Gunsmithing need advice on a mil

[Super Bee 950]

I have been looking at this model. I want to make my own suppressors, and finish some lowers. I know the limitations of a 3 in 1, but for garage and hobby use, it looks like it might do everything I need. its a smithy 1324 granite. I am the type of person that would rather spend 4 months making something, than plopping down a grand and walking out the door. What would you recommend to a new owner? I would rather cry once than get something i have to replace later. CNC upgradeable is a plus.

 

[shooter53]

Re: need advice on a mil

My first machine was the Smithy Midas 1220 combo almost 15 years ago. More than adequate for the beginner enough capability to actually re-barrel several long guns milled lots of little parts from soft-mild steel and aluminum. Their customer service and parts support are excellent.

After about 4 years I installed a 3 axis DRO system that really improved accuracy and repeatability.

Since I hvae purchased larger, newer, better, MORE EXPENSIVE machines but I still love playing around with the old Smithy!!

The Granite series is much better than my old Midas series.

Good Luck !

 

[Falar]

Re: need advice on a mil

If you end up getting one let me know how it works out. I've looked at them before but saw that they advertise .001" accuracy, but don't mention any details. If it can hold a better tolerance then that it looks like a great starter machine, which is why I started looking at them in the first place.

 

[BLAWTON]

Re: need advice on a mil

I would make sure the spindle bore is big enough for what you want to do in it. Yes there are a few draw backs to buying them because they limit what you can do compared to a knee mill and a bit larger lathe. Its tough to do anything big or doing any hogging cuts of course. Just make sure its gonna do what you want it to.