[WFO-KZ]

Here is a little mill I have my eye on.

It has been sitting in a dealer's showroom for probably 10 years. The price keeps going down, but we are not there yet.
Despite being in a dry, heated showroom it has a light film of rust on the table due to people touching it and it not being wiped down with an oily rag to prevent rusting.

 

[Kawasakian]

I would buy used before I purchased that. It's really a drill press with an X,Y axis. The slight rust will clean up with motor oil but will leave pits. I don't know how much they are asking for it, but even $250 U.S. would be much. IMHO

 

[kopcicle]

Probably my fault.

Talk to me before you do anything stupid

 

[WFO-KZ]

As a retired machinist I know full well, that this is essentially a toy and won't be capable of heavy cuts but nonetheless its one heck of a lot more capable than my current drill press.

The R8 collet with an end mill is capable of very light milling which is something my drill press cannot do. It's a hobby mill and if not in a hurry can do lots of stuff. I have been on the forums and read up on owner experiences. Would I prefer a Bridgeport? Absolutely, but I have been looking for a nearby Bridgeport for the last 20 years and they are either completely worn out pieces of junk or are out of my price range.

 

[Kawasakian]

A good Bridgeport, Cicinnati ToolMaster (which I think are a bit better than Bridgeports) cost a lot of money. Some of the "Jet" milling machines are really decent. On the machine you're looking at, well mounted, small cuts, you will be able to do quite a bit.

 

[WFO-KZ]

It all comes down to your budget. Maybe I will win the lotto and buy a brand new Bridgeport... maybe even with CNC.