Mini Mill from Harbor Freight?

[TheGaut]

Hi guys,

Anyone owns a HF mini Mill like this one? http://www.harborfreight.com/two-spe...ine-44991.html

I've been doing all my work so far with a large drill press and X-Y vice using a semi decent end mill bit. I've had good results but looking to do more than just mill 80% lowers, or at least do them under an hour and less arm juice.

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[762x39]

Start here.

http://www.gunco.net/forums/183-tool-shed/71891-sieg-x2-mini-mill.html

[milotrain]

I have a scaled up version of it and it is fine. I would avoid one with a tilting column, and I would very much consider going with a real knee mill. However, to be totally honest my X3 does what I need it to and it takes up a bit less space than a knee mill because all the space under it is drawers and storage.

[TheGaut]

Good info. Thanks guys. Didn't realize the center column can tilt left and right. I rather spend in the $1500-2000 range and get something that'll last. Tired of re-boxing HF stuff

[Victor Cachat]

I've done 4 lowers on mine.

Start by setting it up right:

http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/showthread.php?t=5337

And you will want to look into the mods for stiffening the column.

http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/showthread.php?t=5401

And adding digital readouts helps you to remove just the right amount of material.:

http://www.grizzly.com/catalog/2015/main/771?p=771

[TheGaut]

Hey thanks Victor.

Had a couple tonight and pulled the trigger on a HiTorque from LittlemachineShop. Shipping is almost as expensive as flying my mother in law and her fat *** for Christmas (the Mill weights only 171lb packaged)

good news is the Mill will arrive first.

Also picked up a 5 pack 80% lowers. Santa is bringing ARs this year.

[TheGaut]

Forgot to mention, thanks to LittleMachineShop.com for dealing with know nothing an ******* like me lol...

[toddh]

I would suggest learning about cutter types, and tooling.
Speeds and feeds.
Mist lubrication.
DRO

.

[milotrain]

Why did you get it shipped from LMS? They are only an hour away from you. The Hi Torque fixed column mill from them is a great idea if you are committed to a benchtop mill. It's the best of what is currently made, with good support. Stick with HSS cutters on such a mill, it's not ridged enough to keep carbide from breaking under load.

A DRO would be a boon, and they can be pretty cheap for something with basic functionality. But if you don't want to spend the money you can use three dial indicators to do a large amount of a DROs job. Wait for an ENCO free shipping sale to get a granite surface plate for cheap.

[ar15barrels]

Had a couple tonight and pulled the trigger on a HiTorque from LittlemachineShop. Shipping is almost as expensive as flying my mother in law and her fat *** for Christmas (the Mill weights only 171lb packaged)

You should have done will-call and just driven up and picked it up...

[itisagoodname]

https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_category.php?category=1387807683

I got one from Littlemachineshop, there was a clearance and they were practically giving them away for $250. I've done about a dozen lowers plus some other projects.

Just make sure you square everything up before you start, with a light machine there's a lot of chatter and things start to loosen up and get sloppy.

[Victor Cachat]

Forgot to mention, thanks to LittleMachineShop.com for dealing with know nothing an ******* like me lol...

I should have included a link to LMS.
They are great for parts and mods.

My Grizzly mini-lathe gave out and they had the power FETs I needed.

And I got their air spring kit for the column and the belt drive too.

[TheGaut]

I should have included a link to LMS.
They are great for parts and mods.

My Grizzly mini-lathe gave out and they had the power FETs I needed.

And I got their air spring kit for the column and the belt drive too.

Hey thanks a bunch Victor. The links your provided are really helpful setting things up. Really appreciated.