Gunsmithing Grizzly G8689 mini-mill?

[Wannashootit]

Getting ready to learn some self-taught machining with Holland's dvd series'.
Just bought a HF mini lathe, and am considering this Grizz to learn the basics of using a vertical mill.
Any better contenders to consider for under a grand?

 

[XxWoodsHunterxX]

Let me know how it turns out. I'm about to get one


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[MarinePMI]

For a little more, I'd go with the LittleMachineShop.com version. It's a bit beefier and uses standard R-8 collets...

Machines: Mills - LittleMachineShop.com

 

[Wannashootit]

Been looking, and trying to learn. Space/$$ are at a premium, but I don't want to make a mistake over a few hundred bucks...just want a decent machine to learn on, with no regrets, that I won't "outgrow" overnight as skills progress.

Is this the one?

HiTorque Mini Mill, Tilting Column - LittleMachineShop.com

Tilting or solid column (seems odd that tilting column is less $$). Go for the precision tooling package option?

 

[skeetlee]

you are going to love learning how these machines work. I would highly suggest, if you can afford it, buy something worth having. your little lathe is just about a waste of money. if its the machine I think it is. remember, you can learn these new skills on any size machine. they don't have to be little. good luck. lee

 

[BigBlue&Goldie]

I agree, I just sold one of these mini mills as it was just too small to be of much use for what I was wanting to do with it.

 

[MarinePMI]

Been looking, and trying to learn. Space/$$ are at a premium, but I don't want to make a mistake over a few hundred bucks...just want a decent machine to learn on, with no regrets, that I won't "outgrow" overnight as skills progress.

Is this the one?

HiTorque Mini Mill, Tilting Column - LittleMachineShop.com

Tilting or solid column (seems odd that tilting column is less $$). Go for the precision tooling package option?

Tilting with the tooling package and you'll be set up to start. While this mill is small, it'll give you enough room to handle smaller jobs. You won't be milling flats on a barrel or such, but it'll get you started. JMTCW...

 

[xringaccuracy]

Says you are in NPR. Google up GG&G Machinery in Pinellas Park. He sometimes has a smokin' deal on a used mill (a real one) for under what you are looking to spend. And deliver it.

 

[xs hedspace]

That mini mill looks like one I got from HF, except mine came with a drill chuck. Very handy for drilling and tapping, OK for milling sight parts, and routing out stock inletting. Had to tweak the table adjustments, to take out backlash, and I still do cut and try/measure, rather than trust the wheel markings. Mine also has a two speed gearbox, besides the solid state speed control.

 

[MarinePMI]

AFAIK, kind of like Grizzly, LMS has their mill made in the same Chinese factory as the HF models, but to closer specs and with specific improvements. So it is similar to the HF version, but has a much nicer fit/finish. I've used the LMS Hi-Torque mill (mentoring at the local High School Robotics program), and for it's size it is quite rigid. Also, with it using the very common R-8 tooling, it will not break the bank, and also prepare him with tooling if he decides to upgrade to a larger mill at a later time.

If he can afford a full size mill (space and money), then yes, I'd say go for that. But if space and money are limited, the LMS mill is quite a bargain compared to many of the less rigid and pricey mini/benchtop mills (IMHO). I've used Taigs, the HF mini mills and the LMS Hi-Torques; of them all the Hi-Torque was the one that impressed me the most with its sturdy construction and variable speed (especially for its size). The price was inline with many other, less sturdy machines (IMHO).

JMTCW...

 

[Wannashootit]

Space is at a premium now, moving over the summer and don't want to set up a full size machine, only to move it months later...$$$$

And sure, money's always limited- so I'm curious- for professional machinists, would there be a reason to still own a mini-mill for smaller projects, or are even the smallest of parts just as easy (or easier) to work with on the behemoths?

And again, 'scuze the ignorance- but I'm gonna guess that these machines- big or small- can be broken by incorrect (read- beginner/doesn't know shit yet) operation, so it might be advantageous to risk this on a smaller machine?

Marine, you're correct. I found this spreadsheet outlining the differences:

https://littlemachineshop.com/Info/minimill_compare.php