Hey,
I am trying to determine a good height for my workbench for a
mini-mill. I am getting one of the cheap Chinese ones like the Grizzly
or Cummins brands. My workbench for my lathe is at 40" and it is quite
comfortable for me. I am somewhere around 6'0 to 6'1" tall. Should I
keep the mill bench the same height or slightly lower? I am not getting
the mill until later this winter or early spring, but I need to get the
materials for my bench out of the place that is storing it. Plus the
fact that I could use the room. I had thought of keeping it at 40" and
cutting it down if needed. However, that is a lot of work to go through
and I would just as soon as get it right the first time.
I already searched for an answer on this and I could not find anything.
Thanks
Mike

On 19 Oct 2005 07:40:12 -0700, "mj" wrote:

Hey,
I am trying to determine a good height for my workbench for a
mini-mill. I am getting one of the cheap Chinese ones like the Grizzly
or Cummins brands. My workbench for my lathe is at 40" and it is quite
comfortable for me. I am somewhere around 6'0 to 6'1" tall. Should I
keep the mill bench the same height or slightly lower? I am not getting
the mill until later this winter or early spring, but I need to get the
materials for my bench out of the place that is storing it. Plus the
fact that I could use the room. I had thought of keeping it at 40" and
cutting it down if needed. However, that is a lot of work to go through
and I would just as soon as get it right the first time.
I already searched for an answer on this and I could not find anything.
Thanks
Mike

Size the bench so the mill's table is at comfortable working height
and it'll be comfortable turning the cranks that move the bed.

Your post wasn't clear on the size of "mini-mill" you intend to get. If it
is in the size range of Sherline or Taig mini-mills, you might want to
consider placing it on a desk. One corner of my shop has a Sherline lathe
and mill, both sitting on a desk. Necessary tooling is nearby on a
roll-around tool cart.

Bob Swinney

"Don Foreman" wrote in message
...
On 19 Oct 2005 07:40:12 -0700, "mj" wrote:

Hey,
I am trying to determine a good height for my workbench for a
mini-mill. I am getting one of the cheap Chinese ones like the Grizzly
or Cummins brands. My workbench for my lathe is at 40" and it is quite
comfortable for me. I am somewhere around 6'0 to 6'1" tall. Should I
keep the mill bench the same height or slightly lower? I am not getting
the mill until later this winter or early spring, but I need to get the
materials for my bench out of the place that is storing it. Plus the
fact that I could use the room. I had thought of keeping it at 40" and
cutting it down if needed. However, that is a lot of work to go through
and I would just as soon as get it right the first time.
I already searched for an answer on this and I could not find anything.
Thanks
Mike

Size the bench so the mill's table is at comfortable working height
and it'll be comfortable turning the cranks that move the bed.

Mine is on a bench at about 40 inches. I'm 6'3".
It's about right for sitting on a barstool and working at the mill.
My 9" lathe is a little lower, and I'm thinking of raising it.

Elbow height when sitting on a stool is my gauge. Measure to the
handwheel in front.

By the way, be sure to allow for the fact that that handwheel has to be
turned frequently. If you mount the mill flat and back from the edge,
the OD of the wheel will be against the bench and not usuable. I've
seen this handled 3 ways:

1 Mount the mill at the front edge so the handwheel overhangs
2 Make a raiser block to get the machine base about 2" above the bench
to clear the wheel. This might make your bench height lower by that amount.
3 Cut a recess in the front of the bench for handwheel clearance.

I prefer #2 as it makes placing a chip/coolant pan underneath much more
doable.

- -
Rex Burkheimer
Fort Worth TX

mj wrote:
Hey,
I am trying to determine a good height for my workbench for a
mini-mill. I am getting one of the cheap Chinese ones like the Grizzly
or Cummins brands. My workbench for my lathe is at 40" and it is quite
comfortable for me. I am somewhere around 6'0 to 6'1" tall. Should I
keep the mill bench the same height or slightly lower? I am not getting
the mill until later this winter or early spring, but I need to get the
materials for my bench out of the place that is storing it. Plus the
fact that I could use the room. I had thought of keeping it at 40" and
cutting it down if needed. However, that is a lot of work to go through
and I would just as soon as get it right the first time.
I already searched for an answer on this and I could not find anything.
Thanks
Mike

Rex B wrote:
Mine is on a bench at about 40 inches. I'm 6'3".
It's about right for sitting on a barstool and working at the mill.
My 9" lathe is a little lower, and I'm thinking of raising it.

