Small Mill Decisions...

[Sr. WiNdTeCh]

I'm having a hard time figuring out which Mill to purchase..

http://www.grizzly.com/products/6-x-21-Mill-Drill/G0619
$1,589.00 Shipped

OR

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Drill-Mill-with-Stand/G0704
$1,189.00 Shipped

There are positives and negatives to both. So I'm looking for some experienced people to help me with my decision - I'm basically at a 50/50 and need that little push on one of them to make my decision.

One issue is that the G0704 is on back-order until... October 10th supposedly.

I currently own a Microlux 7x16 mini lathe and after a few tweaks, sanding, quick change tool post, A.R.Warner tools... I'm very happy with it - That being said if I go with the Sieg mill (G0619) I know what I'm in for as my Lathe was made in the same Sieg Factory.....

 

[mjozefow]

For $1500 your should be able to buy a decent Bridgeport or other full sized mill. My m-head set me back $600.

 

[Sr. WiNdTeCh]

I can't seem to find anything in my area on Ebay or Craigslist, I'm kinda desperate at this point..

I have read however that in the winter there are more Mills on Craigslist - not sure how true it is...

 

[alex71]

If you want a small U.S. made mill, look for a Burke Millrite. I've had one for a few years, and have been very happy with the purchase. They are about 2/3 the size of a bridgeport, and are about as rigid. Weight is around 1,500 lbs.

 

[Sr. WiNdTeCh]

Your in my neighboring state.... Any finds?

 

[Packard V8]

Also, look for a Johansen/Clausing. Friends don't let friends buy Chicom.

jack vines

 

[A_Pmech]

For $1500 your should be able to buy a decent Bridgeport or other full sized mill. My m-head set me back $600.

Exactly!

I can't seem to find anything in my area on Ebay or Craigslist, I'm kinda desperate at this point..

You're not looking hard enough.

 

[trbomax]

What others have said about a bridgeport. I bought a very clean 1962 BP with DR for 1500 a couple years ago. Didnt really need it as I already had one,but it was too nice to not take home!I used to have a Millrite, nice machine for smaller work,but didnt have power on the table or quill.Those bench mills are little more than glorified drill presses. On the other hand, if you are only makeing very small parts they are OK. There is nothing wrong with the chinky stuff,if thats what you really need.

 

[Steve from Socal]

Also search CL for Excello/XLO , Index, Rockwell, Powermatic(late Millrite).

Steve

 

[Travis E.]

I'm not sure where you are located but they are everywhere in Southern California. Try looking for a used machine dealer or a business that repairs machinery in your area.

 

[mjozefow]

If you are in IN then there are good deals abound. That much money can buy you a nice piece of real, heavy iron.

 

[spongerich]

I just bought a gently used Chinese mill for $500. I've only fooled with a little bit so far, but as long as you don't push it too hard, it seems to do pretty nice work. It's not a Bridgeport, but there was no way I could get a 2000+ lb Bridgeport upstairs in my shop.

 

[justanengineer]

I too vote for American iron. My Bport cost a grand total of $250 back in Feb, but I see them regularly on Clist for $6-800. I would also suggest hitting a few auctions if you want a real deal. auctionzip.com should get you started. Youre collecting iron at a very good time. Thanks to the economy, the "fat" has been cut pretty well, and many shops have flooded the market with iron.

I would also recommend visiting the local library and reading a book or three on precision/accuracy, measurement, and how to judge the condition of machine tools as it will help you greatly, even with a new mill, to understand the conditions necessary for an accurate cut to be made. Regarding Grizzly toys, they can work nice within their limited size envelope, but are like many other machines from that side of the world - a store bought project.

 

[Steevo]

I have a Chicom mill/drill now, and always watching the ads for a real American made mill to replace it with. I am hoping to come across a Clausing 8350, but may buy an 8250 for the right price (they show up for less than $1000 on C/L)

 

[Johnsons Garage]

I too vote for the Bridgeport. If you have the space for it they can't be beat for value. As previously stated it's a great time to be buying. Use a Variable Frequency Drive to convert power to 3 phase , it gives you infinite speed control. I've been buying used QUALITY tooling lately for less than half of the price of the Chi-Com stuff. Ebay, Craiglist and machine shop closing sales are my sources. Consider it a challenge and it can be alot of fun.

Good Luck

 

[larry_g]

Of the two machines that you posted I would go with the first machine. One of the things I look at is the weight of the machines. More mass usually a stiffer machine and less chatter. The first machine also looks to have quite a bit heavier table though less travel. On a machine this size your not going to be making lots of large parts so travel would be less of an issue. You did not state what your going to do with this machine so its hard for anyone here to recommend a machine suited to YOUR needs. Either of these machines would be a compliment to the lathe you own. Now if you said you have a 13" lathe then you might be on the wrong track to handle parts of the same size the lathe could handle.

lg
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