Edwardshandmadeknives
Well-Known Member
I’m thinking about getting a mill/drill, specifically this one. Anyone using one? I’ve looked at it at ACME Tool, and it looks pretty well made. Better/cheaper options? Advise?
Thinking about getting a mill/drill
- Thread starter Edwardshandmadeknives
- Start date
I’m thinking about getting a mill/drill, specifically this one. Anyone using one? I’ve looked at it at ACME Tool, and it looks pretty well made. Better/cheaper options? Advise?
Owl
KNIFE MAKER
Can you tell us what price range you are considering, and what features you want?
I've read that those mills are OK for light milling, but a lot of people don't like the round column design vs a square column.
I got a PM-30MV a couple years ago and it has been good for the small stuff I do.
There are knowledgeable machinists on here who will give you some good advice.
I've read that those mills are OK for light milling, but a lot of people don't like the round column design vs a square column.
I got a PM-30MV a couple years ago and it has been good for the small stuff I do.
There are knowledgeable machinists on here who will give you some good advice.
Edwardshandmadeknives
Well-Known Member
About $3500 is the top end. I’m looking for something that can mill out guards, and do day to day drilling operations with a little more precision than a drill press. Most milling would be in non ferrous materials. I don’t really have the room for a Bridgeport or anything “big”, but I want something with a decent amount of power.
Edwardshandmadeknives
Well-Known Member
REK Knives
Well-Known Member
I've been I really happy with my Matthew's... I got the 727-v. One of my scales for the DRO needs replacing after about 3 years but that's it.
Edwardshandmadeknives
Well-Known Member
The DRO is pretty high on my wish list too
J. Doyle
Dealer - Purveyor
I have that mill (I think). Mine is a Rong Fu RF31 but it looks identical and I bet they're all made in the same shop.
It's been pretty reliable and rigid and it's one of the bigger/heavier "benchtop" mills and that's a good thing.
I don't have the DRO. Not sure I miss it. Probably nice but you can work around it.
It's been pretty reliable and rigid and it's one of the bigger/heavier "benchtop" mills and that's a good thing.
I don't have the DRO. Not sure I miss it. Probably nice but you can work around it.
REK Knives
Well-Known Member
I second this... You really only need x and y axis too, as long as the quill has one for the z.
That was me for several years, then I "finally" broke down and installed the DRO. After using it for a while I decided I had to have it on the lathe also.
Well, that's what I thought also since I had the digital on the quill. When I decided to add DRO to the lathe I went ahead and added the Z axis to the mill. Yea, that's the way to go, all 3 axis. Lock the quill and use the Z feed screw is much better.
REK Knives
Well-Known Member
That's interesting... I've had z axis on mine from day 1 and literally never used it. Part of the reason is that it's too slow to raise and lower the entire head manually all the time (I mill Ti a lot and don't want it to sit there rubbing while I raise the head). Also when the head isn't locked in place it's not perfectly square to my table (I've spent a lot of time tramming it).
52 Ford
Well-Known Member
Realistically, if you want a newer machine and don't have a fortune to spend, you're looking at a Chinese or Taiwanese machine (the latter being preferred).
If I were you, I wouldn't let country of origin play into your decision too much.
Honestly, you can get some really high quality stuff that was made in China. The trick is finding a seller that has strict quality control standards.
Sent from my Champion Forge using Tapatalk
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I have been looking at these guys: https://littlemachineshop.com/
Seems to be decent for the money in the mini-mill area anyways. Anyone have real world experience with them?
Seems to be decent for the money in the mini-mill area anyways. Anyone have real world experience with them?
I have one of their mini mills, think it's the 3990...bought it a few years back and it's been really good for what I use it for (Drill press, milling liners, cutting nail nicks). Wanted another one to drill precision holes with and not have to change out tooling, but went with the cheaper Seig because it was on sale from them the other day...wished i would have spent a little more money and got another 3990. That Seig is LOUD and sounds like shit...ordered the belt drive for it after drilling a few holes and hoping it comes in soon!sheesh
mike miller
KNIFE MAKER
The Little Machine Shop has one on sale this week!
CDHumiston
Well-Known Member
Reviving an old thread...
Will the 3990 mini mill work for slotting guards?
Will the 3990 mini mill work for slotting guards?
fitzo
Well-Known Member
It will definitely slot guards. Might need a few more passes than a bigger machine but it will get it done.
That said, it's good it is R8. When you want a bigger mill it'll likely be R8, too, and you'll have collets.
Whatever you get, Chris, once you know some mill work, you'll want to do something on it someday and run into size issues. Then you'll want a bigger mill. I have a hunch that's pretty universal.
But that machine you cite is a decent start. You definitely WILL have fun. A lot of after-purchase costs, though. Tooling up can get expensive.
My opinion, no more...
Jesse Latham
Well-Known Member
Truth unless you jump into a full size right off. That's impossible for most of us. I bought a Grizzly G0704. It's pretty good but sometimes......