[erh]

"Any great suggestions for an adequate (Or better...) one W/ Tooling..?"
Not to mention VERY "Budget Minded..!?" :confused: :D

(I've added a "Classified add for WTT...!")
(I have in the $3000.00 + range easily, worth of "Top Grade"
pistol's in trade for proper equipment..!)

Thanks all,

Eric

[wuchak]

Cummins is usually about as cheap as it gets when it comes to tools so $399 may be price floor for your search. http://www.cumminstools.com/browse.cfm/4,1485.htm


Grizzly woodworking equipment always ranks high on quality/features for the price so I assume the same would be true of their metal working stuff. They are known for standing behind their products. $525 for one of their mini-mills. http://www.grizzly.com/products/category.aspx?t=milling_machines

[Chawbaccer]

I just checked, Harbor Freight (http://www.harborfreight.com/)has a store in Savanah.

[mrmeval]

Looks interesting.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/G8689

[erh]

Thanks for that..!; I am trying to find one that is reversable & large enough to do "Full sized" slide work W/ o Buying more slides than improving them..!

In fact, I've added an NIB, Blued, Ed Brown Kobra Karry to the mix as "Trade fodder..!" in the classified's..!

I thank you for your assistance and I'm certain to work "Something" out fairly soon..! ;) :)

[brindlpitt1]

I picked up a bench top at harbor freight for 909.00 out the door and for a few hunders more I could have gotten one that is gear not belt drive and he head would rotate.
I bought collets and a vise on e-bay and some tools and have done a few sight cuts it works great.

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=154304

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=152747

:D

[The Deer Hunter]

Whats a benchtop mill?

[Car Knocker]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Benchtop+mill

[erh]

I bought http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42827

It "Smoked" during the 1st, 5 Min's. of operation...

Of course between tailgate delivery service & the set up/ install, then removal of the "Dead"
machine I was only refunded the cost of the machine & shipping...

"Lost" all the $$'s for "Tailgate & Install & Set-up..!" Which basically means I can get another,
& won't have the buck's for a while to buy any "Friggin' tooling..!" (AAaaRRrrrGGggHhhh...!!! :cuss: :fire: )

I guess I should have been thinking "Good thoughts when I bought it..!"

Thanks all,

E! ;)

(Now I HAVE to sell a Couple of Pistol's & get something more serious...
I hate "Wasting" money, not to mention selling pieces from my personal "Collection..!"...)

[dfaugh]

Surprised you had a problem with Harbor freight....

Used a variety of their stuff over the years.

Certianly not "top quality" but its always done me OK.

[erh]

"It seemed to be a perfectly fine machine, and fairly suitable for my needs..;
I just got "The lucky Lemon..." :what: :cuss:
The store was ultra appologetic.., but the install company is not affiliated &
they did do their job, so they did deserve to be paid...

Oh well; "Anyone Wanna buy an Ed Brown Kobra Carry; NIB..?"

E! :rolleyes: :)

[zoom6zoom]

there's some HF 20% off coupons floating around right now, too....

[erh]

zoom6zoom - Any idea where..? That would help Ease the Pain a "Smidge..!"

E! :)

[brindlpitt1]

When I bought mine they asked if I wanted the extended warranty I declined they offered me the 20% off right on the spot that's how I got out the door for $909.00
they said if anything at all goes wrong bring it back for a complete replacement for 2 years .

sorry to hear yours died.
I rewired mine for 220 more horse and draws less amps

these guy are great to deal with too
if your looking for tools I got a vise collet set and edge finders center finders combined shipping made it worth the while.
http://stores.ebay.com/Discount-Machine-Shop_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm

[Cueball]

I've had some bad luck with HF tools, I stick with Grizzly now. They are a better quality and they stand behind them too.

[erh]

Hi all,
I am very likely to be taking the "Grizzly" Model G0519; (Wish it were single phase 220V though; "I really dislike Phase converter's..!)
& also that it had a bit more "Top End" speed, but it will fit the bill until I can get a proper Bridgeport W/ Power Feeds and DRO's..!

I appreciate'cha'all..!!!

E! ;)

I also "Bookmarked" the eBay Tooling shop that I was referred to... You're right, those are some good deals..! :)

[Sunray]

I know a smithy who is also a master machinist, who has a mill attachment that he uses on a drill press. Haven't a clue where he got it or who made it though.

[BigDave]

I have finally came to your forum to see what it is all about and it seems to be very informative.
I am a Retired Machinist working mainly in Aerospace with Manual and CNC Machining Equipment. I lack the knowledge of gunsmithing and hopefully I will pickup that information from several of you.

I am not sure what material or type of machining you will be doing and with out that info my thoughts on a bench top mill is for you on your purchase best one you can afford as this directly relates to quality and accuracy. If you are just going to use it for drilling, tapping and reaming then a drill press will work if it is for milling it will require a machine with rigidity otherwise you will find poor finishes, and accuracy along with backlash and then horse power and enough rpm for your smaller work.
Pickup only required tooling at first and add as you go.

[erh]

Cueball, Sunray & BigDave -
My Dealings are mainly w/ SS, slide-work, and various treated steels and alloy's for the same; the need for "Rigidity" is most important as you stated & I believe the machines I mentioned above will "Fill The Bill."

Both of the Two are Square "Dove-Tailed" column machines w/ a large enough Bed for anything I may need to "Tackle..." Both are also retrofittable for x, & y feeds; (one is already provided w/ a reversible "Down Feed"); as well as that CNC via "Synchro & servos also available..."
They both have the one fault I had mentioned w/ "Top End" speed. I think the faster of the 2 has a "High End" of 2000 rpm; I'd prefer around 2750, trouble is all said & done I wasted nearly a grand "Trying" to go the "Cheaper Route" which has really "Screwed me up..!" 'Pisses me off too 'cause I know better..! As you can see it NEVER ends up being less costly..!
DO NOT FOLLOW IN "MY" FOOTSTEP'S... I knew better, and did it anyway; Now I'm payin' the price; Take it from me "It's not to be done the "Cheaper way..!"

Anyway,

Thanks again all, I'm getting ready to "Head out tomorrow" for the Knoxville, TN. Expo Gun Show on the 14th & 15th. Hope to see y'all there..!

E! :cool: ;) :D