2 Make a raiser block to get the machine base about 2" above the bench
to clear the wheel. This might make your bench height lower by that amount.


Thanks for the advice. It appears that if I went right at the 36" mark,
that would put my work space at around 38" for my working height (that
would allow 2" for the spacers). I sort of figured I might want the top
a little lower than what I have the lathe at. Since I am two inches
shorter than you, this measurement seems to work out pretty well. I
just wished I had my mill...

Here is one of the mills that I am looking at. The ones at Grizzly and
Cummins are pretty much the same thing:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44991

Thanks for all the replies!
Mike

I would....except I'm not buying the mill until later this year or
early next year. I need to get my benches built and moved in this
weekend.

Mike

Mike,
I am also 6'1 but because of the size of my work bench I mounted my lathe
on the BOTTOM shelf. When using it I just sit down and get conformable.
For me this works fine. I need to improve my lighting but that is no big
deal.

Also look at Homier.com for the Grizzly type of lathe. Homier carries the
same thing at about $299.00.

LLB

"mj" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hey,
I am trying to determine a good height for my workbench for a
mini-mill. I am getting one of the cheap Chinese ones like the Grizzly
or Cummins brands. My workbench for my lathe is at 40" and it is quite
comfortable for me. I am somewhere around 6'0 to 6'1" tall. Should I
keep the mill bench the same height or slightly lower? I am not getting
the mill until later this winter or early spring, but I need to get the
materials for my bench out of the place that is storing it. Plus the
fact that I could use the room. I had thought of keeping it at 40" and
cutting it down if needed. However, that is a lot of work to go through
and I would just as soon as get it right the first time.
I already searched for an answer on this and I could not find anything.
Thanks
Mike

brassbend wrote:
Mike,
I am also 6'1 but because of the size of my work bench I mounted my lathe
on the BOTTOM shelf. When using it I just sit down and get conformable.
For me this works fine. I need to improve my lighting but that is no big
deal.

Also look at Homier.com for the Grizzly type of lathe. Homier carries the
same thing at about $299.00.

LLB

I already have my lathe. I bought it on ebay from Cummins Tool Company.
I don't remember what I paid, but I think it was around that $299 mark
plus shipping. Some people don't think much of these, but for me just
learning how to turn metal, it works out fine. I think the mini-mill
will be fine for what I am doing too. I don't need to get tolerances
within .001 or anything. I'm still searching around for a milling
machine though. I'm hoping to find one within close driving distance to
Mitchell, SD to save on the shipping. Even the mini-mills are fairly
heavy.
Mike

mj wrote:
Rex B wrote:

Mine is on a bench at about 40 inches. I'm 6'3".
It's about right for sitting on a barstool and working at the mill.
My 9" lathe is a little lower, and I'm thinking of raising it.

2 Make a raiser block to get the machine base about 2" above the bench
to clear the wheel. This might make your bench height lower by that amount.


Thanks for the advice. It appears that if I went right at the 36" mark,
that would put my work space at around 38" for my working height (that
would allow 2" for the spacers). I sort of figured I might want the top
a little lower than what I have the lathe at. Since I am two inches
shorter than you, this measurement seems to work out pretty well. I
just wished I had my mill...

Here is one of the mills that I am looking at. The ones at Grizzly and
Cummins are pretty much the same thing:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44991

Those are all identical except for the Spindle, which is either MT3 or
R8. I got the Homier because it was cheapest and used R8. In fact, I
got it from a tent sale locally - marked wrong at $339, which they
honored. Normal price is $399.
I guess you checked out the minilathe.com section on minimills?

Mike
Get on the homier.com mailing list. They will send you an email
whenever a tent sale is coming up within whatever radius you specify.
Then pick one up for $399 + local tax, no freight.
That's if they have one. Sometimes they leave them on the truck, so
you have to ask the Boss.

