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**Kit** · 07-25-2020, 11:47 AM

I would go with the mini mill. You run out of z travel real quick when you have to stand up a trigger frame.

**RuleOfSines** · 07-25-2020, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by Kit View Post

I would go with the mini mill. You run out of z travel real quick when you have to stand up a trigger frame.

That is exactly what I was worried about, some of my projects have involved milling an upright trigger frame. Is Z-Travel also the height from the table to the bottom of the spindle? Or literally just the travel? I didn't see a measurement that stood out as differentiating between workspace height, and travel distance.

**RuleOfSines** · 07-25-2020, 11:56 AM

Would an X2D probably be acceptable? It doesn't have the hi-torque setup but it is larger, the shipping would hit me again but it starts at a lower price than the HiTorque Mini.
https://littlemachineshop.com/produc...ory=1387807683

**Kit** · 07-25-2020, 12:03 PM

I'm not sure how it is measured on those machines but the spec sheet shows a 2 inch difference. Plus you would lose z space with the vise height and tool holder length. Drill chuck will always how more stick out than just a collet. When I had a mini mill, it had a R8 head. When I got my Bridgeport it also had R8 head.

**russc** · 07-25-2020, 01:38 PM

You are also doubling your power with the larger mill. One nice thing about R8 is you can pick up genuine or knockoff TTS toolholders which will maintain Z height and even let you install an ATC if you're dedicated. That's more a concern if you are converting to CNC.

**Rusty Brass** · 07-25-2020, 02:20 PM

I have an older tilting column 2MT version of the Seig machine. It's plenty capable if all you're doing is light cuts on small parts but I really wish that I'd held off and saved for a slightly larger machine though. I've been eyeballing this one for a while now

7" x 27" 1 HP Mill/Drill with Stand at Grizzly.com

https://www.grizzly.com/products/Grizzly-7-x-27-1-HP-Mill-Drill-with-Stand/G0704

<h1>G0704 7" x 27" 1 HP Mill Drill with Stand</h1> <h2>Grizzly's best-selling Mill Drill.</h2> <p>The G0704 7" x 27" 1 HP Mill Drill with Stand can be used as a dedicated, single-purpose machine in a professional shop. It can be easily operated by those just learning to mill in their home shop as well. <p>It is an excellent value and has some of the same features found on much larger mill drills. That’s why it is one of the best-selling mill drills in the country! <p>The variable-speed 1 HP motor powers the R-8 spindle from 50–1125 RPM in low and 100–2250 RPM in high. Spindle RPM can be monitored on the convenient digital readout. A clear chip guard on the spindle keeps debris from flying at the operator. <p>The large 7-1/16" by 26-5/8" table can be moved by handwheels in both the longitudinal and cross directions. Both feed directions can be locked by table lock levers. <p>The G0704 also features tapered gibs with double locks which adds accuracy and rigidity, a dovetail column; and it comes with its own stand. <p>The G0704 manual was written by our U.S.-based Technical Documentation Department and is packed with useful information. The complete and easy-to-read manual makes it easier to assemble and maintain your mill drill. <p>Parts for the mill drill may be available online and shipped from the Grizzly parts warehouse in Springfield, MO.</p> <div title=" ISO certification certifies that the manufacturing process has all the requirements for standardization and quality assurance. "><p style="color:red">Made in an ISO 9001 factory</p></div> <h4>SPECIFICATIONS:</h4><ul> <li>Motor: 1 HP, 110V, single-phase, 12A</li> <li>Swing: 15"</li> <li>Spindle taper: R-8</li> <li>Max. distance spindle to table: 13"</li> <li>Max. distance spindle to column: 7-1/2"</li> <li>Spindle travel: 2"</li> <li>Spindle speed: Variable, 50¬–2250 RPM</li> <li>Vertical head travel: 11"</li> <li>Head tilt: 90° left/right</li> <li>Table size: 7-1/16" x 26-5/8"</li> <li>Table travel (longitudinal): 18-7/8"</li> <li>Table travel (cross): 6-7/8"</li> <li>T-slots: 3 @ 2-1/2" centers, 7/16" wide</li> <li>Drilling capacity: 5/8" mild steel</li> <li>Stand footprint: 15-3/4" x 16-1/2"</li> <li>Overall dimensions: 38" x 34" x 67"</li> <li>Approximate shipping weight: 372 lbs.</li></ul> <h4>FEATURES:</h4><ul> <li>Spindle RPM DRO</li> <li>Spindle depth display</li> <li>Fine feed head control</li> <li>2-Speed gearbox</li> <li>Clear guard on spindle</li> <li>Cast-iron dovetail column</li> <li>Rubber chip guards on ways</li> <li>Zero setting dials</li> <li>Dials read inches</li> <li>Forward/reverse switch</li> <li>Start/emergency stop buttons</li> <li>1-year limited warranty</li></ul> <p><b>Need help?</b></p><p>We offer U.S.-based customer service and technical support to get your questions answered and help keep your equipment running in top condition.</p>

Much larger work envelope, R8 collets, but still runs on standard house current.
I know it's a pretty big price jump but it's amazing how fast you can outgrow a mini mill.

**RuleOfSines** · 07-25-2020, 04:34 PM

Thanks all! So I'm scratching the Micro 2MT off the list for now, selling some stuff to get some free money while I decide on which of the larger units to get. I do imagine once I have the tool, my ideas and the things I want to make with it will expand.

**RuleOfSines** · 07-31-2020, 06:26 PM

So unless I change my mind between now and when I hit the button, I'll be getting the Mini Mill:
https://littlemachineshop.com/produc...ory=1387807683

I think I want to get a Rotary table too, so I can mount it vertically and use a ball end mill to cut pump handle grooves for my Buzzard, is that a valid use case?

**Rusty Brass** · 07-31-2020, 08:35 PM

Originally posted by RuleOfSines View Post

So unless I change my mind between now and when I hit the button, I'll be getting the Mini Mill:
https://littlemachineshop.com/produc...ory=1387807683

I think I want to get a Rotary table too, so I can mount it vertically and use a ball end mill to cut pump handle grooves for my Buzzard, is that a valid use case?

If you're getting that machine I'd suggest 20TPI feed screws for the table. Counting turns in .050" is infinitely easier than the 16TPI (.062" per turn) stock screws. They're worth the money.

Feed Screw Parts, 20 TPI, HiTorque Mini Mill 3954

https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=3954&category=

Mill Conversion Kits 3954 These parts change HiTorque mini mills to 20 thread per inch feed screws on the X- and Y-axis. Each rotation of the hand w...

I have no advise on the rotary table though. I bought one but I went cheap so the lash on the thing is terrible. Unusable terrible. So, uh, don't go cheap. Or learn how to rebuild/fix cheap shit.

**Kit** · 07-31-2020, 08:48 PM

If you don't want to count handle turns. Igaging makes a cheap basic dro.

You might want a rotary table with a tail stock or some way to support parts with alot of stick out.
The trick with rotary backlash is to only machine while turning in one direction.

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