The 7 Best Mini/Benchtop Milling Machines in 2021
Share:
Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best mini milling machine. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The best mini milling machine can provide industrial-style machining on a smaller scale for use at home or at a workshop. Although often not on the economical side, these machines have great capabilities that simply can’t be replicated with other simpler, cheaper tools. Whether for a freelance technician, home or interior designer, DIY aficionado, or even artist, a mini milling machine can prove invaluable for your projects, and could even save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
What is a Mini Mill Machine?
Image credit: Mr. Supap Rodlamul/Shutterstock.com
A milling machine is comprised of a stationary cutting tool and a movable table that is controlled by either manual or computer directions. A workpiece is secured to the table which moves around a rotating blade to make the cuts for the desired outcome.
Like the full-size milling machines, a mini mill machine is a smaller engineering mill that can sit on a workbench or table, and create or modify wooden, metal, or modern-composite material components. Although full-size mill machines can be horizontal or vertical, mini mill machines usually have a vertical orientation with the axis of the rotating shaft also being vertical.
Mini Mill Machine Considerations
A few factors to consider when choosing the best mini mill machine for you are the size, adjustable table position, clamps to secure materials in place, speed range, motor power and horsepower, the depth the spindle can reach, torque, and the distance between the table and the head. In addition, you’ll have the option to decide whether you want various extra features such as coolant pumps, powered assisted tables, or inbuilt lighting. Generally speaking, the more extras you want, the more you’ll have to pay.
Find the Best Mini Mill Machine
We’ve hunted around and found seven of the best mini mill machines available to suit various needs and budgets, from top industrial tool brands such as Grizzly, Klutch, and WEN.
1. Best Horizontal and Vertical Mini Mill—Grizzly Industrial G0727 Mini Mill
Though able to tackle both vertical and horizontal milling, the Grizzly Industrial G0727 mini mill with 0.5 horsepower is still compact enough to mount on a stand or workbench. It’s made from a heavy-duty cast iron construction and has three-axis table movement, variable-speed spindle (200–2000 RPM), a 45-degree head tilt left and right, and an emergency stop button.
BUY NOW: $1,290, Amazon
2. Best Mid-Range Mini Mill—Klutch Mini Milling Machine
The cast iron Klutch mini milling machine has a smooth, vibration-free operation. With a 0.5 horsepower, 110V variable-speed (100-2,500 RPM) motor, and a 350-watt two-speed gearbox, this is a great mini mill for the price. The milling head and column have a 45-degree tilt left or right, and at around 140 pounds, the unit is much lighter than other similar mills.
BUY NOW: $739.99, Amazon
3. Best Benchtop Mini Milling Machine—WEN 33013 Milling Machine
Whether you want to create flat surfaces, angled edges, straight holes, slots, pockets, or surface contours, the variable speed (100–2,500 RPM), single-phase WEN 33013 compact bench top milling machine with R8 taper is a sturdy, reliable, safe, and effective option. The head and column are adjustable 45 degrees either to the left or right, it has a versatile 13-inch swing tool, and comes with a wide variety of cutters, mills, and bits.
BUY NOW: $1,042.64, Amazon
4. Best Mini Milling Machine—JET JMD-18 Milling/Drilling Machine
In addition to the cast iron column and heavy-duty roller bearings, easy-read depth gage and 360-degree swiveling head, the JET JMD-18 350018 milling/drilling machine has an extra-large worktable so you can tackle bigger jobs. The mill machine comes with a work-lamp, adjustable carbide face-mill, drill press angle vise, half-inch drill chuck, chuck arbor, and drawbar.
BUY NOW: $2,499 (Was $3,000), Amazon
5. Best Micro Milling Machine—Proxxon 37110 Micro Mill
For small, delicate, and intricate projects, the Proxxon 37110 MF 70 micro mill is ideal. This aluminum machine with a cast iron base is a sturdy and highly accurate mini mill. “Excellent little machine,” reads one review. “Been using mine to create models for casting jewelry and it really is a powerhouse… Works beautifully. Don't be fooled by its half-pint size, this is no toy. It's a serious tool.”
BUY NOW: $368.49 (Was $398), Amazon
6. Best Feed Motor Mini Mill—OTMT OT2213 Mini Milling Machine
Slightly larger than a regular mini mill, the OTMT OT2213 X2 mini milling machine with its variable speed control at a range of 0–2,500 RPM, and 0.5 horsepower, can travel both forward and back, has a 45-degree head tilt both left and right, an easy-to-read dial which can read up to .0001 inches of movement, an impressive feeding system, and a coarse feed for drilling.
BUY NOW: $979.99, Amazon
7. Best Mini Wood Milling Machine—Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO
For anyone who wants to try their hand at CNC learning in woodworking, the fairly-priced Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO router kitwood carving milling engraving machine is the perfect place to start. One of the many happy buyers explains, “If you're looking to explore an introductory lesson into CNC machinery, this would be a great start! Easy to assemble, simple instructions, all the tools and hardware are accounted for, plus extras. The machine is simple, yet complex enough for you to program with your choice of programs… Even if you're a pro, having this as a small desktop CNC is fun to operate and experiment with.”
BUY NOW: $249.99, Amazon
Best Mini Milling Machines—Summary
Although on the pricier end, the JET JMD-18 350018 milling/drilling machine ($2,499) stands out as one of the best mini mill machines currently on the market. For something a little more economical but still powerful, the Grizzly Industrial G0727 mini mill ($1,290) comes in at a close second. The Klutch mini milling machine ($739.99) is a great mid-range milling machine with an impressively low price tag.
Other Machining Articles
- Different Machining Processes
- Modern Machining Tools
- Microdrilling Processes
- Machining Resources - A Guide to Home Automation
- Top EDM Services Suppliers in the USA
- Top U.S. Screw Machining Service Suppliers
- Industry Information for Machine Operators and Programmers
- History of the Industrial Revolution: Man-Made to Machining
- Machining: Buying Guide
- Types of Screw Machines
- About Precision Machining - A Brief Guide
- What is Machining? A Guide to the Different Types of Machining Operations
- Types of Molding Machinery - A Thomas Buying Guide
- Types of Machining Vises - A Thomas Buying Guide
- All About CMM Machines
- Cutting Fluids for Machining
- About Deburring
Other Buying Guides
- The Best 3D Printers under $300
- The Best 3D Printers under $200
- The Best 3D Printer Under $1000
- The Best 3D Printer Under $500
- The Best Push Brooms
- The Best Rechargeable Flashlight
- The Best Corded Drill
- The Best Cordless Drill
- The Best Socket Wrench Set
- The Best Utility Knife
- The Best Drywall Anchors
- The Best Tool Bag For Carpenters
- The Best Expanding Foam
- The Best Welder For Beginners
- The Best Jigsaw
- The Best Tool Box Organizer
- The Best Paint Brush For Trim
- The Most Powerful Cordless Drill