anyone own a mini mill?

[reuben_j_cogburn]

there are things I need to get done that I can not accomplish with a grinding wheel and files.... I see them advertized, but other than a few reviews I don't know how good they would be. So far I haven't really seen a review where "stuff", is being made, other than just random footage with the mill in operation...
we had (WW2 surplus) bridgeports in high school, but I really don't have room for one of those!
any experiences??

 

[RoninPA]

I have a Grizzly G0781 and it (and my larger drill press) does all the things I need to do. I've had it for about 12 years now, haven't had any problems and it still works great. https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-4-x-18-3-4-hp-mill-drill/g0781

 

[locked*n*loaded]

I'd stay away from the Chinesium micro mills. I think you're better off looking for a good used, older Enco (Taiwan), or even a smaller floorprint USA made knee-type mill. Years ago, I had the opportunity to purchase a really nice, small, "garage size" USA Index brand milling machine FOR A SONG and still kick myself to this day for not buying it. Now, I just use a milling attachment on my lathe whenever something comes up I need to mill. It works, but you're more limited what you can do.

 

[s4s4u]

I now have two of these. I bought a second one because I hate changeovers. Damn good machine, IMO

https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-4-x-16-mini-milling-machine/g8689z

The first one I bought in 2009, and this new one is nearly identical.

They had a "free freight" offer, and it pushed me over the edge.

 

[KingSnake]

I have two Mini Mills, but not really what you’re asking about.

 

[ibboatin28]

Look for a Clausing 8520. They are mini Bridgeports easily disassembled and moved into your basement or other small space. Quality machines made in the US.

 

[Fox Mike]

I am a bit confused. When I open the OP's link I find cups. What has that to do with a milll?

 

[Deer Hunter]

I am a bit confused. When I open the OP's link I find cups. What has that to do with a milll?

Cups? No cups here.

 

[Kings6]

I have a Taiwanese Enco mill I use for my grip making business and it works great. I have used it for some metal work but primarily for milling sheep horn pieces and flattening panels. I did use it to make a fixture for holding Freedom Arms grip frames and for decking bisley grip frames to flatten them prior to fitting grip panels.

 

[s4s4u]

I am a bit confused. When I open the OP's link I find cups. What has that to do with a milll?

You must have clicked on the link to the OP's store, in his sig line

 

[reuben_j_cogburn]

I am a bit confused. When I open the OP's link I find cups. What has that to do with a milll?

thats an easy answer... my link has nothing to do with a mill.. ...Thats just a link to my AK themed mugs...

The griz looks good... I'm pretty leery of the chinesium stuff, but I figured that someone must have some experience.... everything needs to be compact and easily (sort of) transportable.... there isn't much room in my cabin....
the griz would be affordable with a few months of scrimping....
I've got some design work that just can't be done with an angle grinder and a file......

 

[Rock185]

I've had a little Sherline bench top mill for years. It occupies a space on my reloading bench. It is only big enough for pistol sized work, but works just like it is supposed to. No complaints.

 

[reuben_j_cogburn]

It has to be compact and portable.... which means I'll need a full size machine and need to rent a commercial building of course... .
I'm still looking into them... I'll do a search for the sherline......

 

[Kings6]

I have a Taiwanese made Enco mill that I use for my grip making and it works great.

 

[Dan in MI]

I have one the older “ Rong Fu” 30 variants. They were sold under dozens of names. I’ve hacked all kinds of stuff with it. Someday I’ll actually learn how to use it.... properly....and my lathe. It’s not a mini, more like a medium.

 

[LDB]

Wish I had knowledge and skills for such a thing. And space for it.

 

[reuben_j_cogburn]

this will happen after my exodus.. but something I've always wanted to play around with... I have "accessories", I'd like to play around with..