What are your thoughts on mini mills

[gcollins]

A friend of mine has loaned me a Micro mini Mill/drill. he has bought the bigger bed for it, up it is a cheapy, i want a real mill, but don't have the space for a big mill, plus I have a bad back, and will be doing all my work sitting down!
My plans are to make weld up falling block Rifle actions, & parts! I will farm out the barrel work!
If anyone has advice for i will be great full, i forgot to mention That i am disabled and cannot stand up very much or sit in one spot for long either!
Thanks Greg

[JFettig]

I haven't used a micro but have a mini(I've retrofitted 2) and they pretty much suck in many aspects.
In my opinion, don't get anything less than this:
http://grizzly.com/products/Mill-Drill/G0463
Unless you absolutely can't get something that big. The only reason I didn't go with something bigger than the G0463 is because its just too much to haul down stairs and anything bigger would take up half of my shop(small shop).

The mini(sieg x2) is not a very rigid machine, the column is not attached very well, the bearing surfaces on the table and saddle are pretty small and it wants to chatter too easily.

Jon

[gcollins]

Is The mini(sieg x3) the small one grizzly sales? If so, this friend of mine said he didn't like it because the ability for the head to still 45 degrees, and wasn't real sturdy?
Greg

[JFettig]

the one in the link that I posted is the x3, looks like I screwed up in my post, it should say x2. I'll edit and fix that.

The x2 is the small one they sell. That bracket they use to hold the column on is one of the weakest points.

Jon

[pug]

I still have a X2 mini but it is relegated mainly to milling brass and aluminum. You will need a much stiffer machine if you are going to mill steel receivers and parts. Sounds like you are looking for a table top model. There are lots of Tawain and mainland chinese models out there to choose from. Anyone will tell you a used small bridgeport is way better than a new chinese mill but if you need to set down then thats probably out of the question.

A few sites to look at

www.use-enco.com
www.smithy.com
www.grizzly.com
www.harborfreight.com
www.taigtools.com

[gcollins]

Thanks Guys, I knew you were right! I just didn't want to admit it! My whole life i have never been able to put anything on layaway, if I want something, I want it now. Even with my health conditions and know that I won't get to go out and work with it, I will be flat on my back from now to April
Thats Life!
I think that I need some how to learn and wait to get what I want, instead of getting something I am not going to be happy with!
Thanks Guys1
greg