While there, plan to get one of their $199 metal-cutting bandsaws.
Same saw Grizzly sells for $400. It's a genuine bargain.
- -
Rex Burkheimer
WM Automotive
Fort Worth TX

mj wrote:
brassbend wrote:

Mike,
I am also 6'1 but because of the size of my work bench I mounted my lathe
on the BOTTOM shelf. When using it I just sit down and get conformable.
For me this works fine. I need to improve my lighting but that is no big
deal.

Also look at Homier.com for the Grizzly type of lathe. Homier carries the
same thing at about $299.00.

LLB


I already have my lathe. I bought it on ebay from Cummins Tool Company.
I don't remember what I paid, but I think it was around that $299 mark
plus shipping. Some people don't think much of these, but for me just
learning how to turn metal, it works out fine. I think the mini-mill
will be fine for what I am doing too. I don't need to get tolerances
within .001 or anything. I'm still searching around for a milling
machine though. I'm hoping to find one within close driving distance to
Mitchell, SD to save on the shipping. Even the mini-mills are fairly
heavy.
Mike

Those are all identical except for the Spindle, which is either MT3 or
R8. I got the Homier because it was cheapest and used R8. In fact, I
got it from a tent sale locally - marked wrong at $339, which they
honored. Normal price is $399.
I guess you checked out the minilathe.com section on minimills?

I've been to the minilathe.com site quite a few times. In fact, I used
that site to finally decide on my purchase for my lathe. That was a
heck of a deal at $339 for the mill. Wonder what my chances of finding
one marked wrong are going to be? LOL. I want to get one with the R8
spindle too. The additional tooling seems to be a little cheaper
priced.
Mike

Those are all identical except for the Spindle, which is either MT3 or
R8. I got the Homier because it was cheapest and used R8. In fact, I
got it from a tent sale locally - marked wrong at $339, which they
honored. Normal price is $399.
I guess you checked out the minilathe.com section on minimills?


I've been to the minilathe.com site quite a few times. In fact, I used
that site to finally decide on my purchase for my lathe. That was a
heck of a deal at $339 for the mill. Wonder what my chances of finding
one marked wrong are going to be? LOL. I want to get one with the R8
spindle too. The additional tooling seems to be a little cheaper
priced.

Yeah, R8 collets were $5 each, while Mt3 were double that.
Plus, I'll end up with a mill-drill soon, and I'll want R8 stuff for
that too.

Rex,
I'll do that. I know Cummins gets through South Dakota about once a
year or so. They were just here and had a mill with them, but I didn't
need it right then, so I passed. I am still kicking myself over that.


I'm looking for a metal cutting bandsaw too. The local Menards has the
Jet brand at around $259, but the $199 sounds even better. Cutting 2"
brass stock with a Saws-All is getting old.
Thanks
Mike

Homier also has the conventional bandsaw for $99.95 last I looked.
But you almost have to buy their tools in person at the tent sales,
because their freight is much higher than most of the other sources.
But do get the 03111 Homier bandsaw if possible. I have the older
style and I'm going to replace it with the new one ASAP.
Another good option is the handheld that HF runs on sale for $50 -
$80. I've heard good things about that one.
- -
Rex Burkheimer
WM Automotive
Fort Worth TX

mj wrote:
Rex,
I'll do that. I know Cummins gets through South Dakota about once a
year or so. They were just here and had a mill with them, but I didn't
need it right then, so I passed. I am still kicking myself over that.


I'm looking for a metal cutting bandsaw too. The local Menards has the
Jet brand at around $259, but the $199 sounds even better. Cutting 2"
brass stock with a Saws-All is getting old.
Thanks
Mike

FWIW, I'm 6'1" and until 18 months ago had an RF30 bench top mill. I still
use the workbench I built to hold it. It's 42" high. That put the crank
wheels at a height that allowed me to keep my forearms slightly above
horizontal when cranking, and I really like having the mill's table high
enough so I didn't have to stoop to see what I was doing. Your eyesight
might be better than mine, though.

If it was me... I'd leave the bench at 40" or even raise it.

