Miling machines

[BeeAmaker]

Anyone have an opinion on either of these product lines?

www.sherline.com/

www.amazon.com/Grizzly-G8689-Mini-Milling-Machine/dp/B0000DCZ7E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1392039177&sr=8-2&keywords=Benchtop+Mill

[jimustanguitar]

I've always heard good things about Grizzly machines. Even though several of their models come out of the same factories as Harbor Freight machines www.harborfreight.com/two-speed-variable-bench-mill-drill-machine-44991.html I understand that they're specified and purchased to be of a higher tolerance (and different paint color, of course).

Does Jett make a mini-mill? I've always heard good things about their lathes.

I have a friend that runs QC for a tool shop in South Bend, and every time I talk about buying a mini lathe from a catalog, he tells me to just go to an auction and buy a 50 year old full sized one for the same price.

[fvietmey]

I've been looking at the Sherline ones as well. But since I've never had one, advice from a pro would be awesome

How about the Shopbot ones? Not cheap, but are those worth the investment?

[bvandiepenbos]

those are awfully lightweight and small. not worth it in my opinion, better off buying a old used REAL full size bridgeport style knee-mill at an auction. or craiglist, or used machinery dealer, or ebay etc.
I bought my mill at an auction. have been quite a few auctions, I would go with if you want to troll some auctions.... it can been fun, I have got many of my tools and cutters at auction, cheap.

Shopbot are good machines. mostly for wood not real great on metal I suspect.

[BeeAmaker]

Feb 17, 2014 22:32:07 GMT -5 bvandiepenbos said:

those are awfully lightweight and small. not worth it in my opinion, better off buying a old used REAL full size bridgeport style knee-mill at an auction. or craiglist, or used machinery dealer, or ebay etc.
I bought my mill at an auction. have been quite a few auctions, I would go with if you want to troll some auctions.... it can been fun, I have got many of my tools and cutters at auction, cheap.

Shopbot are good machines. mostly for wood not real great on metal I suspect.

I'm looking for something less than a 1K, I would really question any bridgeport for less than that.
I almost had this one, www.ebay.com/itm/291080293875?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT but it went way over 1K in the last few minutes.

[jimustanguitar]

www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/cnc-router/kl4530-desktop-cnc-router-with-3-motors