Economy mill purchase (Rong Fu/Enco) Feedback?

Leland Pate · 08:00 PM

I'm looking at a real budget table top mill locally advertised on Craigslist. I am waiting for the model number but it is a Taiwanese made Rong Fu/Enco brand mill. I don't know how old it is but the ball park price range is between $800-$900.

It comes with a lot of extra stuff (vice, bits and clamps).

In general terms, is there any reason why I absolutely shouldn't own one of these? I did a google search for reviews and really didn't come up with anything.

I am just looking to do very rudimentary machining of small parts for a build project I've got going. I've wanted a mill for years but have no training, little money and almost no space. This thing should fit the bill...

EarlyPorsche · 06-20-2011, 07:59 PM

I recently got rid of a Sherline and I hated it. The Sherline is realllllly small though. You may have something a bit bigger and more rigid. If it is decently heavy, and could mill a decent sized piece I'd get it. If it can mill thimbles and doll house accessories only then I wouldn't purchase.

Leland Pate · 06-20-2011, 08:01 PM

Here's a pic....

dad911 · 08:35 PM

I have one very similar to that. Sometimes frustrating because of the round column, you have to re-index when you raise or lower the head. Don't know whats in the boxes, but with tooling shown probably worth between 500 & $650.

IMHO $900 is a little steep, you can get a newer tabletop mill with a dovetail column for under $1000.

Of course, If you have a use for it.

jim72911t · 06-20-2011, 08:40 PM

Wow, that's a tough one. One part of me wants to be honest (I've been a machinist for ~20 years) and tell you that the mill is a total POS and that you shouldn't buy it.

Another part of me says you should just go for it. If you have had no training and have never done any machining before, then it might be a good way to learn. Be forewarned though, that once you learn a bit and try to do any real machining with that thing, it will quickly grow tiresome. No rigidity, your surface finishes will likely suck, and it will be tough to hold any sort of tolerances. (That is being said with no idea what you actually want to make with the thing

)

One suggestion: sign up for a machining class at your local JC. This way, you'll get some training and the opportunity to use some real iron. Plus, most instructors encourage you to bring in personal projects, and you should also be able to take the class multiple times. Think of it as a way to inexpensively "rent" a machine shop for a while, and learn while you do it.

Last thing: Used machinery is dirt cheap right now, as many shops are going out of business and/or going all CNC. Check out some local machinery dealers, auctions, and ebay.

Last (last) thing: I bought a used 9x42 Bridgeport clone a few years ago for $700 with some tooling off my boss, and it really doesn't take up much more room than the one pictured. Just food for thought.

Oh, and have fun. Machining is very addictive (and very fun!)

Chuck Moreland · 06-20-2011, 09:07 PM

$800-$900 sounds steep for that. Used bridgeport clones can be had in the $1000 range, and will be much more capable - albeit harder to move and most likely requiring 3 phase.

fanaudical · fanaudical's Garage

+1
If you've got the room and the power in your garage for a decent vertical knee mill, then buy one. I hate to say it, but the Asian-made Bridgeport clones are generally good mills for light-duty use and usually priced right.

cmccuist · 06-21-2011, 01:04 AM

You wont like it. If you really have a need to machine, then you need a real machine. I bought a benchtop and it was worse than worthless. It was downright frustrating. It was basically a drill press with a fancy table.

I ended up with a Bridgeport with a lot of accessories for right around $1,000. The 3-phase is easily overcome with a varible frequency drive. With the VFD, you don't even have to adjust the speed of the mill. You just run it right off the VFD.

jriera · 06-21-2011, 05:22 AM

Lelan on the same boat as you, don't have space for a 'real' Bridgeport even if they can be had at good prices.

I am saving for a Grizzly G0619 G0619 6" x 21" Mill / Drill, more than enough for what I want to do (slide milling, frame milling, etc.)

dlockhart · 06-21-2011, 06:43 AM

Those little bench top mills are not very good machines, but I have seen some spectacular work made on them by very good machinists taking extra time and care.

Tim Hancock · 06-21-2011, 06:43 AM

The small crappy cross slides can typically be dealt with by tightening the gibs and working slowly with very light feeds provided you know your limitations. However, the crappy chinese "drill press" spindle bearings can't be compensated for and IMO, will be the biggest problem for doing any nice work with it.

If you just want to mill some small slots in aluminum brackets or something, it will work fine.... However if you want to accurately machine/modify a handgun slide, I think you will be dissapointed. I know that is not what you want to hear, but it is my opinion based on multiple experiences with friends/co-workers drill press based mills.

I got a smoking deal deal on my Bridgeport from my boss, but they are massive hunks of cast iron and most will require a phase converter. I understand the reality that some folks do not have the means to move them or space in the garage to set them up. IMO, there is no real good solution if you can't get a Bridgeport (or knockoff) sized machine if you want to do any precise/fine finish machining.