Peter

"mj" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hey,
I am trying to determine a good height for my workbench for a
mini-mill. I am getting one of the cheap Chinese ones like the Grizzly
or Cummins brands. My workbench for my lathe is at 40" and it is quite
comfortable for me. I am somewhere around 6'0 to 6'1" tall. Should I
keep the mill bench the same height or slightly lower? I am not getting
the mill until later this winter or early spring, but I need to get the
materials for my bench out of the place that is storing it. Plus the
fact that I could use the room. I had thought of keeping it at 40" and
cutting it down if needed. However, that is a lot of work to go through
and I would just as soon as get it right the first time.
I already searched for an answer on this and I could not find anything.
Thanks
Mike

"Rex B" wrote in message
...

Yeah, R8 collets were $5 each, while Mt3 were double that.
Plus, I'll end up with a mill-drill soon, and I'll want R8 stuff
for that too.

Speaking of MT collets, it's almost impossible to find anyone selling them
these days. Grizzly used to sell them, as did Harbor Freight (IIRC). I just
took a look at Homier.com and couldn't find any collets (or either
mini-mill, for that matter).

Does anyone know of a source for MT collets that are not outrageously
expensive?

- Michael

DeepDiver wrote:
"Rex B" wrote in message
...

Yeah, R8 collets were $5 each, while Mt3 were double that.
Plus, I'll end up with a mill-drill soon, and I'll want R8 stuff
for that too.


Speaking of MT collets, it's almost impossible to find anyone selling them
these days. Grizzly used to sell them, as did Harbor Freight (IIRC). I just
took a look at Homier.com and couldn't find any collets (or either
mini-mill, for that matter).

Does anyone know of a source for MT collets that are not outrageously
expensive?

littlemachineshop.com has imports for small $
Logan Actuator has better quality for a little more.

Peter Grey wrote:
FWIW, I'm 6'1" and until 18 months ago had an RF30 bench top mill. I still
use the workbench I built to hold it. It's 42" high. That put the crank
wheels at a height that allowed me to keep my forearms slightly above
horizontal when cranking, and I really like having the mill's table high
enough so I didn't have to stoop to see what I was doing. Your eyesight
might be better than mine, though.

If it was me... I'd leave the bench at 40" or even raise it.

Peter

Hi Peter,
I had considered leaving it at the 40" height too, but I was concerned
that it was going to be a little too high. Like you, I do not like
bending over while I work and I would bet your eyesight is better than
mine. LOL. I like where my lathe is at height wise. The work is close
enough where I can see it. I figured if I built the mill table a little
short, I could always build a subframe out of 1x or 2x and shim the
table legs up. I would build the frame solid and not use short pieces
under each leg. This should give some stability.

My problem with my bench is the fact that it is a drawer rack storage
system made by Lista. The racks are 9'9" tall. I am cutting them down
to cabinet height and then rewelding the crossbrace on the upright at
my counter top height. So...if I end up making it too tall, I'll have
to take everything apart, run the uprights down to my brother's shop
and cut them apart to make them lower, then reweld it all back
together. If I make them a little too low, I can either put another
layer of particle board on top or shim the legs. That is sort of the
dilema I am dealing with.

I'll have to look at see what the RF30 looks like compared to the mills
that I am looking at.

Thanks

Mike

With Cummins you pretty well get what you pay for. I bought a set of
mini vise grip pliers (6" long) at the last sale. I think it had three
different ones in the set (c-clamp, needle nose, and regular). They
were around $6.00. I picked up a couple of them. For my little brass
model making hobby, they work great. I probably would not be happy with
them if was using them in a heavy duty environment. I have found that a
lot of the cheap tools work well for my little machine shop, but would
I use them in a "real" shop? Probably not.
Mike

That seems like a pretty cool idea too. It would take up less space
anyway. Fortunately, I have the floor space for three 54" x 25" work
tables plus my upright drill press and maybe my bandsaw when I get it.
Mike

"mj" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi Peter,
I had considered leaving it at the 40" height too, but I was concerned
that it was going to be a little too high.

I'll have to look at see what the RF30 looks like compared to the mills
that I am looking at.

You're looking at a mini mill I think, which would be smaller than an RF30.
I wouldn't think there'd be much difference in the table height (distance
from table surface to the bench top) between a mini and an RF30, so I bet
the form factor's the same.

At any rate, I'm thinking that 40" will not be too high for you. I have my
Gorton 8D set on a pedestal so that the table at typical height is about
46" - 48" high. It's really funny to see al shorter visitors stand on their
toes to get a look at what I'm doing. On the other hand, I have to stand on
a milk crate to loosen the drawbar...

