JET is renowned for its highly-qualitative, durable and powerful machines and JET 350018 isn’t an exception. Easy to adjust and use, it is perfect for wood or metal milling and it can easily handle heavy materials due to the heavy-duty roller bearings that, combined with the cast iron column, add excellent stability.
Generous Work Table
If you are planning on working on a larger project, you will appreciate this model’s work table that measures 9 1/2 by 31 3/4 inches. This way you will be able to shape extra-large pieces of aluminum, ceramics, wood and other materials, all with the help of a single machine and faster than you could have imagined. The longitudinal and cross travel are 20-1/2 in. and 6-1/2 in. respectively, while the end milling and face milling capacity are 4 in. and 3 in respectively. A work lamp is included as well, so you can easily see what you are milling, even when you are working in dimmer light.
User-Friendly
Designed for garage and workshop use, it comes with a detailed manual that will help you assemble and use it. Besides that, the design is quite intuitive and you will find numerous user-friendly features such as a depth gauge that is easy to read, a practical quick-stop knob or satin-finished dials that will offer you guidance throughout the entire project.
Powerful Motor
The 2HP, 1 phase, 230-volt motor is UL-listed and able to rotate the spindle at 12 different speeds ranging between 150 and 3,000 RPM. Moreover, the engine is sustained by a hinged belt cover that helps with speed changing, reducing delays. Not to mention that the whole ensemble is covered by a generous 2-year warranty that covers both parts and labor for a wide range of mishaps.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Extra-large worktable
- Intuitive design helps you to rapidly understand how it works
- Generous 2-year warranty
- Ultra-performant motor produces up to 3,000 RPM
- User-friendly features
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- Requires a solid stand as it is very heavy
- Expensive
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| VERDICT
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| This machine will deliver professional results in the comfort of your garage, so when it comes to the quality-price report, we would call it fair. Moreover, the extra-large work table is perfect for projects of considerable size, while the strong motor allows you to shape even harder materials like ceramics or metals. |
2. Grizzly Industrial G0704
It comes with all the great features that are usually found in a professional machine, namely a variable speed motor, aR-8 spindle, tapered gibs, dovetail column and an extra-large 7-1/16 in. x 26-5/8 in. work table. The spindle is engaged by the 1 HP, 110V, 12A, single-phase motor and spins with variable speed within 50 and 2250 RPM, ensuring the perfect conditions for wood and metal shaping. Furthermore, it is equipped with a forward/reverse switch that will help you change direction and ease milling operations.
Other important specifications are the longitudinal travel which is 18-7/8 inches and the cross travel with a value of 6-1/2 inches. The R-8 spindle comes with a digital readout and DRO. In addition to that, you will receive a 2-speed gearbox and fine feed head control. Not to mention that the huge table comes with its own stand, so you won’t have to trouble yourself with finding one that can sustain such a heavy machine. Backed by a 1-year warranty and less expensive than a professional miller, this machine will help you build the projects of your dreams.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Generous work table
- Forward/Reverse switch increases efficiency
- Work table stand included
- 1-year warranty
- Up to 2,250 RPM
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- Drilling function is weak
- Setting it up may take a while
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| VERDICT
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| All in all, this machine will help you with some serious metal shaping projects. The large table is supported by its own robust support, while the strong motor engages the spindle, generating up to 2,250 rotations per minute. Furthermore, a shut off switch is at your disposal for safety purposes. |
ETL listed, this machine comes with the guarantee of safety and performance, so you can purchase with the utmost confidence. Equipped with a performant 1/2 HP, 110V motor that can produce a spindle’s variable speed within 100 and 2,500 RPM, it will help you mill large thick pieces of metal, wood or ceramics. Moreover, for increased performance, it comes with a collet and a drawbar, being suitable for variate R8 collets with the following sizes: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/16, 3/8, 5/16, 5/8 and 9/16 inches. Plus, you will be able to drill holes thanks to the drilling option that features a capacity of 1/2 inches.
The work table measures 3 5/8in. x 15 3/8in, being generous enough for medium-sized projects, with a longitudinal travel of 8 5/8 inches and a cross travel of 4 inches. The headstock travel is 7 inches. Furthermore, the column and the milling head tilt to 45 degrees right or left, thus increasing versatility and ease of use. Worthy to mention is the 1-year warranty, which will provide great cover for parts and labor, so you can put your mind at ease and concentrate on your project.
| PROS
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CONS
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- ETL-listed for safety and performance
- Versatile, with a tilting column and milling head
- 1-year warranty
- Excellent spindle speed
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- Stand not included
- No work light available
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| VERDICT
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| Powerful and adaptable, this tool will help you shape all the materials for your project at a great speed and with wonderful results. Easy to operate, it can be used even by beginners. Not to mention that it is backed by an excellent 1-year warranty, so you will be able to enjoy it without worrying that a mishap or a manufacturing flaw will put you through extra expenses. |
Happybuy 7x14 Inch Metal Lathe
If you need to mill small parts that need extra attention and precision, you should go with Happybuy 7×14 Inch Metal Lathe that was specially designed for this purpose. Featuring a top-notch 0.75 HP 550 W motor, it is ready to produce infinitely variable speeds between 100 and 2500 RPM. Moreover, you will be able to use it for a great variety of jobs, including the processing of small precision parts, modeling works or sample processing. The 7×14 inches work table is generous enough to support all the operations and it comes with longitudinal travel of 1.38 inches and a cross travel of 2.56 inches.
Ready to for some serious milling and designed to last for many years of work, Happybuy is built only of highly-qualitative materials. The parts are all metal, including the hand wheel, gears, and shell. Other important specifications include the distance between centers which measures 14 inches, the chuck diameter – 3.93 inches, and the spindle bore measuring 0.8 inches. Moreover, it can be turned within the turning taper, foreign aid, and others.
