Milling Machines!

[BlueDragonX]

Well, I think I want to pick up a simple manual milling machine so I can start bringing some of my ideas to life. Doesn't need to be fancy at all, and I'd like to keep it under a grand. Plus I need to be able to put it on a table with casters so I can wheel it in and out of my apartment (haha), so not too incredibly heavy would probably be good...

I was looking at what Grizzly has to offer. They've got a pretty simple one that I could do basic stuff with for just under $600. They've also got a small lathe for the same price. I have experience with Grizzly and trust their quality, but I don't know much about milling machines, so take a look.

The milling machine:
http://www.grizzly.com/products/g8689

The lathe (yes it's tiny, perfect for valve rods and such):
http://www.grizzly.com/products/g8688

All my work would be small pneumatics (like my custom pneu-valve I've been brainstorming) and maybe minor cosmetic stuff.

[IronHyde]

Im also going to be looking into a set up like this one, maybe a bigger one once i have the room.

right now, i picked up a set of files and a small drill press. I cant pump out anything easy on the eyes but everything ive worked on was functional.

I also saw something about being able to convert a mill to a cnc? any more info on that, I wouldnt mind owning a small cnc for small 2d parts.

[RogueFactor]

If anyone is interested, I have a Sherline available for sale.

[tymcneer]

I have the Harbor Freight version of the Grizzly mill you are looking at. I have a couple of warnings...

The motor controller is EASY to destroy... I am on my third one, and I was NOT being hard on the mill when it blew up.

Check to make sure that the dials are in .001 increments! Mine are in .002 and one revolution of the handle is .0625! It makes doing work, very tedious!

Be careful... on my mill, one of the primary gears was nylon... I had to replace it, as it broke under load!

If the Sherline from RogueFactor is within the budget and in good operational condition, I'd recommend that unit, over the Grizzly you are looking at.

Just a few thoughts...

Ty

[Tunaman]

Dont get a mini mill. Get the 2hp mill/drill combo. Its a copy/same factory as the Rong Fu. It is 120/220 and around 600 lbs. Best benchtop economill.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/2-HP-Mill-Drill/G1006

[RogueFactor]

The one I have is the top-of-the-line Sherline 2000 series...

http://www.modelcomponents.com.au/assets/images/db_images/db_2000millpic.jpg

Its near new.

[Papa_Smurf]

The one I have is the top-of-the-line Sherline 2000 series...

http://www.modelcomponents.com.au/assets/images/db_images/db_2000millpic.jpg

Its near new.

PM me some additional info on this please.

[tymcneer]

Rogue, now that is a nice machine... CNC ready and everything!

I have the preassembled version of this unit, with the 4th axis, and it is awesome! Unfortunately, Tuna has a point about the heavier machines... More metal, seems to, make them more stable, and able to take a deeper cut, with less vibration. All of that being said, it depends on the tasks you plan to do... Cut aluminium and brass... no problem... Cut steel and stainless... a little more difficult, and a lot slower... Cut exotics (titanium,etc)... Possible, but frustrating as hell!

Rogue, you wouldn't happen to have a tailstock for the Sherline that you'd consider selling cheap/trading for?

Ty

[Papa_Smurf]

My advice is get something bigger than what it is you want, you'll always wish you got one size bigger.

That mini mill is what I had and the table is TINY.

[RogueFactor]

Anything under $1000 is either going to be small and well-built, or large and Chinese-made. The China-made machines dont last long without hobbling them along. I know the Rong Fu well, the one Ive used out of the box needed to be bored to fit the end mill holders(had to pay extra for that service). Over a short time, the gibs needed replacing. And they are not precision by any means.

No different than a mag, really. The Emag underperforms compared to its counterparts(efficiency, weight, battery, lack of upgrades, no break-beam eyes, no bounce/ramp), and you overpay for an Emag in comparison to the Chinese-made paintball markers. But E-mags are well-built, precision, and last a lifetime.

If Tuna used the same decision-making for paintball as he did machines, he would be shooting and dealing Smart Parts markers.

PM me some additional info on this please.

My PM box is full, unfortunately. Its near new, less than an hour on it. Other than that, I dont know what else to tell ya. Price is negotiable.

Rogue, you wouldn't happen to have a tailstock for the Sherline that you'd consider selling cheap/trading for?

Ty
Sorry, I dont.

[tymcneer]

Thanks for the answer, Rogue... Too bad for me... :wall:

Ty

[Papa_Smurf]

My PM box is full, unfortunately. Its near new, less than an hour on it. Other than that, I dont know what else to tell ya. Price is negotiable.

well when you clean it out lets talk price.

[RogueFactor]

well when you clean it out lets talk price.

The best way to do that is by e-mail. rogue@roguesportz.com . I dont have a box limit to my e-mail.

[Papa_Smurf]

Email sent.

[RogueFactor]

Rogue, now that is a nice machine... CNC ready and everything!

Ty

Oh, FYI.... mine is not the CNC ready version. I updated the pic.

[warpedmephisto]

I'll have to resort my usual rant...

I'd highly suggest a Taig over a Sherline mill. I've been nothing but satisfied with my Taig. Its a bit beefier than a Sherline and the price is about the same. I have a 3-axis CNC Taig and love it. That is of course if you're looking strictly for a benchtop mill. Always go the biggest your budget can afford - you'll always want something bigger.