Last Updated on December 21, 2023 by Charles Wilson
Drilling, boring, and cutting complex shapes into different materials and flat surfaces has never been easier, thanks to efficient, professional, full-size milling machines.
However, it took me years of experience to find the best milling machine for home use. I had to learn what to look for: like premium cutting tools and their boring and drilling capabilities.
To make it easier for you, I’ve compiled the 10 best milling machines for home use to help you with your next DIY project! I’ve also listed the factors to consider when choosing a DIY milling machine.
Key Takeaways:
- The best milling machines you can use on your DIY projects are the Jet JMD-15, Grizzly G0704, and the Genmitsu CNC 3018-Pro. These are listed in this article as the best overall, the best value, and the best budget pick, respectively.
- When choosing the best milling machine, choose the one that can provide for your needs. You can solve this matter by comparing the spindle speeds, the table travel size, the power feed, the orientation, the overall machine size, and the build.
- Some of the best milling machines are not just solely used for milling purposes but can also transform into drilling and lathe machines.
- There are vertical and horizontal milling machines, with the former fit for precision cutting and the latter for more mass production and heavier workloads.
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Top 10 Milling Machines For Home Use
A milling machine holds material securely and cuts it using powered cutting tools and rotating blades. This alone makes the life of machinists and newbies so much easier.
I’ve compiled a list of the top milling machines you can use at home to help you make an educated purchase decision and get the most value for the least amount of money.
Here are the top 10 milling machines you can invest in for future DIY projects! We’ll look at what I consider to be their best features, as well as some caveats to consider before purchasing.
1. JET 350017/JMD-15 Milling/Drilling Machine – BEST OVERALL
What I liked:
- The 360-degree milling head swivel makes the milling process much easier.
- The one-piece cast iron column gives support to the entire milling machine.
What I didn’t like:
- The need to buy milling machine collets separately.
For about $2,675, you can get a cast iron-built milling machine with an adjustable carbide face mill for stronger flat surface cutting and a 36-degree head swivel for on-the-dot angled cutting.
The Jet JMD 15 is also armed with a base taper that can help make cleaning and clearing easier. It also offers light machining capabilities, which means less tinkering and higher-quality production.
Although this Jet JMD is conducive for home use and space-saving, it bares mentioning that you’ll need to buy machine collets separately as they are not included in the package.
The good thing is that Jet has over 750 authorized service centers in the United States, providing premium customer service and easy access to legitimate milling machine parts.
Specifications:
Motor: 1 HP, 1Ph
Weight: 440 lbs.
Material: Casted iron
Dimensions: 38 x 37-1/2 x 42
Voltage: 115/230V
Swing: 14-1/2 inches
Spindle speed: 110 – 2,580 RPM
Table travel: 14 inches
2. Grizzly G0704 Drill Mill with Stand – BEST VALUE
What I liked:
- The 1HP Motor can work on and power through both tough and soft metals.
- The storage feature is integrated into the milling machine stand to safeguard your cutting tools and other machining essentials.
- The start and emergency stop buttons provide easier manipulation and access on normal days and during emergencies.
What I didn’t like:
- The absence of an adjustable quill stop may interfere with the accuracy and consistency of the cut’s depth.
The best value milling machine shouldn’t just be affordable. It should also allow you to efficiently utilize the machine and offset the cost through its remarkable features.
The Grizzly G0704 Drill Mill with Stand delivers in this regard.
This $1,995 milling machine offers a powerful motor that provides force and power when cutting, boring, and drilling simple and complex shapes in both soft and hard metals.
To keep the design as detailed and intricate as possible, manufacturers added a 90-degree head tilt to this milling machine.
That said, this milling machine does not have an adjustable quill stop. The quill stop’s purpose is for depth specificity throughout the milling process.
Nonetheless, with steady hands, the right cutting tools, and this milling machine, everything will work out just fine.
Specifications:
Motor: 1 HP
Weight: 342 lbs.
Material: Casted iron (dovetail column)
Dimensions: 30 x 27.5 x 35.5 inches
Voltage: 110 V
Swing: 15 inches
Spindle speed: Variable, 50–1125 RPM for low; 100–2250 RPM for high
Table travel: 18-7/8 inches
3. Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit GRBL Control – BUDGET PICK
What I liked:
- The size is perfect for newbies who want a computer numerical control (CNC) machine in their home workspaces.
