Mini Mill options?

[RuleOfSines]

Ahoy!

So I think I can greatly advance my hobby, with the purchase of a mini mill. Currently I am looking at these two:

HiTorque Micro 2MT - https://littlemachineshop.com/produc...ory=1387807683

HiTorque Mini R8 - https://littlemachineshop.com/produc...ory=1387807683

From what I understand the R8 is better for tool availability, but would that be a significant advantage? The price advantage of the 2MT increases when shipping is factored in, $100 to ship vs $200.

Most of what I'm doing is small cuts, modifying frames, ASAs, various adapters, etc.

Thanks for any input!

[Kit]

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]

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]

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]

I had the older version of that machine. I had added the air spring for the z like it has on that machine. Added a belt drive after I had a crash and broke the plastic gears in the head. But that was when I already used it for 8 plus years.

[Kit]

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]

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]

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
https://www.grizzly.com/products/Gri...th-Stand/G0704
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]

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]

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]

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.
https://littlemachineshop.com/produc...3954&category=

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]

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.