Looking for benchtop milling machine

H

highlander44

Member
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

Dabbler

ersatz engineer
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

Janger

(John)
Administrator
Vendor
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.
 
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T

Tom O

Ultra Member
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

Janger

(John)
Administrator
Vendor
Tom O said:
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.
Click to expand...

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

highlander44

Member
Janger said:
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.
Click to expand...
Ok thanks for the advice!
 
T

Tom O

Ultra Member
Janger said:
Pictures Tom? 4 axis? Did you instrument the column and the quill? Does the measurement combine somehow?
Click to expand...

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 Kitta

Tom Kitta

Ultra Member
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).
 
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