- The option to add a laser for smoother operations and more precise woodworking crafts.
- The offline CNC mill control makes CNC machines accessible for use without needing to connect them to your computer.
What I didn’t like:
- The instruction manual is written in a very technical manner that cannot be understood by beginners who are not familiar with the milling machine dynamics.
Suppose you are looking for the best milling machine on the CNC side. In that case, you are looking at the $199 Genmitsu 3018-PRO, which automatically works when inputting tasks through computer numerical programming.
You can put milling machines like this on the top of your desks as it only has the following home-friendly measurements:
- 11.8 inches X-axis
- 7.1 inches Y-axis
- 1.8 inches Z-axis
Despite its size, this milling machine is convenient and powerful enough to allow you to work with high-quality aluminum, wood, and even plastics.
What makes this milling machine top-rated for convenience and value is that you can integrate different add-ons to enhance your workflow, such as the following:
- Dust shoe
- KABA enclosure
- Laser
- Frame extension
However, you may need help to set this up if you are a budding milling machine enthusiast, as the instructions can get quite technical.
Specifications:
Motor: 775 motor
Weight: 15.33 Pounds
Material: Bakelite and Aluminum
Dimensions: 17.4 x 9.84 x 6.89 inches
Voltage: 24V
Swing: N/A
Spindle speed: 10000 RPM
Table travel: N/A
4. Proxxon Micro Mill MF 70
What I liked:
- The construction is made with casted iron, providing hardness, power, and corrosion resistance.
- The minimized milling machine chatter. It’s quieter than other mills despite its variable speeds, ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).
- The micro compound table can be easily mounted on any small surface and stored when not in use.
What I didn’t like:
- The loose Z-axis bearings may need retrofitting.
When looking for an affordable micro milling machine, you can consider the Proxxon Micro Mill MF 70 with a table size of 7 & 7/8 x 2 ¾ inches.
In my experience, this $448.50 micro milling machine works with the utmost precision when cutting hard metals, pieces of jewelry, and electric components thanks to the Precision steel vice PM 40 complete-angled design.
Its 24-pin special Motor is designed to be balanced, stabilizing the entire milling machine even with its high spindle speeds of 5,000 to 20,000 RPM.
This small mill has a base built from stable grey-cast iron that ensures high vibration damping capacity. It reduces noise and provides a robust and reliable foundation for the vertical milling machine.
That said, it’s apparent that the Z-axis nuts are loosely set. This problem can lead to performance issues down the line.
Nonetheless, this issue is temporary, as you can resolve it with helpful YouTube videos on fixing micro mills.
Specifications:
Motor: 24-Pole Balanced Special Motor
Weight: 15.5 lbs.
Material: Hardened cast iron, steel
Dimensions: 16.93 x 11.02 x 9.45 inches
Voltage: 110 volts (AC)
Swing: N/A
Spindle speed: Variable, 5,000-20,000 RPM
Table travel: X-axis 134 mm; Y-axis 46mm
5. Grizzly G8689 Mini Milling Machine
What I liked:
- The safety shut-off switch makes turning off the milling machine quick and easy when emergencies arise.
- The two speed settings on the geared drive make the milling machine more versatile and accurate for fast and hard cutting.
- The variable speed control makes changing speed settings noiseless and provides increased cost-efficiency thanks to lower energy consumption and maintenance costs.
What I didn’t like:
- To get maximum efficiency, you need to fine-tune, adjust, clean, and polish the milling machine constantly before using it.
It’s unbelievable how smaller milling machines like the Grizzly G8689 can have more functionality in their design compared to more high-end milling machines on the market.
Its speed ranges go from 0 to 1100 RPM for the low-range option and 0 to 2500 RPM for the high-range option. I like how convenient it is to change speed with just a dial turn, thanks to its variable control.
Speaking of convenience, this single-phased motor milling machine also offers a 45-degree tilt for both sides. With this kind of tilting, it is possible to cut angled materials and workpieces accurately.
However, before you get too excited (like I did) in achieving this feat with a mini milling machine, there is a constant need for adjustments and fine-tuning of its industrial settings to get it in the appropriate working condition.
Specifications:
Motor: 350W, single-phase, 4.5A
Weight: 67.5 kg.
Material: 149 lbs.
