Bench-Top Milling Machine

I realized the other day that I have not shared my new bench-top milling machine from MicroMart.  It is the "MicroLux High Precision Heavy Duty R8 Miniature Milling Machine", pictured below

MicroLux High Precision Heavy Duty R8 Miniature Milling Machine

Since December, when my wife surprised me with it, I have only used it a handful of times, but so far, I am impressed.  After adjusting the ways so they are a little tighter than the factory setting, I am happy with the results.  It's definitely no Bridgeport... but I'll be able to make all the same parts... only taking off less material with each pass.

That's actually a point I would like talk more about.  Typically, internet reviews of smaller metal working tools (e.g. mill and lathe) complain about how 'bad' they are when compared with full sized machines.  To those reviewers I say, Blah!  The main difference between a big machine and the bench-tops is the amount of material you can take off with each pass.  Larger machines are very stiff and can handle removing a lot of material while leaving a nice surface finish.  Small machines are significantly less stiff and require less material removal to get the same surface finish.  In reality, a hobbyist, like me, can do everything with a small machine that someone with a large machine could do (in general)... but only slower.  I'm not making parts to earn money, I don't need to make parts quickly.

But I digress....