Micro Mill Advice

[gables]

I have been researching micro mills and see that some on this site use the Grizzly model.Other research has shown that people spend a chunk of change then upgrading the unit to make it run smoother. First question, what problems have people had with the grizzly and would my money be better spent on a machine that didn't require additional upgrading?

Second question, aside from cutting in ricasso and guard slots, what else do you use your machine for?

How do I learn to use the machine? Resources?

[kbaknife]

Gabriel, I use my mill on every knife.
I use it for milling all of my guard slots.
I use it to square and flatten my guard material first, so it sits in the vise properly.
I flatten my handle material, sides and ends so it sits in my cross slide vise for drilling tang holes.
I use it for precision drilling - anything!
I have the Grizzly which is a 110V and variable speed with hi-lo.
They are priceless when it comes to fabricating all of the extras that come along with knife making.
I consider it one of the smartest purchases I ever made.
Here's the next one:
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Mill-Drill-w-Variable-Speed-Power-Feed/G1007

[Wampus]

For some good info on how to use a milling machine, check out any of the booklets or DVD's from Don Robinson.  He was a long-time machinist before he got into knifemaking and he has some clever tips for using a mill.

http://home.earthlink.net/~donwrobinson/knifemakerssupplies/index.html

[Scott Roush]

thanks for posting that link... I'm in the process of getting my Smithy 3-1 set up and I really have no idea what I'm doing.

[mater]

If you have the room, get a full size machine. I have a bridgport mill that I have less money in than then chinese micro mill it replaced. Its about 10 times the machine the little ones are. But they do take alot of room.  Mark

[Kevin Evans]

I got the "The Home Machinist"s Handbook" and it helped some.I have mill like Karl's link its ok ,takes while to learn how to run.
Acually don't think it matters on size after watching Karl use his little mill ,never seen a guy do so much with so little!

[Lamey]

Ive got one of the "micro" mills from Micro Machines.   Probably comes out of the same forced labour camp as the one Grizzly sells.

I use it for milling guards,, and mortise cuts on my handle.  The main problem with these second tier quality milling machines is that you will spend alot of time keeping everything tight, running true etc.

The benefit is cost, mine was 550 shipped,  a compatable Perazzi would be over 3000.

matt

[kbaknife]

Originally posted by Rooster1:
..........never seen a guy do so much with so little!

That's what my girl friends tell me.

[Lin Rhea]

Karl,      :D  

I have a small mill, a cheapie, but I use it a lot. I hope to find me a used Bridgport this Spring. I do think I will want to keep a mini-mill set up at all times though for certain tasks. Lin

[Lamey]

Hey do yall also have a tough time keeping everything tight/true on your mini mills?

Im constantly haven to tighten the bed/holder etc.

[Lin Rhea]

Yes Matt I do some. I guess it's still better than the alternative.

[kbaknife]

Matt, I've been using mine regularly - like every knife! - for going on , let's see, more than 6 years.
I find myself tightening things up on it only about every 1/2 year.
Mine sees a LOT of use.

[Lamey]

Karl,  which one is yours?    This is mine,  i suspect its the same that Grizzly, Harbour Freight etc.  sell,  only different paint.

Im about ready to start shopping for another one,  maybe a used "better" made machine.    The thing I like about these smaller machines is they are easy to move/set up compared to the bigger mills.

Any how,  is this similar to the one yall are using?

[AZ_Shooter]

Here is a very extensive review of a Harbor Frieght mini-mill, including many modifications that help with rigidity, accuracy, etc.

  Mini-mill evaluation and modifications

[mater]

Maybe my small mill should have been called a bench top, not a micro. As mine was bigger than that. It did alot of work before I sold it. Although I used it on bigger jobs than knife work.   Mark

[Lamey]

Mine weights about 150 lbs.  I think im going to take it apart and loctite every bolt/screw that doesnt need to be "free".

[sticshooter]

Found this one while surfing the web.What make one mini  better then another. No I will admit dont know much about mills.Wold this work for m knife making...guards  and such> How much power is n too little? Price seems cheap and heck(get wha ya pay for?)<><

 http://www.minicrafttools.com/37110.html

[Wampus]

Looks like the biggest bit that one will take is 1/8" and I'd be afraid of it getting bogged down with a 1/8hp motor.  I guess it would work if you were patient and took your time.  
The Grizzly/Harbor Freight micro mill claims to be 3/4hp and it takes up to 1/2" shank bits.

Looks like the HF mill is up to $600 now while the Grizzly is $495, but they do have sales pretty often.  I paid $400 for mine about 4 years ago from a local "truckload sale" at the VFW.  I think it was Cummins Tools that had the sale.  Harbor Freight has 20% off coupons in just about every car/gun/motorcycle magazine so that brings theirs down to $480.  Looks like the current "20% of any one item" coupon has to be presented in the store and doesn't work online.

[David Ricke]

I have been useing a Jet Knee mill for over 15yrs. It is especially handy when makeing folders. If I were to buy another I would go to the largest I could aford.  Good Luck Knifemaker