Dimensions: 15-3/4 x 3-5/8 inches
Voltage: 110 volts
Swing: 7 inches
Spindle speed: Variable, 0–2500 RPM
Table travel: X-axis 7-5/16 inches; Y-axis 4 inches
6. WEN 33013 4.5A Compact Benchtop Milling Machine
What I liked:
- The base of this vertical benchtop milling machine has pre-drilled bolts to ensure sturdiness and reliability for the foundation.
- The varied spindle speeds and variable speed control offer a convenient way of changing speed.
- The 45-degree angle of the head and column create more effective work on angled cuts for woodwork, metalwork, aluminum, brass, and more.
What I didn’t like:
- The packaging or delivery box it comes in is not secured well, leading to some parts being missing or damaged.
It’s always great producing slots, drilling holes, and increasing drilling capacity with this $1,040.48 WEN 33013 compact benchtop milling machine, thanks to its reliable cast iron column and 45-degree tilting feature.
This milling machine works so well because of its variable speed change where at a press of a control button, you can go from 100 to 1,100 RPM on the low setting and 100 to 2,500 RPM on the high setting.
Even if this benchtop milling machine does not have variable feed controls, you can still get work done proficiently from the comfort of your home if you know when to go fast or slow with the table feed.
It also has onboard measurement indicators to guarantee the precision of your cutting, boring, and drilling details.
However, the manufacturers still have room for improvement, particularly in their packaging and box support.
In the end, what can the best milling machine do if it’s damaged even before it gets into the hands of machinists and woodworkers?
Specifications:
Motor: 4.5-Amp Motor
Weight: 130.1 pounds
Material: Cast iron
Dimensions: 23-1/4 by 22 by 29-1/2 inches
Voltage: 110V
Swing: 13 inches
Spindle speed: Variable, 100-2,500 RPM
Table travel: X-axis 11-13/16 inches; Y-axis 5-1/8 inches
7. Baileigh MLD-1022 — Mill/Drill/Lathe
What I liked:
- The mill, drill, and lathe combination offers a wider drilling capacity and other machining work.
- The MT-4 spindle taper for the lathe and MT-2 taper for the mill offer more systematic mounting of cutting and rotary tools.
- The 3-jaw and 4-jaw drill chuck provide more powerful clamping for every square and round machine tool.
What I didn’t like:
- The manual and instructions that come with the product are not beginner-friendly. It’s written in another language.
Milling machines designed to work for both milling and lathe works are a joy to have, especially when it has superior features, such as the MT-4 and MT-2 spindle tapers, providing special mounting to prevent dangers along the way.
Other than that, this $6,199 benchtop milling machine has two different motors, one HP motor for the mill and another HP for the drill, which are independent of each other.
With separate motors, you can ensure streamlined wood or metalwork since the power that feeds your machine comes from two engines attached to each workpiece.
There is also a yoke attached to the mill drill, which offers you a variety of drilling techniques by being able to work similarly to a drill press.
That said, the manual included with the product will be challenging to understand as it is not written in English.
This can be a disadvantage for beginners who still needs to grasp the concept of a milling machine, let alone assemble it.
Specifications:
Motor: Two independent, 1 HP
Weight: 450 lbs.
Material: Cast iron
Dimensions: 69 x 44 x 55 inches
Voltage: 110V
Swing: 9.75 inches
Spindle speed: 50-2,250 RPM
Table travel: 4.5 inches
8. Grizzly G0791 / Lathe + Mill
What I liked:
- The R-8 x B16 drill chuck arbor makes any cutting tool fit perfectly and securely throughout the milling process.
- The reversible jaws of the 3-jaw chuck and 4-jaw chuck make milling easier, as there is no need to change the chuck for materials that vary in size and shape.
- The spider mount system on the spindle head maintains grip on long materials on both low and high-speed spindles.
What I didn’t like:
- In the climb milling technique, the cutting tool rotates similarly to the material’s direction, which is inefficient.
The best milling machine on this list should work like a full-size machine but be light enough to be placed at home.
It should come with all the essential features without cost-cutting on some parts, similar to the Grizzly G0791 lathe and milling machine.
This milling machine, priced at $6,995, is best for those beginners and pros looking to practice gunsmithing because of its compact, powerful design.
Thanks to its spider mount, it works well with long, complex workpieces and short and soft metals.
