mini mill

J

Jim R. Glines

Joined
Nov 2, 2005
Messages
7
I was going to Harboe freight to get a mini mill and drill, not the micro mini but the mini, for about $469. I have never been around one of these machines, so wanted to know if any of you have used one, and what you think of it. I don't have alot of room in my shop, and I only make a few knives. I don't do this full time, so can't see spending lots of money an somrthing that will not be use alot.
what do you think? Thanks for any help.:)
 
so far i like mine ok
sure it doesnt do some things but it does cut nice holes and if need be you can do some side cutting
just have to take your time
i guess till i get more of the bugs cleaned up on it its more a great drill press and a so so mill i looked at it like this if i like how it works then i can buy a "real" mill swap most of the R8 tooling and use the mini as a drill press
butch
 
I would advise against getting any mill with the name "mini" or "micro" in it's description.
They just don't have it in the long run and you will have wasted that money you could have put towards a bigger, better one.:eek:
 
The Harbor Freight mini-mill that you describe is well-worth the money. Like John says, do a search here. Make sure you clean and deburr the whole machine and it'll serve you well. Also google mini-mill and mini-lathe and you'll get some good links to read. LittleMachineShop.com is really a good place to buy stuff for the HF mill. :thumbup:
 
A friend of mine just bought a mini mill from Harbor Freight. They had three different models at this store. I advised him to get the one that has an R-8 collet system on it and not a Morris taper. I have had the Morris taper drop the chuck out when exerting side pressure while milling. The collet system won't do that.
Dave
 
I have one of the Grizzly Industrial milling machines that has a hi-lo range and variable speed! $525.00. I use it almost everyday. Slotting guards, milling handle material, you name it.
I'm to the point where I coudn't make a knife wihtout it.
I've had it for four years - no problems.
One of these days I'll have a Bridgeport.
Until then, this'll do!
http://www.grizzly.com/products/G8689
 
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