Q: Is there such a thing as a high quality 'hobbyist size' milling machine?  Goal is to do various gunsmithing type millwork, like sight cuts and frame work on pistols, etc.  

Also: I'm planning on taking some courses on how to mill, etc.  Was looking at West Central Tech's curriculum.  Any recommendations here would be appreciated.

Well, a mid-size machine like my Grizzly G3101 is good for non-commercial stuff.  I wouldn't want to go any smaller, but not everyone has the room for that much machine.  There are a lot of people who do some gunsmithing on the various mini-mills from Grizzly, Harbor Freight, etc.

If the mid-size is too big, consider at least a bench top mill -- they're not much bigger than the mini-mills, but will be a lot more versatile.

A fantastic resource for what you're looking for is the Roderus Custom site.  Check out the forums and you'll find a mountain of valuable information.

Grizzly G3101:


Here are a few other links:  Sherline, Taig Tools, LittleMachineShop.com

A milling machine?

Jeesh, Allen, now you will be able to really screw something up. [Tim the Toolman]"I think that I can shave off just a little bit more. ARRGG, ARRGG, ARRGG [Tim the Toolman]

Seriously, I can't wait for you to get a new toy for the gang to play with.

I just knew this thread was going to be about machining the perfect target stand.

I bought an ARMS 36 (is that the right number zzxx99?) from him that he had "modified" to use with an ARMS 40.  After putting the ARMS 40 I bought from Bradd on the rifle with the rail, it's easy to see zzxx99 has some skill.  Lord knows what he'll be able to do with a milling machine.  The boy has some talent.

BlammO;
Thanks for the link.  The Roderus site is exactly what I was looking for.  I spent 2 hours reading there this afternoon. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, compromising on tools is a bad idea.  I think I'll need to learn a bit more about it before I jump in.  Hopefully the vo-tech school is good.

chain, P806:
You're both the kid that always touched the wall with the WET PAINT sign on it, weren't you?

Book,
Thanks, that was a Dremel/file job.  I bet with a mill it woulda been done a lot faster <sigh>.

Due to space I bought a Sherlin Mini-Mill and lathe.

www.sherline.com/tools.htm

It is great for pistol smithing and model work but I still aspire to a Bridgeport.

I milled the Novak dove tails for both of these: