View Full Version : Opinion: Best small mill
RustyWrench
02-24-2002, 12:32 PM
Hi folks
I pose a query. I have seen your on-going debate on the combo mill/lathe. Question; Which in your opinion os the best small mill for a home hobby operation, under $1000.00. I make mostly my own tools and small parts for repair work around the house and sometimes ever for work. Just to make it interesting, the same question concerning a lathe.
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Russ
paul j smeltzer
02-24-2002, 09:14 PM
The clausing model 8520 vertical mill is a nice small mill. I used one for gunsmithing for about ten years before i bought a Bridgeport. Paul
Agree - the Clausing is a gem of a small mill, but you aren't likely to find one for under a thousand bucks.
JCHannum
02-25-2002, 07:06 AM
Depending what you are planning to do, I would recommend the Clausing, Rockwell made a similar machine. Both may be hard to find under $1000.
I had a Benchmaster vertical mill. It is a small bench mill with a knee. I did a lot with it. A nice rigid, accurate machine. The only drawback was that it did not have a moveable quill. These can probably be found for $500- $1000.
The engine block mill in MW is quite intriguing also
tooljedi
02-25-2002, 10:24 PM
Hey Russ,
I like my Taig, but it is a bit small for all around use. Have you checked JD? I here they have a bridgeport that you could use for free? Ha Ha! Saw your post and had to say Hi!
Christian
michaelj
03-05-2002, 12:32 PM
After considerable searching I just bought a Grizzly G1005. I did this after comparing several and after talking to a guy who repairs machines who said that Grizzlys were pretty good machines. Mine cost $970 with shipping. I don't knwo what you mean exactly by "small"--the G1005 weighs about 350 lbs. I haven't used it yet (waiting on some tooling) but it seems pretty sturdy.
RustyWrench
03-06-2002, 07:15 PM
Hi Michaelj
By small, I meant bench top, like the Taig unit I am currently looking at. Thanks for the input on the Grizzly unit though.
Russ
RustyWrench
04-17-2002, 06:52 PM
Thanks to all for the input on the small mill. I just installed a Taig 2018S package. Would be interested to hear from other owners. Special thanks to Tooljedi for setting me on the micro-mill path.
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Russ