Which mini-mill should I get?

From the Sieg X-2 to the Bridgeport on up an R-8 taper is the most widely used. That means this tooling is widespread and easiest to find. Especially used.
 
Charles Spencer said:
From the Sieg X-2 to the Bridgeport on up an R-8 taper is the most widely used. That means this tooling is widespread and easiest to find. Especially used.
Click to expand...


The original post was Which mini mill should I get? not what is the least expensive machine available.
A Haas TM1 would be perfect for small parts and one off part work, 40 taper spindle, 4000 RPM's, single phase, conversational control, small 30" X 12" X 15" movements, full enclosure, coolant. A 10,000 rpm spindle would be much better but you are unlikely to get that for less then $20.000
https://www.haascnc.com/machines/vertical-mills/toolroom-mills/models/tm-1.html
 
P. Waller said:
The original post was Which mini mill should I get? not what is the least expensive machine available.
A Haas TM1 would be perfect for small parts and one off part work, 40 taper spindle, 4000 RPM's, single phase, conversational control, small 30" X 12" X 15" movements, full enclosure, coolant. A 10,000 rpm spindle would be much better but you are unlikely to get that for less then $20.000
https://www.haascnc.com/machines/vertical-mills/toolroom-mills/models/tm-1.html
Click to expand...

He also said "nothing too big". I'll hazard a guess that an 8 foot long TM-1 is "too big". Just a hunch, mind you. ;)

Tom
 
David S said:
Looks like a pretty nice machine with a very large work envelope compared with your mini lathe.

In the interests of being able to interchange tooling such as collets etc. Do any mini mills come with MT3 spindle tapers rather than R8?

David
Click to expand...

As far as I know, no, I've never seen a hobby mill with anything other than r8, except on the smaller side (ER) Tormach sells a r8 to 3/4 straight shank adapter which lets you use ER collets though which is great and can be used for your diy atc :)

https://www.tormach.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=30188&portrelay=1
 
I think I'm going to take the plunge and just use my credit card, guys. The PM-25V has a lot of options. Can you guys help me which options I need to include with the base model? I'm not getting the stand, I'll set it up on my work table to save money. so, as of now, I'm at $1499. Or should I go all aftermarket stuff from Amazon?

http://www.precisionmatthews.com/shop/pm-25mv/
 
PM's are good machines and should serve you well. I'm sure you'l have fun with it! You need a vice and at least a basic set of end mills, collets, clamp down kit/set. A drill chuck if it doesn't come with one. You can always add dro's later if you want to save money. Play with it and read the forum and you'll soon have a list of any other items you want based on your specific use and needs. If it's your first mill, sometimes what you think you need you may rarely use, and what you think you don't need you will. Just have fun!
You may want to get a digital caliper and you need at least one dial indicator to square and true your machine and vice. You may find find that some items you'll manage fine to start with cheaper import stuff. Other you may want better quality to start with. You can always upgrade later if needed once you practice a bit and know more about what works well for you and what doesn't.
 
Ok so far I added the 11 piece collet set and the 52 piece clamping set. Which milling vice should I pick? They have 4 of them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top