Gunsmithing mini mill question

[jacq220]

are mini mills a good alternative to a full size mill, i have access to a full size mil for any of the larger stuff but would like one in my shop so i can start practicing doing seme drilling and tapping, and cleaning up the ends of shotgun barrels and such.... what are the capabilities of these? what are the neccessary tools to aquire with one upgrades ect.? will it give me the tolerances that are needed? or are they not heavy duty enough to work in a home gunsmithing application?

thanks in advance

 

[bohem]

Re: mini mill question

I'd just skip it and make room for a "benchtop" style mill with about a 14x24" bed. It's not really a benchtop, but it sits on a stand on the floor as opposed to a free standing one.

 

[gme]

Re: mini mill question

http://www.haascnc.com/details.asp?ID=MINIMILL&webid=VMC_MINIVMC#VMCTreeModel

 

[Rafael]

Re: mini mill question

There are a great many people using smaller mills over here:
www.homegunsmith.com

 

[shane45]

Re: mini mill question

I would go with an IH. In fact I intend to when funds allow and I have had a BP and a 6X24 Clausing.

http://www.ihcnc.com/

 

[oneeyedmac]

Re: mini mill question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gme</div><div class="ubbcode-body">http://www.haascnc.com/details.asp?ID=MINIMILL&webid=VMC_MINIVMC#VMCTreeModel </div></div>

Only $33,000, I'll take two...

 

[shane45]

Re: mini mill question

Ther are FAR better machimes out there @ that price point than the HAAS. In that catagory I woud go with the sharp over the HAAS every day of the week and twice on sunday.

http://www.sharpcnc.com/vmc/SV2412.html

Frankly all HAAS machine experience has been substantially BAD.

 

[CDiPrecision]

Re: mini mill question

I'm thinking the OP is asking about a small bench top manual mill, and not a CNC machine. Hes looking for alternatives to a Bridgeport I would think.

look for a good old school Bridgeport, or even a Chinese copy.. its still way better than a table top job any day

 

[shane45]

Re: mini mill question

CDI, I agree and the IH is what seems to me to be a very good option in that catagory.

 

[jacq220]

Re: mini mill question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CDiPrecision</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm thinking the OP is asking about a small bench top manual mill, and not a CNC machine. Hes looking for alternatives to a Bridgeport I would think.

look for a good old school Bridgeport, or even a Chinese copy.. its still way better than a table top job any day </div></div>

exactly... looked into grizzly as well and there are two basic models... one is 375 pounds and the other 675 pounds and has a "taping" feature.... the first is 1k and the second 1700 and runs on 220... is there any HUGE advantage of one over the other?

 

[jacq220]

Re: mini mill question

http://grizzly.com/products/6-x-21-Mill-Drill/G0619

looking at this one and probably around 3-500 in tooling to be purchased afterwards... just want to know of a machine like this is good for gunsmith applications.... facing shotgun barrels, drilling and tapping, ect.

 

[jacq220]

Re: mini mill question

little high on price, but maybe worth the extra???
http://grizzly.com/products/Mill-Drill-Tapping-Machine/G0519

 

[Keith Johns]

Re: mini mill question

I own one of their(Grizzly) lathes, and I started out ordering from them a lot because they're 50% cheaper than Rutland, but I soon realized the quality difference in their tools.
Their machines might be the exception, as I do know of people doing nice work on them. It will only take a couple tries for them to ship it there in one piece. Took three tries for my lathe.

Try reading as many reviews on the machine before you buy it. And spend 25% more than you think you can afford.
And if your buying new, take advantage of it and make damn sure they give you a nice warranty!

 

[Glen Seekins]

Re: mini mill question

Eba eBay eBay !!! I just got a 10k surface grinder for $1400 and my father in law got a real nice Bridgeport mill for 1700 with a DRO. Reliable tool sales are good to deal with and that old worn out Bridgeport will run circles around a new jet or grizzly. there is a small Bridgeport on eBay right now for buy it now of 1700 i think. 36" table, most likely be perfect for you. It is 3ph power, but a VFD will get you going for pretty cheap.


"Frankly all HAAS machine experience has been substantially BAD."

I have a new (09') VF2SS and im on my 3rd spindle in all of but 300 cut hours. Service is good, but i would rather not need to use it. Mori's for me from now on..love my new horizontal.

bench top mills are great if you want to do hobby stuff and don't mind taking forever. They vibrate, leave a less desirable surface finish, sometimes tough to find tools for but make a great drill press...for the price i would still get a full sized mill.

 

[shane45]

Re: mini mill question

Id love to know what ass clown with a hammer is putting HAAS spindles together!!! To add to that with HAAS "territories" if your in one with bad service...your humped.

As far as benchtops... I have been through the Gambit with the exception of Grizzly. So I can say do your research. Give the guys at IH a call! For me a machine with a work envelope of a full size BP with all american made components and industry standard lead screws is very attractive. This machine is also easily CNC'd. I really liked my clausing and it could do a lot BUT the IH table can fit all my Kurt 6" vises!!!!

 

[shane45]

Re: mini mill question

JACQ, just want to point out that the machine you linked is 3 phase power. If you have to have a grizzly the clausing copy is likely the best bet but at that price, Id go IH because it beats it in every way except the knee.

http://grizzly.com/products/Vertical-Mill/G3102