[kong]

Hiya guys, I am shopping for a mill at the moment, Bridgeport is out since I cannot get it in the garage! That doesn't leave many options, but I have stumbled across this machine at Grizzly - http://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emnumber=G3102
I can get that one in the UK, but would like some peoples opinions before shelling out the cash! Anyone got one, or something similar?

[halfa32]

Kong,
Why can't you get it in the garage? if the hieght is a problem just tilt he head to move it in. I have a series II in my garage I tilted the head to move it in.Then move it back to zero between the trusses and drywalled a box around it.

[Halfnutz]

Thats commonly callled the 6x26 and its a very well liked mill. Its also called the baby bridgeport. Yahoo has a users group for the 6x26. Man, I would love to have that baby in my garage. H%$, whats not to like? Go for it! (seriously, go to the yahoo 6x26 user group for some advice)

[kong]

Thanks guys, halfa32, it is not the height, but the footprint once it is in there. In the UK I can get a decent bridgeport, with tooling, for less than the Chinese mill.
I have gone over and over how to fit it in there, but it would not be useable once in. I really need more space.
The beauty of the Chinese mills is that they hold their value. They are not exactly common in this country, so if/when I get a proper workshop, I can sell it and get back a fair amount. Stupid, but not that stupid!

Cheers Halfnutz, I will go there now!

[mwp]

I strongly considered this mill at one point for the same reasons you are. For me, the main weakness is the spindle to table measurement. Put on a vise and a 1/2" drill chuck and you really dont have much z to work with. It all depends on what type work you will be doing though. I decided not to buy this in favor of a square column mill-drill (see http://lathemaster.com/HEAVYDUTYMILL...E%207045FG.htm) and all but had the order placed when I found an old mill/drill (not the typical import variety) in great condition for $100 locally.. So I bought that and spent the extra money on tooling.

Good luck.