Small Mill Machine - Looking To Buy

**Chilly** · 31st May 2017, 10:53 AM

Hi All,

I will tell you a story.

I need to drill some holes...quite a few. So I thought I would look at getting a cheap Bench Press Drill. Had a look on the internet and local hardware shops and Bunnings. I came across a Boosch mini Bench Press Drill. $400. Nice and small so I could put away after use....limited space in garage. Did a bit of research and found that some are reported as having issues drilling run out. Whilst searching a few mini Mill Machines came up. A little bit more expensive!! Wishing to do a bit of milling on occasions and no longer working, so cannot get it done at work, I though this might be a better option. Now the fun begins when you look at reviews and types etc.

So, I would like to ask those in the forum who perhaps have one of these type of mills what your thoughts are on the one you have and any recommendations you have.

I am aware that these cheaper mills will not be as accurate nor do such heavy work but for my needs as a home Mill they would be a good asset.

I believe many are made at the same Chines factory. Sieg is what I am told. They are also sold here by Ausee pty ltd.

Many reviews in America recommended certain brands....which are I believe to be a variation on the Sieg..might be wrong and happy to be given that advice/information.

Cost...well I started off thinking buying a cheap Bench Press Drill...$200-400 and guess now I am up to a bit more.....Not sure at this stage I can justify many thousands. really would like to stay round or below $2000 but if the evidence /advice points to a bit more for future proofing or being frustrated I cannot do jobs required then I guess I would push the boat out a bit more. I am aware in buying on that there is an ongoing cost...reasonably steep at the start for buying equipment needed to make the mill useable...vice, collets, etc. going forward....I also
Would appreciate your thoughts on a machine that can be adapted to CnC capability further down the track...

Thank you,

Chilly

**goingbush** · 31st May 2017, 11:08 AM

I bought a cheap chinese Mill Drill from eBay & can not believe how I ever lived without it .

Ive had it less than a year and it has paid for itself many times over . The only issue I have with it is the motor has a starting issue I can have it replaced under warranty but will upgrade to 3 phase with VFD

this exact mill / drill from same seller.
Geared Head Dovetail Milling & Drilling Machine 1100W/240V/ (Mill Drill) | eBay

The exact same mill goes for up to $5000 when rebranded.

**goingbush** · 31st May 2017, 11:14 AM

I use it for fixing Iveco transfer cases

and machining these things

Also nothing else can do PCD holes !! - e.g. modify brake rotors .

**Chilly** · 31st May 2017, 11:16 AM

I had seen that on Ebay. Could not find any reviews...so it is good to hear from you.

Interesting how he says a geared head is better than belt...many reviewers say the opposite...any thoughts on that?

O....and being new to terms used....I just use to use a mill as required and was self taught.....what is BAPPING????

Thanks

**Chilly** · 31st May 2017, 11:28 AM

Looks impressive! I see it is pretty heavy as well as some 340kgs.

What have you mounted it too?

**goingbush** · 31st May 2017, 11:43 AM

I'm self taught too, never used a milling machine until I bought that.
Geared head is noisy, but more to do with the cheap chinese bearings & casting sand left in from manufacture. I have a tutorial on how to strip it & replace with proper bearings. I'll do that when I change the motor.

I made a table for it , not bolted to floor, no problem does not vibrate or move.

Not sure but I think bapping is when you tilt the head & machine at an angle. will upload a photo taken back a bit so you can see better.

**goingbush** · 31st May 2017, 11:49 AM

I also put TouchDRO on it , using cheap igaging scales (eBay) and and old Android tablet . look up "Yuryis Toys" for info on TouchDRO it turns the cheap chinese mill into a precision instrument . Love it !!

**goingbush** · 31st May 2017, 11:57 AM

heres one showing the 'table' ... er stand . For the price the machine is a bloody bargain. Just don't use tools that are too big for it, like the face mill that comes with it is probably too big if you have the quill extended .

**Killer** · 31st May 2017, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by Chilly

I had seen that on Ebay. Could not find any reviews...so it is good to hear from you.

Interesting how he says a geared head is better than belt...many reviewers say the opposite...any thoughts on that?

O....and being new to terms used....I just use to use a mill as required and was self taught.....what is BAPPING????

Thanks

I think they probably mean tapping.

Cheers,
Mick.

**cjc_td5** · 31st May 2017, 02:00 PM

Great thread. Could be very dangerous for my wallet!

Hey mods, any chance this thread could be moved to "Tool Time" so I have a hope of finding it again in the future?

Chris

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