Is a horizontal milling machine needed?

MikeInOr said:
I wouldn't bite on that Atlas horizontal mill at $1250 and I am not sure I would even be tempted at $800.
Click to expand...
I got the message loud and clear with the first reply :D . I will not be looking for any horizontal milling machine.

ErichKeane said:
Based on your list, a surface grinder is probably a great addition/expansion of capabilities. You might consider a 6x12 or a 6x18 one along with some sort of hardening-kiln.
Click to expand...

Yeah, not sure why I would need it... but on my list :)

Focused on additional tooling for what I have... I can't go with some of the high-end brands in David's list, but I will find most of that within my budget...

I do have a wish list of some other machines and tools but it is just lusting after stuff, that some of them, I might never need/use... And yes, mere mortal here with limited funds... so some of these I will never get due to the cost.

  • Langmuir Systems CrossFire PRO with all accessories
  • Surface Grinder with magnetic vise
  • Hydraulic pipe bender
  • 20-Ton press with air/hydraulic jack, a SWAG brake bender, and a few other goodies
  • TIG welder capable of welding aluminum
 
if I wanted a horizontal mill and had enough room, I would be looking for a #2 size mill with a vertical or universal attachment, not a toy sized machine that is quite limited in capability, note that is what I did, and am quite happy with, and cost less than the Atlas; a Brown & Sharpe #2 universal of 1943 vintage with universal all angle head and horizontal spindle. It does not sport any pot metal parts.
 
As far as the surface grinder: They show up on craigslist/facebook market place somewhat often and the prices tend to go down over time. I finally bit on my 618 micromaster with a coolant pump/tank (Basically the Caddy of surface grinders) at $1000. The seller told me that they would have scrapped it if they had to lower the price any further!

They aren't particularly popular in hobby shops (particularly the big ones!) and places that have them are likely not using them much. They are SUPER though at making HSS thread tooling! I made one for a big Acme thread, and it was really nice to know the angle was 'perfect'.
 
I would not exclude ANY horizontal milling machine, but look for quality and capability.
 
ErichKeane said:
As far as the surface grinder: They show up on craigslist/facebook market place somewhat often and the prices tend to go down over time. I finally bit on my 618 micromaster with a coolant pump/tank (Basically the Caddy of surface grinders) at $1000. The seller told me that they would have scrapped it if they had to lower the price any further!

They aren't particularly popular in hobby shops (particularly the big ones!) and places that have them are likely not using them much. They are SUPER though at making HSS thread tooling! I made one for a big Acme thread, and it was really nice to know the angle was 'perfect'.
Click to expand...
Caddy of surface grinders??? closer to Rolls Royce!
 
cjtoombs said:
Is that an M20? I just bought one and I'm going through it now. The first mill I bought was a Diamond B12, it was a learning experience as it was completely worn out and missing a lot of parts. I still have it, and I'm still thinking about rebuilding it, but it's not near the front of the list right now.
Click to expand...

Yes it is an M20.
 
You can buy a full sized horizontal mill for that kinda of money and able to do some real work.
 
The subject has been well covered, I just want to throw in my $0.02 worth. I have an Atlas MFC because I wanted an Atlas benchtop mill. It has no real advantage over a good vertical knee mill. It's just that I wanted one, for my own purposes. Having paid under $400 plus freight, it was a reasonable purchase for me at the time. Allowing for recent inflation, I might go $800, if I needed it and if I still wanted one. Not much more, at that price, the seller is pushing a "collectable" or an antique, not a functional machine. Essentially the same reason I bought a shaper, also an Atlas. A shaper is an archaic machine that only does one thing that a BP won't. But I wanted one. The only point that overrides reason.

.
 
Based on the OP's list, I will suggest he get a Milwaukee Deep Cut hand-held band saw. Great for fab work, and even for cutting a piece off a bar in the rack so you don't have to drag it over to the fixed saw. I've cut wood with it as well. Once you get the hang of using it, it is amazing the things it will do, and how much it expands your capabilities. You will take on projects you would have avoided in the past. I have never used the cordless model, but my cordless M18 brushless reciprocating saw works for a long time on a 9.0 battery. So does my M18 brushless 4-1/2" grinder.

I got my Deep Cut used at a garage sale for $40.00, and it came with 2 spare drive belts and four new blades.
 
While a horizontal mill is far from necessary they do come in handy from time to time. I have a 1940's era US Machine Tools #1 "hand miller". As benmychree noted it's more of a "toy sized" machine not much larger than the Atlas. I happened across this one around 20 years ago and paid less than 1/10 the asking price of the Atlas. Mine came with a selection of horizontal cutters, collets for end mills, and a few other accessories. I do use it on a regular basis

There was someone looking to sell a machine like the one I have over in the Antique Machinery section of the Practical Machinist board. They were a bit disappointed when they realized it wasn't worth much. If you're interested here's a link to the thread:

USMachine Tool Horizontal Mill

Had this in the back of the shop for several years now and am considering finding it a new home. Anyone have an idea of value on these?
www.practicalmachinist.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top