Mini mill recommendations

J

Jsteele

Joined
Dec 11, 2010
Messages
199
I am new to knife making and was looking for a mini mill for the shop. I was wondering what would be the best for knifemaking? The littlemachineshop hi torque mini mill looks interesting.
 
mine is a HF mini with R8 tooling so when i can find the right bridgeport i can step right into it

its ok so long as i dont push it hard (i am ready for that full size mill tho )
 
I have the Grizzly version of a Sieg X3 benchtop mill. I installed 3-axis DROs, and have been happy with the little mill so far. That said, if wasn't a physical impossibility to get a Bridgeport into my basement, I would love to upgrade. Further, I can't even imagine using my X3 without the DROs (which added a decent chunk of change to the overall cost).

Erin
 
I had one of these to begin with

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Mini-Milling-Machine/G8689

it was a piece of crap that cut less than a half inch with a 1/4 inch 4 flute endmill nbrass before something broke and the spindle stopped spinning. I packed it back up and drove it to the Grizzly store in Williamsport and exchanged it against

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Mill-Drill-Milling-Machine-25/G1005Z

which has been serving me for over 9 years. That said, I have had to learn to compensate for the fact that is is not as rigid as I would like (OK it is downright springy on heavy cuts) so I would spend the extra to step up to the next higher level if I had the chance again. Well, really what I want is a Bridgeport, heck, I'd sell my soul for a well maintained Bridgeport.

Forget Harbor Freight. Comparing the different machines made from the same castings, Harbor Freight gets the lowest grade, then the higher quality ones become Jet and Grizzly (tighter assemblies, better bearings) the funny thing is I broke my milling vise, I ordered a new one from KBC, they were backordered, so I ordered one from Grizzly who were also backordered. I got the one from Grizzly last week, the one from KBC arrived yesterday (neither company called me like they were supposed to to let me know the vise was in) The Grizzly one was green, the KBC one was blue-grey, that and the label on the box were the only differences, the booklet inside was identical as well. Now I have a spare. Just in case anyone doubted that these tools from different companies are made in the same factory.

-Page
 
If you have the room buy a older full size mill. It wont cost you anymore if you look and research.10 times the machine
 
I've been trying to understand all this stuff too. It is difficult (and I suspect, likely counterproductive) doing so via cyberspace. Anyway, here are some links I've stashed that you may find of interest...
Review - how many of you use a mill for making guards
Pasted from <http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=683800>

Help please, which mini mill?
Pasted from <http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=606549>

New Grizzly or Used Bridgeport Mill?
Pasted from <http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=570237>

Recommendation? Is this old drill/mill worth it?
Pasted from <http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=814601>

What to buy with the Mill?
Pasted from <http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=684796>

MIT TechTV (10 online machining videos)
Pasted from <http://techtv.mit.edu/collections/ehs-videos/videos>
​
The following is a very informative site with lots of in depth reviews of Sieg mills (and their Grizzly equivalent.)
SIEG X3 Mid-Size Mill
Pasted from <http://www.mini-lathe.com/X3_mill/X3rvw/X3.htm>

Sieg Super X3 Mid-Size Mill
Pasted from <http://www.mini-lathe.com/X3_mill/Sx3rvw/SX3-4.htm>

Sieg Super X4 Mid-Size Mill
Pasted from <http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_mill/Reviews/SX4/sx4-rvw.htm>

 
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a friend has an enco mini mill that you can pick up and carry anywhere. it works good for small jobs like milling slots or drilling holes but it would not be good for milling out a blade. i tried to find it on their website but i'll have to get the model number since i had no luck.
 
The Sherline 5400 series has several different models including CNC. Can anyone help narrow it down to what is good for knifemaking? Thanks..
 
Jsteele said:
The Sherline 5400 series has several different models including CNC. Can anyone help narrow it down to what is good for knifemaking? Thanks..
Click to expand...

5400 with the big hand wheels. CNC is expensive and not much use to the custom knife maker.

What part of knife making do you want to use a mill for?

I only use a mill for slotting guards, relieving the bolster on liner locks and
cutting the latch release slot on autos. It is the least used machine in my shop.
 
Don Hanson III said:
5400 with the big hand wheels. CNC is expensive and not much use to the custom knife maker.

What part of knife making do you want to use a mill for?

I only use a mill for slotting guards, relieving the bolster on liner locks and
cutting the latch release slot on autos. It is the least used machine in my shop.
Click to expand...


I would be using the mill for the exact things you mentioned Don.
 
Have you seen this primer, The Home Machinist's Handbook? I just came across it at the library. Seems a pretty good basic intro to machining. It's geared toward the home hobbyist like clock makers and gunsmiths, etc. The fella uses both a Sherline lathe and Sherline mill for all his tutorials.

http://www.amazon.com/Home-Machinists-Handbook-Doug-Briney/dp/0830615733/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300413765&sr=1-1-catcorr
513wMfLxPvL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg


Apparently there is another Sherline based text, Tabletop Machining, that's supposed to be pretty good too, but I haven't seen it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0966543300/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
51JKEVE6GHL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
 
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