Your source for
information on metal-working mini-mills
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since 03/30/02
Copyright 2000-2007 by Frank J. Hoose, Jr. Home
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Mini-mill: Accessories Capabilities Features Introduction Operation Maintenance Modifications Reviews Setup Versions
Welcome to Mini-mill.com, your information resource for the
small, low-cost millng machines for home workshop use. The site is intended
primarily to help new and prospective owners to evaluate, set up, maintain and operate
these tools. This is a companion site to www.mini-lathe.com
which provides similar information for the mini-lathes.
While these machines are small in size, with proper
adjustment and techniques they can make a wide range of very useful and reasonably precise
components that would be difficult or impossible to make by any other means. The mill is
an excellent compliment to a lathe, for making things that cannot be made on a lathe. If
you are a model maker, experimenter or someone who needs to fabricate parts to supplement
another hobby such as astronomy or RC car racing, you will find the mini-mill to be a
welcome addition to your shop.
Variations of these machines are currently sold by Harbor
Freight, Grizzly and Micro-Mark. Homier, has indicated that they may offer them in the
future. They are priced at around $500 in most cases, but shipping costs and accessories
included vary by vendor. You can compare the various models on the Versions page.
If you are not famililar with milling machines and
operations, check out the Introduction page. On the Features page you will find a detailed
description of the Grizzly mini-mill, much of which also pertains to the models sold by
the other vendors. On the Setup page you will find information on setting up the mill for
initial operation. Be sure the read the Safety page for important safety tips.
These mini-mills have a lot of potential but also have some
shortcomings that you should be aware of before you decide to buy one - see the Features page for more information. The 7x10 interest group, began as a
discussion forum for the mini-lathe, but there is also much discussion, support and
project information related to the mini-mill. This group is made up of a very knowledgable
and experienced group of guys (and one outstanding craftswoman) who are always ready to
welcome and help newcomers. Check the Home Shops
and Mini-Mill links on my Links page and you will
find lots of great tips from other mini mill owners.
Disclaimer:
(Last update: 09/04/03)
Opinions expressed are those of the author or the quoted
source. The author is not an employee of or agent for any of the vendors referenced in the
text and does not sell or represent any of the products discussed. Vendors may
provide products for review purposes and may provide sponsored support through advertising
or links.
The author is not a professional machinist or engineer; no
information provided herein represents professional advice or best practices. All
information is provided to help hobbyists and other non-professionals gain a better
understanding of the tools and techniques described.
Considerable care has been exercised to provide accurate and
timely information. However the author cannot be responsible for information which is
incorrect or out of date.
Power tools and shop practices can be dangerous if used
carelessly or improperly - always take proper safety
precautions such as wearing protective eyewear and appropriate clothing.
All practices, procedures, modifications and
product recommendations described herein are to be used at the discretion and risk of the
reader.
