Mini mill

[loadnplenty]

Does anybody on here have one?

If so what brand? Pros and cons etc.

Wondering how a small one would do for minor wood work etc with the moving table.

 

[StuP]

I have a mini mill and mini lathe. Can't remember the brands, but most are made by the same manufacturer and branded for sale.

I use them for metal, so can't comment on wood. I enjoy using them to make small parts, not ultra precise, I have to work very hard to get accurate to a thousandth, but good enough for 98% of what I try to do.

 

[Lonesome Cowboy]

Give Precision Mathews a look. They have a great reputation for taking these Chinese made mills and giving them a next level fit and finish. That’s the way I’m going as soon as I clear out enough space in the new garage / workshop to put one.

 

[jglenn]

I have both a mini mill and lathe
They work fine for small parts but does require.some additions to be a decent piece.

I added the belt conversion to my HF mill and the TouchDro to both machines because both have very sloppy screw takeups. IMHO the mill is a better piece. I can do pretty much anything on it needed for a 1911 but have to go slow and take small cuts due to the lack of torque.

I'd buy both again but also have access to a large lathe and mill.

The HF unit can be had for 30% with a coupon if you are patient. Their shipping is dirt cheap

 

[Spacelord]

I have a small one that I got from lowes, under 450, I think, does ok on aluminum just have to go slow and take small cuts. I've never tried wood but assume that some of the harder varieties would be similar to get a clean cut.

 

[Tomthumb]

Try Travers Tool Co. www.travers.com Use to buy a lot of stuff from them when I was a working machinist. They have cheap, medium & really nice grades of tools & machines. Shipping may be a little high on heavy machines. Shop around.

 

[railin93]

I have a Precision Matthews and it is a beast...only con to mine is slower speeds...id have gone with a variable so I could get higher speed capability...other than that, Id buy it again!

 

[loadnplenty]

Thanks for the input fellas.

 

[C'mon man!]

We have a Sherline Products mini mill at work, it's nice but expensive for what it is, but it's all made in USA.
https://www.sherline.com/product/20002100-deluxe-8-direction-mill/

 

[jglenn]

check out this comparison chart

https://littlemachineshop.com/Info/minimill_compare.php

the little machine shop has all of the upgrades and tools for the mini lathes and mills

Oh yeah get one with an R8 head verses the MT style.. then get a good set of collets to hold you mill ends