Peter

I did a search on ebay just now. Here is what is available for MT
collets:

http://search.ebay.com/search/search...rclo=&saprchi=

and here are the R8 collets:

http://search.ebay.com/search/search...rclo=&saprchi=

I did not search the completed auctions to see approximately what these
things sell for on a regular basis.

Mike

mj wrote:

Rex,
I'll do that. I know Cummins gets through South Dakota about once a
year or so. They were just here and had a mill with them, but I didn't
need it right then, so I passed. I am still kicking myself over that.


I'm looking for a metal cutting bandsaw too. The local Menards has the
Jet brand at around $259, but the $199 sounds even better. Cutting 2"
brass stock with a Saws-All is getting old.

Harbor Freight has a $199.99 bandsaw, plus $8.99 shipping:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=37151
Mac's Inc in Sioux Falls occasionally stocks a slightly better
bandsaw, also about $200. Call them at # in
http://www.google.com/local?q=%22mac's+inc%22+&near=Sioux+Falls%2C+SD&bt nG=Search

I like that HF one as it also converts to an upright. I don't think the
Jet brand one did. I'm only 75 miles from Sioux Falls, I'll have to
check Mac's out too.
Mike

Hi Peter,
I built my bench on Saturday and went with the 40" height. Actually the
bench is 38-1/2" high, but I allowed for two sheets of 3/4" particle
board on top.

Just out of curiosity, what is the table height distance (from mill
table surface to bench top)? That is probably the question I should
have asked to begin with.

Mike

- -
Rex Burkheimer
WM Automotive
Fort Worth TX

James Waldby wrote:
mj wrote:

Rex,
I'll do that. I know Cummins gets through South Dakota about once a
year or so. They were just here and had a mill with them, but I didn't
need it right then, so I passed. I am still kicking myself over that.


I'm looking for a metal cutting bandsaw too. The local Menards has the
Jet brand at around $259, but the $199 sounds even better. Cutting 2"
brass stock with a Saws-All is getting old.


Harbor Freight has a $199.99 bandsaw, plus $8.99 shipping:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=37151
Mac's Inc in Sioux Falls occasionally stocks a slightly better
bandsaw, also about $200. Call them at # in
http://www.google.com/local?q=%22mac's+inc%22+&near=Sioux+Falls%2C+SD&bt nG=Search

Well, here's the Homier 03111:

http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?dpt=&cat=&sku=03111

Here's Grizzly's version of the same saw:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emnumber=G4030

Here's Homier's version of the $199 HF saw:

http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?dpt=&cat=&sku=03018

....and Grizzly's:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emnumber=G1010

This Homier portable has gotten good reviews:

http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?dpt=&cat=&sku=02804

I don't have my RF30 any more so I can't tell you what it was. I'm thinking
it was about 6-ish inches. Someone with an RF 30 or 45 could chime in hear,
but since you've already built your bench, I'm sure you'll figure out for
yourself what's comfortable.

Peter

"mj" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi Peter,
I built my bench on Saturday and went with the 40" height. Actually the
bench is 38-1/2" high, but I allowed for two sheets of 3/4" particle
board on top.

Just out of curiosity, what is the table height distance (from mill
table surface to bench top)? That is probably the question I should
have asked to begin with.

Mike

Peter Grey wrote:
"mj" ... wrote ...
Just out of curiosity, what is the table height distance (from mill
table surface to bench top)? That is probably the question I should
have asked to begin with.
....
I don't have my RF30 any more so I can't tell you what it was.
I'm thinking it was about 6-ish inches.
[snip]

mj [Mike] referred to mini-mill in original post, rather than RF30.
The Homier mini-mill table surface is about 5.2" above bench top.

