[Tim Hancock]

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.