[hotbarrel]

I see two mills in the harborfreight page. one is item # 42976-3VGA , it is a 12 speed, The second one is a TWO SPEED variable mini mill/drill machine.
they both are similar in size and price. Is anyone familiar with either or both of thies so I can get the better one. I am leaning to the 12 speed. anyone actualy seen either one of thies in person?? any help is welcome.

 

[Toten Kopf]

In any machine you want to be able to get the lowest speed possible. In most small mills or lathes for that matter have high speeds. Ususally starting at around 160 to 225 rpm. IMO that is just to fast. You need something that starts at about 100 rpm or less.

Ideally your lowest speed for a mil should be around 40 - 60rpm and for a lathe 40-50rpm especially if you intend to thread barrels. Most of the equipment will have good high speeds.


Just remember, the slower the better. I hope that someone else will be able to comment more on this.

 

[hcpookie]

This is the one I had and is what I used to make my "jig" for the AK-74/waffle floorplates I'm making:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=44991

I sold it before the move to get my money back since it would have sat in storage until now... I am going to be buying one of these ASAP, once the local HF store gets them in stock.

Keep an eye on them, I got it last winter for $399 on sale. You print out the web page, walk in to the local HF store, and they will price match the web sale price!!!

Went to littlemachineshop.com to buy all the stuff to go with it.

This mill is really nice and should be able to do anything you need for gun related stuff. The variable speed is nice - you can go down to about 1 RPM to eyeball it up to the correct spot. IMO this is "the" hobby/small business mill to get. Bigger is always better, but this is a real good mill.

You can read more on it at:

http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_mill/Main/mini-mill.htm

hth,
- Jerry

 

[hotbarrel]

I was allmost sold on this one but the table dose not move quite enough end to end for me. I realy want it to go at least 11" . I am looknig at a table modle that has like 18" of travel . but it weighs something like 700 pounds. how am I going to pick that up onto my bench. I do not think the milk crates will hold up .. HAHAHA

I am looking at something like this....
http://www.grizzly.com/products/ite...1D2E-8A0A-42F1-AA8A-F10D25247D8D&site=grizzly

also ware I bought my lathe the guy is willing to give me an awsum deal on a fullsize mill . but I do not want to take up the space..