The $400-$500 mini-mill (as shown from several vendors in http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_mill/...s/versions.htm )
has about half the horsepower of an RF-30 (4/5 vs 2),
a rectangular post rather than round, and ~ 1/3 as much table
area. Some versions have a #3 MT spindle w/ drawbar, others R8.
-jiw

Stand with both hands held out a a comfortable working position. Then with
your third hand, measure to the floor. Now, subtract the height of the mill
table. That's it.
Walt
"mj" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hey,
I am trying to determine a good height for my workbench for a
mini-mill. I am getting one of the cheap Chinese ones like the Grizzly
or Cummins brands. My workbench for my lathe is at 40" and it is quite
comfortable for me. I am somewhere around 6'0 to 6'1" tall. Should I
keep the mill bench the same height or slightly lower? I am not getting
the mill until later this winter or early spring, but I need to get the
materials for my bench out of the place that is storing it. Plus the
fact that I could use the room. I had thought of keeping it at 40" and
cutting it down if needed. However, that is a lot of work to go through
and I would just as soon as get it right the first time.
I already searched for an answer on this and I could not find anything.
Thanks
Mike

snip
Well, here's the Homier 03111:

http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?dpt=&cat=&sku=03111

Here's Grizzly's version of the same saw:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emnumber=G4030

Here's Homier's version of the $199 HF saw:

http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?dpt=&cat=&sku=03018

...and Grizzly's:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emnumber=G1010

This Homier portable has gotten good reviews:

http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?dpt=&cat=&sku=02804

Rex,
WOW! A $99.99 bandsaw! For my little brass hobby machine shop, that
would be uptown. But they (I think it was the Homiers) are out of stock
until the middle of Dec and there was not a shipping price listed.

I have a bunch of stuff on ebay and once it sells, I'm picking up a
bandsaw.

Thanks
Mike

I tried that. That puts the bench height at about 40". I should be good
to go!
Thanks
Mike

On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 14:17:59 GMT, with neither quill nor qualm, "E.
Walter Le Roy" quickly quoth:

Stand with both hands held out a a comfortable working position. Then with
your third hand, measure to the floor. Now, subtract the height of the mill
table. That's it.

My prehensile front tail (equivalent to a third hand) doesn't like to
get dirty on the floor. Is there any other way, Walt?


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Life is full of little surprises. * Comprehensive Website Development
--Pandora * http://www.diversify.com

Be aware that Homier has some lousy shipping rates last i looked. If
thee is not a tent sale coming up near you (get on the Homier email
notification list) then factor in shipping. HF is cheap shipping, as
does Enco, so look at the whole package.

- -
Rex Burkheimer
WM Automotive
Fort Worth TX

mj wrote:
snip
Well, here's the Homier 03111:

http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?dpt=&cat=&sku=03111

Here's Grizzly's version of the same saw:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emnumber=G4030

Here's Homier's version of the $199 HF saw:

http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?dpt=&cat=&sku=03018

...and Grizzly's:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/item...emnumber=G1010

This Homier portable has gotten good reviews:

http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?dpt=&cat=&sku=02804


Rex,
WOW! A $99.99 bandsaw! For my little brass hobby machine shop, that
would be uptown. But they (I think it was the Homiers) are out of stock
until the middle of Dec and there was not a shipping price listed.

I have a bunch of stuff on ebay and once it sells, I'm picking up a
bandsaw.

Thanks
Mike

Larry Jaques wrote:
On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 14:17:59 GMT, with neither quill nor qualm, "E.
Walter Le Roy" quickly quoth:


Stand with both hands held out a a comfortable working position. Then with
your third hand, measure to the floor. Now, subtract the height of the mill
table. That's it.


My prehensile front tail (equivalent to a third hand) doesn't like to
get dirty on the floor. Is there any other way, Walt?

What, you lost your sling??

Rex B wrote:
Be aware that Homier has some lousy shipping rates last i looked. If
thee is not a tent sale coming up near you (get on the Homier email
notification list) then factor in shipping. HF is cheap shipping, as
does Enco, so look at the whole package.

- -

Hi Rex,
Yeah...I was going to take the shipping into consideration. I checked
the one on Homiers site for $199.99 (which is in stock) and the
shipping is $90.00. That one weights 190 lbs or so. The $99.99 one
weights 130 lbs. So I suspect shipping would be $60-70...

If I had the cash in hand today (waiting for some stuff on ebay to
sell), I would probably order the HF one. I really do not want to wait
for a month and a half for Homier to get the $99 one in stock. Although
I am going to go back and look at the other ones again.

Thanks for all the links.