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CONS
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- Excellent spindle speed
- Versatile, with many functions and features
- Built of high-quality materials for better performance and prolonged lifespan
- Powerful motor
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- Cannot handle large pieces of material
- Work light not available
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| VERDICT
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| To summarize, this versatile tool can help you mill small parts with the utmost precision, so if you need to build some complicated structures that need extra accuracy, Happybuy is your best choice. Moreover, it comes with a strong engine, able to generate infinitely-variable speeds, so you will be able to adjust it according to your every need. |
Able to generate an impressive variable speed within the 5,000 and 20,000 RPM interval, this is one of the most efficient machines on the market. The 1/8 HP 100-watts motor is qualitative and will help you shape metals, wood, ceramics, and many other materials. Besides that, the table is large enough to fit medium and small pieces, as it measures 7-7/8 per 2-3/4 inches. It features X-Y travel with the longitudinal travel being 5 17/64 inches and the cross travel 1 13/16 inches.
Designed for precision milling, it is perfect for electronics, jewelry or lab projects. The cast iron base provides the perfect balance, keeping the milling machine steady even at high speeds. The compound lathe and the vertical column are made of high-quality aluminum and treated for extended durability. Moreover, the package includes 6 steel collets with the sizes of 1/32, 1/16, 5/64, 3/32 7/64 and 1/8 inches. An adjustable ruler scale is also included for easier positioning of the work-piece.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Excellent precision
- Speed varies between 5,000 and 20,000 RPM
- High-quality materials
- 2-year warranty
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- Limited range of use as it is very small
- Can be difficult to set the right adjustments
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| VERDICT
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| Compact and equipped with all the functions and features for a quality precision work, this tool will prove of real help for your electronics or jewelry hobby. Apart from that, it is built of sturdy materials and backed by a 2-year warranty, all at a fair price, so we would call it a clever long-term investment. |
Following up with precision milling machines, Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO can deliver incredible results as it comes with an integrated mainboard and special software designed to control movement with the ultimate precision. Moreover, Grbl runs on Arduino and is an open-source software, so you will get plenty of resources and support every time you stumble on something. Designed for beginners, it is perfect for students who are just learning CNC or for wood- or metal-carving enthusiast, and it will easily shape soft aluminum, plastic, PVCs, acrylics, and wood.
The 775 motor will generate a spin speed between 3,000 and 9,000 RPM, helping you cut through thicker materials, while the 11.8 x 7.1 x 1.8 inches work surface, with a longitudinal travel of 11 13/16 inches and a cross travel of 7 3/32 inches, provides the perfect conditions for a comfortable work. In addition to that, this machine comes with many safety features like a CE, FCC and PSE-certified power adapter or an offline controller module and is fully-covered by a generous 1-year warranty.
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CONS
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- Built-in software ensures precision
- Large work space provides comfortable work sessions
- Many safety features for an extra-safe job
- 1-year warranty
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- Instructions aren’t clear
- Assembly can be difficult
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| VERDICT
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| Powerful and precise, this tool will help you make incredible metal carvings and shape pieces of small dimensions, being perfect for jewelry or electronics. Moreover, the software makes it easy to control and you will be able to set the right parameters in no time. |
top-tool High Power Metal Mini Lathe
It features a solid 144 W motor that will provide an incredible 12,000 RPM spindle speed, so if you need to cut thicker materials, this machine is the right option. Provided with a two-edges milling cutter, it is more efficient than a regular miller. However, more attention should be paid while working, as it is more dangerous. It features longitudinal travel of 5 45/64 inches and a cross travel of 1 17/64 inches, being perfect for shaping small pieces that need extra accuracy. Moreover, the entire structure is made of high-quality metals that provide more durability and an extended lifespan.
All the necessary parts are included in the package for a fast assembly and a quick start, and you will receive the headstock, short machine bed, long machine bed, connection pieces, small and big slider, gear and other important parts that turn this machine into a highly performant tool. Not to mention that the price is attractive and you won’t have to spend a small fortune on your hobby.
| PROS
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CONS
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- 2-edges milling cutter for enhanced efficiency
- Accurate, perfect for precision jobs
- Easy to assemble and use
- Affordable
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- Working light not included
- Not suitable for large pieces of material
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| VERDICT
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| Affordable and easy to maintain, this is a great budget option for milling small precision parts. The motor generates huge speed, allowing you to cut through thicker materials, while the work table offers enough space for comfortable use. |
Whether you need to cut large pieces of metal or wood for your extended project, or you are looking for a compact tool that can help you shape mini precision pieces for your lab or jewelry business, you will find a perfect match within our top, as we’ve chosen only highly performant and qualitative milling machines. For example, all our models reach spinning speeds of at least 2000 RPM and most of them are backed by generous warranties. However, each model comes with its features and specifications, so we suggest you take a second look at the following models that differentiated themselves through some specific qualities:
Best Overall: JET 350018
Provided with an extra-large work table and a robust motor that can generate up to 3,000 rotations per minute, this machine is perfect for shaping large pieces of material and it will easily cut through metal, wood, and ceramics. Moreover, it comes with a work lamp that will help you go on with your work even if the light gets dimmer. With a user-friendly design and backed by a 2-year warranty, it’s surely worth every dollar and you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.
Best for Beginners Klutch 49657
ETL-certified, this model has been tested for both performance and safety and it complies with the highest standards, so it can be safely used by a beginner without the assistance of a specialist. Furthermore, it comes with a user-friendly design and is easy to put together, so you will be ready for work in no time. Not to mention that it is backed by a great 1-year warranty that covers both parts and labor, so you can purchase with confidence.
