Smaller Mill/Drill machine

[Nvreloader]

Guys,
I want to get a smaller mill than my big Bridgeport,
for making smaller parts etc.

I am looking at table top models,
either drill/mill types.

Any suggestions,
price around the $2500,
not including all the extras etc.

Tia,
Don

 

[shortgrass]

Only one question,,, Why? I can make very small parts on a 9 x 42/ 9 x 49/ 10 x 54, or I can work on a part that's as large as the machine is capable of holding. I think your problem involves work holding, not maachine size.

 

[akajun]

Guys,
I want to get a smaller mill than my big Bridgeport,
for making smaller parts etc.

I am looking at table top models,
either drill/mill types.

Any suggestions,
price around the $2500,
not including all the extras etc.

Tia,
Don

How small is smaller? A millrite/ powermatic is smaller than an m head, fairly ridgid and capable mill. Only gonna find them used.
My next suggestion would be a rong fu 45 clone, they are the large end of bench top, ridgid enough for steel , this is what tormach mills are based on.
Last, and I would not go smaller, is a sieg x3 clone, very light duty mill, use small cutters and light cuts.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

If youre looking to do light work (stocks and such) get a nice drill press and put a milling table on it. Not high precision but itll inlet stocks and such where finish is not an issue

 

[Ggmac]

The ring fu 1 1/2 hp is a decent machine it weighs about 750 lbs . Harbor freight has them for $1300 . I would not go smaller unless cutting plastic , aluminum or wood . You would soon regret a mini mill as they are called .

 

[Nvreloader]

Thanks Guys,

Another reason for getting a smaller mill and lathe,
is because every time I get the main machines set doing a project,
along comes another project that needs the mill or lathe,
and this newest project needs attention ASAP.

Like now,
have to cut an extractor slot in a 22 bolt,
and the Bridgeport has a project already dialed in/setup,
which I refuse to remove, until done.
With a smaller mill, I could do the 22 bolt,
without disturbing the main mill setup/project.

It seems like I spend more time tearing down/setting up machines
than completing projects, if you know what I mean. Lol.

Which is the better brand, for these smaller machines?
Grizzly, KBC, Enco, Jet etc.
Basically all of them are OS type brands etc.

Tia,
Don

 

[hoz53]

Thanks Guys,

Another reason for getting a smaller mill and lathe,
is because every time I get the main machines set doing a project,
along comes another project that needs the mill or lathe,
and this newest project needs attention ASAP.

Like now,
have to cut an extractor slot in a 22 bolt,
and the Bridgeport has a project already dialed in/setup,
which I refuse to remove, until done.
With a smaller mill, I could do the 22 bolt,
without disturbing the main mill setup/project.

It seems like I spend more time tearing down/setting up machines
than completing projects, if you know what I mean. Lol.

Which is the better brand, for these smaller machines?
Grizzly, KBC, Enco, Jet etc.
Basically all of them are OS type brands etc.

Tia,
Don

I've got a mill drill. It's got the round column. If you are used to a bridgeport you aint gonna like it. Everytime you want to move the head up or down you lose your zero and have to reindicate it to the table. The head doesnt swivel side to side or front to back so you cant zero it to the table that way either. They make tabletop types that have these capabilities. What id get

 

[Steelnecktie]

If you have room, I'd check local auctions and ask around. I've bought 2 Bridgeport mills in the last 3 years, one was $750 and the other $900. There are a lot of these machines still around.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Bridgeport also makes a cute little 1hp machine that looks like a scaled down version of the big brother. Not sure how rare they are but ive seen em and most companies copy em. Ive had a rockwell and seen a kent that were smaller with all the big mill features

 

[spitfire_er]

You mean like this guy! Never mind the high end drill vise I have on there. This is a Rusnok model 80. http://www.electro-mechano.com/electro-mechano.html

I guess they've gone up a little in price now that I checked. $6,350.00 as mine sits new!

Used ones do pop up once every 5-10 years. Might get lucky. Mine is in need of a spit shine!