Mike

On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 10:03:53 -0700, Larry Jaques
wrote:

On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 14:17:59 GMT, with neither quill nor qualm, "E.
Walter Le Roy" quickly quoth:

Stand with both hands held out a a comfortable working position. Then with
your third hand, measure to the floor. Now, subtract the height of the mill
table. That's it.

My prehensile front tail (equivalent to a third hand) doesn't like to
get dirty on the floor. Is there any other way, Walt?



Saran Wrap?????


Mark Rand
RTFM

I can tell you the 03111 is well worth the extra $100.
Same saw Grizzle gets $400 for.

But the small "sawhorse" model works great.
It also has a vertical mode which I've used several times. The 03111
does not, although I understand it's an easy and worthwhile mod.


- -
Rex Burkheimer
WM Automotive
Fort Worth TX

mj wrote:
Rex B wrote:

Be aware that Homier has some lousy shipping rates last i looked. If
thee is not a tent sale coming up near you (get on the Homier email
notification list) then factor in shipping. HF is cheap shipping, as
does Enco, so look at the whole package.

- -


Hi Rex,
Yeah...I was going to take the shipping into consideration. I checked
the one on Homiers site for $199.99 (which is in stock) and the
shipping is $90.00. That one weights 190 lbs or so. The $99.99 one
weights 130 lbs. So I suspect shipping would be $60-70...

If I had the cash in hand today (waiting for some stuff on ebay to
sell), I would probably order the HF one. I really do not want to wait
for a month and a half for Homier to get the $99 one in stock. Although
I am going to go back and look at the other ones again.

Thanks for all the links.

Mike

Rex,
Thanks for the advice so far.

My largest stock that I would cut on a regular basis is around 2-1/2"
brass with most of the cutting in the 1/2" to 2" categories. I have a
chunk of 3" that I would eventually need to cut and I am getting a
project lined up that is going to call for 3-1/2 to 4" diameter brass
rod (wheels for a 1:8 scale HEMMT military truck). That project would
need eight slices and I'm done. But if that is getting a little big for
the HF bandsaw, I could get them sliced at work on our big machine.
3.5"-4" rod cuts would be few and far between.

I may end up cutting some aluminum in the same sizes eventually too.

What do you think? I'm thinking of ordering it either tomorrow (Friday)
or Monday.

Mike

mj wrote:
Rex,
Thanks for the advice so far.

My largest stock that I would cut on a regular basis is around 2-1/2"
brass with most of the cutting in the 1/2" to 2" categories. I have a
chunk of 3" that I would eventually need to cut and I am getting a
project lined up that is going to call for 3-1/2 to 4" diameter brass
rod (wheels for a 1:8 scale HEMMT military truck). That project would
need eight slices and I'm done. But if that is getting a little big for
the HF bandsaw, I could get them sliced at work on our big machine.
3.5"-4" rod cuts would be few and far between.

I may end up cutting some aluminum in the same sizes eventually too.

What do you think? I'm thinking of ordering it either tomorrow (Friday)
or Monday.

The work envelope is 4x6, and you can even stretch that a bit with
creative positioning. Brass or AL is like butter. Biggest I've cut is
about 2.5"x2.5". Just takes a little longer.
Large unwield pieces can be cut in the vertical position, but you
have to hand-feed it. Very tedious. Last thing I cut this was was an
Atlas change gear cover, the tear-drop cast iron thing. I basically made
a vertical cut about 4 inches in from the front (to clear a QC box). It
worked very well.


with 4" diameter a straight cut is essential. Get a good bimetal blade
immediately, and tweak the blade alignment so the cut is straight
laterally and vertically. Properly adjusted, they say you can cut a
..030 wafer.

But sure, go for it.

HF has their bandsaw marked down to $169.99 now with the $8.99
shipping. Quite a deal until I looked at the motor size. 1/3 hp! The
$99.99 Homier has a 3/4 hp. I suspect that these might not be
completely accurate descriptions though and it might not be "true" hp
ratings. So...not sure what I am going to do. I might run over to Sioux
Falls and see what I can find at the Mac Hardware store or wait until
Dec for Homier to get theirs in.

Rex, what hp motor does your bandsaw have? I'm just a little hesitant
to buy this because of the motor. 1/3 hp does not seem like much even
just cutting aluminum and brass...
Mike