Mini Mill Questions

[CrazyGirl]

I am having a hard time hitting the buy now button , a few things are bugging me ,, Micro Mark Micro Mill ,, plus side to this , 60 pounds , free shipping , 500 dollars , down side , no R8 spindle , plus a few other down sides , Grizzly mini mill and Micro Mark are the same machine ,, the Grizz is 705 shipped the Mirco Mark is 750 , free shipping till Tuesday , the down side to these two are the weight 125 plus pounds , I would have to take them apart , but I guess that would happen anyway cause I would paint them and fine tune them , , so my issue is the money , I don't mind spending 500 dollars but when I hit the 700 mark it makes me think , like do I really need this tool , answer , yes and no ,,,,,,, more yes , but more no ,,, let me get to the question , does anyone own the Mirco Mark Micro Mill , the one with the MT1 spindle

[Ace-Garageguy]

IMHO you'll use a lathe much more than you'll use a mill in modeling, at least during the machining learning-curve phase. Deciding on what spindle to opt for depends on several factors, and you'll become more familiar with all of them as you learn machine work in general. You MIGHT consider delaying the mill purchase.

I bought my large mill (Bridgeport copy) in 1996 with R8 simply because there seemed to be more tooling, both new and used, for it.

Here's a thread discussing some of the options. http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/f26/help-me-buy-mini-mill-spindle-taper-mt-3-r8-10804/

Edited May 13, 2013 by Ace-Garageguy

[sportandmiah]

I'm assuming your looking at the Micro Mark mill they compare to Sherline's mill. If you're using it for model car needs, it will be fine. I have a Sherline lathe and the milling attachment and its flawless. I don't think you can go wrong with this new version fron Micro Mark.

[raildogg]

I have the Grizzly 8689 mini mill. It is the very same one from Micro Mark with these exceptions. It is not metric, the lead screws are Imperial now. The table has a thrust bearing on the lead screw, to minimize backlash, an ever present bugaboo for small millers. If I was to buy one now ,I'd go with the Micro Mark, and opt for the E Series collets, no slip tool grip and minimum run out is assured. In the scheme of modeling, I have used it only once to create parts and I have used my mini lathe more than the mill. Oh, by the way, when it arrives it will need assembly, as it comes in, at least mine did, several packages. This is a tool that keeps on giving, so be ready for a very interesting ride!

[sportandmiah]

Raildogg,

I think she's referring to a new mill they came out with about a year ago. Its not the Seig version of the past. This is a small sherline sized mill. This is the one I think he's referring to:

http://www.micromark.com/microlux-micro-milling-machine,9683.html

Edited May 16, 2013 by sportandmiah

[raildogg]

It's still a Seig machine. Grizzly and Harbor Freight will have them soon enough. By the way Anne there is a Harbor Freight store opening soon in Salem N.H. the only other one is in Amherst N.H. on Rt. 101.

[Scale-Master]

I am having a hard time hitting the buy now button , a few things are bugging me ,, Micro Mark Micro Mill ,, plus side to this , 60 pounds , free shipping , 500 dollars , down side , no R8 spindle , plus a few other down sides , Grizzly mini mill and Micro Mark are the same machine ,, the Grizz is 705 shipped the Mirco Mark is 750 , free shipping till Tuesday , the down side to these two are the weight 125 plus pounds , I would have to take them apart , but I guess that would happen anyway cause I would paint them and fine tune them , , so my issue is the money , I don't mind spending 500 dollars but when I hit the 700 mark it makes me think , like do I really need this tool , answer , yes and no ,,,,,,, more yes , but more no ,,, let me get to the question , does anyone own the Mirco Mark Micro Mill , the one with the MT1 spindle

I thought you already bought, rebuilt and repainted a new lathe? On the 5th of this month. Are you looking for a second one?

[Ace-Garageguy]

I thought you already bought, rebuilt and repainted a new lathe? On the 5th of this month. Are you looking for a second one?

Last time I looked in my OWN shop, a MILL, which she's talking about here, was a different machine from a LATHE, which she painted gray. What am I missing ?

Edited May 16, 2013 by Ace-Garageguy

[Scale-Master]

Thanks, that is what I was missing.

[LDO]

Last time I looked in my OWN shop, a MILL, which she's talking about here, was a different machine from a LATHE, which she painted gray. What am I missing ?