Decent Hobby Mill

[Danimal82]

Does anyone know of a good/decent hobby vertical mill for around 500 dollars? I don't even know if you can get a decent mill for that much. Keep in mind that I won't be doing any production runs, and I am by no means a machinist. I do want to learn though. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

-Dan

[sarge40]

check habor frieght tools

[luke]

http://www.taigtools.com/mmill.html

These seem to be pretty popular and the cnc mills are affordable too. I can't speak for the quality though.

[Jaan]

You can get a used Bridgeport for that price. Old non-CNC mills and lathes are just not desirable anymore. A Bridgeport might be overkill for you, but it's something to keep in mind. There are places that sell used machining tools all over.

If you want to learn, you could probably take some classes at a local trade school or something along those lines. There's always one or two things to learn that if you don't know it, can rip your fingers off, well parts of them anyways ;)

[Danimal82]

Do any of you guys know of any good books on machining. I just don't like going into a class without knowing anything about the subject. It doesn't neccessarily have to be a book. Websites?
Thanks,
Dan

[luke]

How about video rentals (http://technicalvideorental.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=115_13)?

[Danimal82]

Wow, renting a video never crossed my mind. Good find. Thanks Luke. Hey Luke, do you still have any of the MPA3 rams? If so I would like to buy 2 of them. Do I just send you paypal?

-Dan

[luke]

I do, I'll send you an invoive...

[wjr]

I was looking for a cheap milling machine, and I came across this. (http://cgi.ebay.com/Cross-Slide-360-Vise-Drill-Press-Milling-Machine-3axis_W0QQitemZ190030947050QQihZ009QQcategoryZ8844 0QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

It allows you to use a drill press as a milling machine. It wouldn't be good for fabricating anything I don't think, but it would be much better then a dremel for grinding and making channels.

[Danimal82]

Cool, but wouldn't that be hard on your drill press? I mean drill presses aren't meant to take side loading, right?

[omegaredghost]

look at grizzlys web site i love mine http://www.grizzly.com/ and yes side load will hurt youre drill press i know thats why i have a grizzly mill and a broken drill press

[wjr]

look at grizzlys web site i love mine http://www.grizzly.com/ and yes side load will hurt youre drill press i know thats why i have a grizzly mill and a broken drill press

I'm glad that I heard that. I was gonna buy one of those vises.

Looks like I'll have to shell out alot more cash if I want a milling machine... :cry:

[Danimal82]

True, but I would rather buy a mill, than learn the hard way and have to buy a mill and a drill press :)

[FinchMan]

http://tinkersguild.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=530

not really the same price range, but whatever...

[billybob_81067]

You can get a used Bridgeport for that price. Old non-CNC mills and lathes are just not desirable anymore. A Bridgeport might be overkill for you, but it's something to keep in mind. There are places that sell used machining tools all over.

Where are you finding these used bridgeports for $500!!! Let me know and I'll buy 3 of em! :)

[Danimal82]

yeah 3000 is way out of my price range, but thanks for the info.