked right off the thing stripping it bald. Get the 44991 model. Its not a bad deal really especially if you put the belt drive kit on it. Its not only better after that but its a lot less noisy also but best of all the belt absorbs the shocks that would strip nylon gears.:thumbup: As I recall the belt drive conversion is about an additional $125 plus or minus.

STR
 
I also have the harbour freight min-mill but it took me over a year of hard use to strip my plastic gears out and now I also have a belt conversion kit on mine. I am pretty happy with the mill and use it often, Its no bridgeport but it gets the job done.
I got my belt kit from littlemachineshop.com you can do some reading up on your mill there also I believe. Do your homework and attempt to get it on sale and you will be pleased.
Chris
 
I have a Jet. It's the smallest model JMD 15. Has worked great for 10 yrs. Google it for specs. Made in Taiwan I believe.
 
I've got the Smithy midas 3 in 1. It's OK, a little better than most of the Harbor Frieght type set ups. I primarily mill gaurds and use it for a precision drill press. Every once in a while I'll turn bushings out on the lathe for an engine or something. It's realy handy to have, but other than gaurds and as a drill press I don't use it much for knifemaking.
 
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