Looking for benchtop milling machine

[highlander44]

Hello all, new to this site, and looking for a benchtop milling machine. I’m in Alberta. What machines would you recommend for small projects? Thanks in advance!
Mike

 

[Dabbler]

There are at least 2 of these owned by members that are relegated to drill-press duty, because they own a bigger one (or 2). Perhaps one of these might free up one day soon!

 

[Janger]

https://www.busybeetools.com/products/milling-machine-digital-readout-r8-cx600.html

I have this. It's pretty good. Used gives you more bang for buck. A x,y scale DRO is a useful addition.

Similar: https://www.kmstools.com/king-industrial-3-4-milling-drilling-machine-with-digital-readout-149103

https://www.busybeetools.com/search?q=igaging
Some modest DRO's here listed.

Set aside money for tooling and material too. You will need end mills and holders, perhaps a face mill, drill chuck, drill bits, and a milling vise. A digital caliper (iGaging is a good start) and some tools for marking.

 

[YYCHM]

I claim first dibs on John's should he ever offer it up for sale.

 

[Tom O]

I have one like Johns from Busy Bee that I put a 4 axis dro from DRO Pro’s so the quill reads when in use integrated with the z.

 

[Janger]

I have one like Johns from Busy Bee that I put a 4 axis dro from DRO Pro’s so the quill reads when in use integrated with the z.

Pictures Tom? 4 axis? Did you instrument the column and the quill? Does the measurement combine somehow?

 

[highlander44]

https://www.busybeetools.com/products/milling-machine-digital-readout-r8-cx600.html

I have this. It's pretty good. Used gives you more bang for buck. A x,y scale DRO is a useful addition.

Similar: https://www.kmstools.com/king-industrial-3-4-milling-drilling-machine-with-digital-readout-149103

https://www.busybeetools.com/search?q=igaging
Some modest DRO's here listed.

Set aside money for tooling and material too. You will need end mills and holders, perhaps a face mill, drill chuck, drill bits, and a milling vise. A digital caliper (iGaging is a good start) and some tools for marking.

Ok thanks for the advice!

 

[highlander44]

Also wondering if I were to start searching for a good older one, what brand names should I be searching?

 

[Tom O]

Pictures Tom? 4 axis? Did you instrument the column and the quill? Does the measurement combine somehow?

It is built into the Dro you can use them separately or together. Installing on the quill wasn’t bad either I was able to pull the readout and use its original parts while fitting it I did make a new cover for it though, I’ll see if I can post a few pics later today.

 

[Tom O]

Here’s a couple pics.

 

[Tom Kitta]

Get a DRO from aliexpress. Cheap and accurate. Both me and others have used them for years now without any issues. Expect to pay around $200 or so for 3 axis dro kit (glass scales).

 

[thriller007]

what cx is that one in the pictures? the 600 or the 601?

Here’s a couple pics.

View attachment 6444View attachment 6445View attachment 6446

 

[Tom Kitta]

looks like 601.