Looking for a benchtop cnc mill...

I've been a machinist for about 30 years and have programmed and operated just about every cnc machine type around. Now that information is out of the way, I'm in the market for a benchtop cnc mill. ATC is not necessary as this is for in my garage and more or less a hobby machine. It must be able to machine true 3D (mainly for thread milling) but tapping ability would be a big plus as well. Space is limited, so I need to keep a small footprint but I don't want a jewelry machine either. I need 4" drill stroke and around 15" x and 8" y travel with at least 10" of z clearance. What do you have or recommend? Thanks in advance.

Did a survey a while back and concluded that they're all a compromise. We ended up buying nothing. You might have a look at these guys- Home - MDA Precision
I think a "real" machine, even used is the way to go.

I have an intelitek promill 8000 I am going to sell at some point. Doesn't meet all of your criteria but thought I would throw it out there in case you'd be interested. It has a table mounted 4 tool ATC.

ProMill 8000 CNC Machining Center - Intelitek

Knew two folks that had Tormach machines (a website advertiser, too!) and they were happy enough with them.

If you understand the machine's limitations up front, it goes a long ways towards making for a satisfied buyer, eh.

As long as you understand that the benchtops are not gonna run 30hp, 30K rpms, and 3000 inches a minute feeds, like as not, you can be happy too!

I ended up buying a surplussed out Milltronics knee mill, and quit looking too hard at the various Import and locally modified Import mills about then.

Given the general state of stuff around the planet, if you are in a high turnover machine tool area, you might be better off with an older Fadal or such, if you can spare the space. Have seen the odd used Haas go by for peanuts too.

I started off exactly where you are at 3 years ago, spent a lot of time evaluating many different options including MDA Precision, and many others. Ultimately decided there were too many compromises in the benchtop category and went with the smallest Brother Speedio available, very very happy with my decision...zero compromises and matches my small workpiece (and work space) requirements but with all the quality I could ask for.

These look like pretty good machines.
SYIL X5 | Hobby CNC Mill | Mini CNC Mill
The control options are quite nice. They are made in china but so are tormach machines

For a real benchtop, (small and light for small and light parts) there's Wabeco, made in Germany. I haven't used one but they are reportedly well made. There are also small ones marketed for use in dentistry (presumably not directly on the patient), but they are eye watering expensive

WABECO Milling machines Made in Germany - Wabeco

Re: dental machine.

My dentist has one. He scanned my tooth before grinding the whole top off. Then again after. The software in this little CNC 5 ax machine is impressive. With just the scans it manufactured a replacement crown. Looked like the operator just had to push the green button.

teemfan93 said:

I have an intelitek promill 8000 I am going to sell at some point. Doesn't meet all of your criteria but thought I would throw it out there in case you'd be interested. It has a table mounted 4 tool ATC.

ProMill 8000 CNC Machining Center - Intelitek

Click to expand...

I might be interested in the ProMill if the spindle is high speed, let me know thanks