Need help choosing a mill....

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
20,978
Hi Dan,
I haven't used a mill for 20 years, but worked as a machinist for 8 before that. What are you going to use it for? A general rule is buy the heaviest you can move, and a little more than you can afford. I'm sure you'll get better advise than that, but I just wanted to say hi.:)

Steve
 
Dan: I don't want to discourage you, but, I checked out that mill, and it's really just a drill press with a compound table on it.
That's OK, as long as you understand it's limitations.
When milling, the radial (sideways) load on the spindle is LARGE. If the spindle and bearings aren't LARGE and TIGHT, your cutter is going to move, and your accuracy is going to be POOR.
Now, if you're just going to make very light cuts in brass, you may be able to get by, but, your slots are going to vary in width, and, you may get some slop at the end of the slot.

If it were me, I'd look at a used Bridgeport, or, at least a used tabletop mill that cost $1000+ new. These machines generally have a spindle that is 4" diameter or so . The offshort machines are all going to need some degree of truing up, using a good dial indicator, as the tolerances just aren't that good.

You might want to check Ebay. There are sometimes great deals there.

Stay Sharp,

RJ Martin
 
Dave my sincere Recomendation is check out several Mill's in person before you buy ! i have seen many Low priced mill's like H.F the biggest Problem is they will not stay Straight in the Cutting . a friend of mine has one that i used twice with new bit's on brass and for the 5 inches i cut the groove it varied horribly . i am not saying buy the most expensive mill out just try before you buy !! you may want to call a couple of local machine shop's to see if they will give a recomendation besides a Bridgeport .at $ 6000.00

Good Luck i would like to hear what you get !!
 
Do not spend money on the mult-purpose machine (#3). By a mill. If you want a lathe buy a lathe.

I have the Grizzly mini-mill. Your #2 competes with it. Check the Grizzly out.

If I had the space and money, I'd want a Bridgeport.

RL
 
oops...:o seems I always forget something...


What I was supposed to say in my initial post...:rolleyes: was that I really just want it to mill small parts such as slots in guards/bolsters, mortised handle slabs, small folding knife parts, etc.

I like the idea of a lathe, just to turn the occasional piece, but am worried about the lack of a good table on that multipurpose unit. I can do without the lathe feature.

I'm really just a beginner and can't afford to solve the problem with cash. I have to go at it the hard way...;)

I know I need a mill - because my drill press is getting angry with me...:eek:



Roger - got a link on the grizzly model?
 
That's it. Best one out there in the price and size range. There is also a website (Little Machine Shop) that sells all replacement parts, regardless of whether it is the Harbor Freight or the Grizzly model. Get the Grizz.

YOU GOTTA KNOW THIS THOUGH: the tooling for a mill is were the real money goes. Go online with Grizzly and Enco ( www.use-enco.com ) and order their free cataloge. I have bought tooling from both Grizzly and Enco.

RL
 
Buy the most machine that you can afford, Buy it once and buy the best. Think of it as an investment. A better machine will last longer and be more accurate.
 
Originally posted by striper28
Buy the most machine that you can afford, Buy it once and buy the best. Think of it as an investment. A better machine will last longer and be more accurate.
Click to expand...


No truer words were ev.................Etc., etc.:D
 
I don't know much about mills but I will give it a go. I just started some projects on a friends 3 in 1 mill/lathe/drill. It is a $1500 Smithy. I built a heavy metal table(about 400 pounds) for the smithy and we bolted it down and leveled it. I have used it with great precision on two milling projects now. I have learned a few things. Layout fluid, a dial indicator, and good lighting are very important keys to success. Make sure your mill has the incriments (either .001 or .002) in its Z axis. I have heard Grizzly mills are good and they can be had for $500. Buy good toolings! Cheap chinese made junk will work, but if you want to be precise buy good toolings( chucks, arbors, slitting saws,etc)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top