Talk me into or out of purchasing a mill

H

harg

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Background: I worked in the machine shop at my university and learned on primarily Bridgeport mills. I don't know if I'd call myself a novice but my knowledge does not go far beyond the basics. Since leaving school a few years ago I've fully intended on purchasing a mill at some point, preferably a Bridgeport or similar.

Fast forward to today and I have mill fever again.

There are a few projects I have planned for this year which at the very least will require a drill press (though a mill will open many more design options). I could purchase a functional drill press today for $100 but I prefer to make purposeful tool purchases. So after some searching I concluded the Grizzly G7943 14" bench top unit was the one and I nearly ordered one. But the $800 delivered cost gave me pause. That $800 could go towards a mill purchase.

So I began searching for mills. For $1-$2k I could purchase a mill drill machine either new or used that would likely fulfill my needs for the near future. But they all feature round columns and/or geared heads, neither of which are particularly desirable. For $2.5k I could purchase a brand new 6x26 mill from Harbor Freight, but based on reviews it is recommended to rebuild it upon delivery due to quality issues and such. If I purchased one and rebuilt it I predict I would be happy with it for years to come, but the value just doesn't seem great if I have to rebuild it right away. The price is also greatly inflated from what it used to be.

So on to $3k+ options... (I'll note that this is starting to reach the limit of how much I'm willing to spend. $5k is probably the absolute limit, but it'd have to be for the right machine)

Not far from me there is a used PM-25MV listed for $3500 complete with 3-axis DRO, a Kool Mist system, vise, and a cart full of tooling. This listing seriously caught my eye. I've been averse of these bench top machine because of the geared head but then learned the PM-25MV has a belt drive. The inclusion of DRO and tooling also means this thing is ready to go. And being nearby I can move this myself only needing to rent a truck for the day. All-in it seems like a good deal. Though I really do not have a sense if this is a fair price.

On the other hand should I continue searching with the intentions of finding a full size mill? I have room for one so space is not a limitation. There are some nearby listings for Bridgeport clones as low as $2500 but they're all rusted and otherwise in questionable condition. From what I'm seeing I'd need to spend at least $4k for something usable, and before moving fees which I really don't have a sense for but wouldn't be surprised if it was $500-$1000.

Apologies this is all a bit rambly, but I'd appreciated some advice on what if anything I should purchase. Purchase a cheap, or not-cheap, drill press and continue saving for a mill? Purchase the PM-25MV and use it? Search for some other small mill like a Clausing? Purchase a cheap full size? Just wait and save my money for another day?

My upcoming projects are all aluminum, nothing particularly precise or complicated mostly just small brackets and parts, i.e. could be done on the smallest of mills, but long term a full size mill is definitively more capable for future projects.
 
If you can, I vote for Bridgeport or clones. I really like working with mine. It felt huge till I started using it, space gets eaten up fast.

A drill press is still handy, but if the mill is available I'll usually default to it.

That said, if your work will fit, that PM mill is decent. And coming with tooling and DRO is a great bonus.
 
I vote for a full-size BP style clone. Just be prepared to drive.

prescott.craigslist.org

Mill Manual Mill - tools - by owner - sale

Big old Index Manual Mill Digital readout on X and Y ways Automatic feed motor on Y axis 5c collets and drill chuck included Comes with Phase converter Works good $2499 firm for fast sale...
prescott.craigslist.org

Ex-Cell-O Model 602 1 1/2 HP Variable Speed Vertical Mill - tools -...

Ex-Cell-O Model 602 1 1/2 HP Variable Speed Vertical Mill Specifications: Table Size: 9″ x 48″ Spindle Speeds: 85 – 4000 RPM Spindle Taper: R8 Spindle Quill Travel: 6″ Motor HP: 1.5
phoenix.craigslist.org

phoenix.craigslist.org

Ramco Mill Machine - tools - by owner - sale

Ramco mill machine. Pick up only. Don't know much about it other then I know it works, it is an older machine. I bought for x boyfriend and I have no use for it. Just need it gone.
phoenix.craigslist.org
 
Put the money aside so when the right mill comes along at the right price you can jump on it quickly. I spent a long time searching before I purchased my first mill but when it came along I had done enough homework that I knew it was a great mill at a great price. My first mill was an 8"x30" knee mill and I am glad I didn't just buy a mill/drill or bench top like I was tempted to many times.
 
I'd wait for a Bridgeport class mill or better. When I went from a Rockwell 6"x24"( which is a great mill ) to a Lagun 9"x42", I thought it was huge. Now it's feeling kinda small!
 
I’d be on my way to Prescott already.

BTW, hello and welcome. Nobody here is going to talk you “out” of buying a mill. Maybe discourage you from buying scrap iron but that Wells appears to be just the thing for what you’ve described.

John
 
Harg,

Greetings from a fellow Arizonan. I made the same tough choice about a year ago. I was a former machinist and knew how to tell a decent used mill from one needing to head to the junkyard. In my case, space and electrical requirements drove my choice. I did not have 220 volts available in my shop area, so any of the 220v (or even worse, 220v 3 phase) mills was not a reasonable option.

Many of the smaller mills can give a clean cut, providing you utilize quality tools and are willing to make more passes with smaller cuts. As a hobby user, I realized my time was my own, and there was no production schedule to meet. I ended up going with a Precision Matthews PM728v-t mill, and could not be happier. But, there are other mills in that size range which can achieve similar results. All of my tools are set up in a 1 car garage, which makes space at a premium. Size matters in BOTH senses of the meaning.

If you are serious about purchasing some old iron, consider finding a machinist in your immediate area to go with you for inspection. They will have to take some measurement tools to determine the state of health of the used mill. Simply "looking at it" will not give you the full picture. Even a good looking machine can have serious bearing issues. It can have drive/motor issues. It can have a bit too much sway-back in the dovetails. I had to walk away from a mill, which the former user had set it up next to a grinding station. The abrasive debris in the air had done a job on his "low hours" mill. Twenty dollars worth of knowledge trumps 300 dollars worth of repairs every time.
 
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I suggest you take a look around for a MillRite MV or MVN. Most of the capabilities of a BP, but easier to move around / transport. If you can find one, a Clausing 8520 is a capable mill with a smaller footprint, very easy to move around, but still a true knee mill. I have the latter and love it.
 
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