Best Bang For The Bucjk Small Mill?

Pete Wass

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I plan to buy a small mill in a couple of months. I need a fairly light weight unit yet I would like to have a fast and slow spindle speeds, a DRO and powered table. I have been considering a Grizzly 704 but before I pull the trigger, am interested to find out what else may be available. The machine will go into a shed with a wood floor, ergo the need for light weight. I Would like to be able to make things such as tool post tool holders, etc. < a machine with some power.

Thanks,

Pete
 
All I can really say is that I really like my G0704. I put X and Y CNC on it (Z will come later). What do you define as fast and slow? I did the simple speed increase mod and can get up to about 3200 rpm, but that won't run my smaller cutters, so I am going to try to make a mount for a small router to use as a high speed spindle.
 
I would like one of the gear head models but they are to heavy for my shop floor
 
I just purchased a 1927 or so Van Norman No 10 duplex machine. It is older and not as fancy with electronics as newer machines but is a nice small mill that is capable. In the process of bringing the mill back to life due to neglect for the last several years.
 
I was looking at the Matthews Precision mills today. A couple of them look good but more money than the Grizzly. I just wanted to be sure I had found the right machine is all. The Matthews is more robust but considerably more money. I'm too old now to consider longevity as much as a qualifier. :)
 
Take a look at the Precision Mathews mills. The PM-25 and PM-727 may fit your needs. Go to the Precision Mathews section on this forum and you will find a lot of information on both of these mills.

Tom S.
 
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