I currently have a 12x36 late model Atlas lathe that I tinker with and have actually built several parts to keep my old dozer running.
I have decided that I must now have a small mill to go with it. I have a few small shop projects I would like to tackle and a mill would be required for some of them. I also just really, really want one to play with.
That being said I have been looking at several options available to me in my price range.
#1 - A HF display model 5980 (3in1) I can get from the manager for $325
#2 - A new HF 42976 $399 drill/mill (the Red one) w/20% coupon $320
#3 - A new HF 44991 $469 mini mill w/20% coupon $375
#1 is a massive built machine compared to the other two. I realize it is discontinued but it looks so heavy duty plus it can lathe large diam's as well. It is missing the lathe chuck. The quill is massive in size. The parts that seem to matter most for milling are all there. Weight, size, quill. Con's - not really a dedicated mill and has a MT2 (although milling would be it's primary use)
#2 seems to be a relativly priced right option as well. It to is a MT2. The downfall is absence of a fine feed, small quill, and looks as though the main tube should be replaced with a turned down thick wall tube or solid shaft for mass.
#3 seems to have all the right features, especially an R8 spindle. However it seems undersized for some of the projects I would want to attempt. The mass is half of option 2 and a third of option 1.
I have the following questions as I am leaning toward the largest machine, #1 above.
Can an R8 spindle be created from the MT2 spindle? Is there a reamer made for this? I know I can turn it on my lathe but it surely must be ground or reamed to final size. (the quill is at least 2 1/2" in diam)
If I get Item #1 I would be willing to modify it as needed. (table, drive, etc.)
I would appreciate ANY input from experienced users of any of these machines and what would you recommend? I am finding it really hard to make a final decision but as stated I am leaning on the one I can get for quite a deal, especially with the lathe ability. I could even attach cutters and mills in this for horizontal machining.
Thanks guys, great informative site.