Benchtop Mills??

[Darin Jordan]

I'm looking for a decent bench top mill to purchase. Was thinking Sureline, but they are damned expensive, and I don't have room for a really big one.

Anyhow ever tried one of these?

http://www.harborfreight.com/two-speed-variable-bench-mill-drill-machine-44991.html

If a guy added a real collet head to it, do you think it would be precise enough to machine RC boat parts with any accuracy and repeatability?

Any other recommendations??

[AndyKunz]

Darin,

Talk to Kmot. He has real experience and can help. E-mail if you need to know how to reach him.

Andy

[Jeff Wohlt]

Sherline is nice but very light. You can also order the CNC kit for the sherline. I almost bought one but decide to just go with a lathe. They do make an adapter for the mini lathe that works well. You can mill with the HB version but mainly Alum. SS is not easy and takes time.

[T.C.]

I bought a Sherline lathe and mill and all the tools to go with them over 25 years ago.
I have used them for everything from my full size 69 Chevell to model trains, boats, cars, plains ect.... They are a little on the lite side but they are made for Hobby's not a machine shop. The only limiting factor I have had is the size of the object I am trying to machine, sometimes I bite off more than the machine can chew. LOL I did buy the riser blocks so I can get a larger than stock part into the lathe, that helps when needed.
Wouldn't trade or sell them for the world, I have made enough money with them through the years they have payed for themselves more than once.
Plus I think there still made in the USA and you can get parts if needed, Oh and don't forget the accessories, tons of them, you'll need a loan just for the accessories and tools. LOL
Hope this helps T.C.

[befu]

http://ihcnc.com/pages/dro.php

this is what I ended up going with about 5 years ago. Probably too big and is way more than the other one you are looking at. DRO is really nice! I machined a lot of stuff without it, but once you have it, hard to imagine going back.

That is a lot of mill for $4k. Also helps when work is paying for it!

the round column mills have lots of limitations to them. Better than nothing, but definately limitations. Try to stick with a square column mill.

Brian