It also has heavy-duty roller bearings, which enhances the experience of machinists when rolling materials onto the milling machine. It makes the process smooth and efficient.
However, climb milling cannot be adequately performed with the G0791. Nonetheless, other features function well enough that you can no longer feel its absence from this milling machine.
Specifications:
Motor: 2 HP for lathe, 3/4 HP for mill
Weight: 1566 lbs.
Material: Casted iron
Dimensions: 66 x 27-1/2 x 75 inches
Voltage: 220 V
Swing: 12 inches
Spindle speed: 250–2300 RPM
Table travel: X-axis 6-1/4 inches; Y-axis 3-1/4 inches
9. Klutch Mini Milling Machine
What I liked:
- The feed control provides accuracy when adjusting the tool height.
- The cast iron column and cast iron base make it a high-end milling machine because of its sturdy build.
- The vibration-free feature yields much fainter noise and increases the longevity of this mini-milling machine.
What I didn’t like:
- The need to fine-tune before using, as wiring may be loose, or motor brushes may not be conducive for micro milling processes.
The Klutch mini milling machine offers solid construction based on cast iron. It’s fully loaded with features like those on full-size milling machines.
Not just that. This mini milling machine also has an ETL listed mark which means it adheres to national standards and has been tested and inspected by Intertek for total quality assurance.
Moreover, this $999.99 mini mill has 1-3/16 inches of face mill capacity, enough to create a quality flat surface for any of your workpieces.
However, before you get going with this machine, it calls for fine-tuning because, similar to other customers’ experiences, some parts are loose or not in their best state.
Specifications:
Motor: 1/2 HP
Weight: 143 lbs.
Material: Cast iron construction
Dimensions: 20 1/2 x 20 1/16 x 29 15/16 inches
Voltage: 110 V
Swing: 15 inches
Spindle speed: 100–2,500 RPM
Table travel: X-axis 8 5/8 inches; Y-axis 4inches
10. Grizzly G0781 3/4 hp Mill/Drill
What I liked:
- The low noise level can provide peace during the working process and ensure the machine’s longevity.
- The adjustable depth stop offers accurate vertical movement.
- The 4-1/4 x 18 inches table size makes it possible to use the drill press angle vise for both long and short materials.
What I didn’t like:
- The vibration it makes offsets the low noise level during use.
Grizzly knows how to compensate for shortcomings in their milling machines by solving problems in one model in the next.
They did this by adding the adjustable depth or quill stop in the Grizzly G0781, which takes precision cutting to the next level.
Aside from that, this $1095 milling machine has ample table size where you can make small yet long construction in woodwork and metalworking, such as small vehicle parts.
In my experience, which also resonates with other users, switching from a drill to a mill comes easy with this benchtop milling machine.
Having this kind of ease makes every workload much faster to finish.
Yet, there are times that this micro-milling machine heavily vibrates to the point that it offsets the low noise level feature.
Nonetheless, if you are not particular about the vibration and you think it will not bother you, this milling machine can adequately do milling and drilling jobs.
Specifications:
Motor: 3/4 HP, single-phase, 5A
Weight: 167 lbs.
Material: Casted iron
Dimensions: 26-1/2 x 20-1/2 x 31 inches
Voltage: 110V
Swing: 7 inches
Spindle speed: Variable; 50–1000 RPM for low range; 120–2000 RPM for high range
Table travel: X-axis 11-13/16 inches; Y-axis 5-1/8 inches
What To Look For in a Mini Milling Machine
You need to consider many things when looking for the best milling machines for your home. To make it easy for you, here are the important factors you must take into account:
- The size of the milling machine compared to the size of your designated work area
- The orientation of the milling machine, depending on your preference and the nature of work (e.g., vertical milling machine, horizontal milling machine)
- The motor power that the benchtop milling machines can give should be enough for your woodwork or metalwork needs
- The table size of the benchtop milling machines helps you figure out if a particular machine can help you easily produce slots, cut, and bore
- The depth of the spindle or the technology incorporated in it for uniformity and consistency with the depth of your straight holes
- The built-in clamps ensure the grip and security of your cutting tools when used
- The distance between the table and the head, the Z-axis and Y-axis, and other dimension considerations to calculate if it suits your machining demands
- The proper end mill capacity to gauge if the benchtop mills can handle the work needed
More than these listed factors, in the automotive industry, what you should always consider is the price. If the price is considerable, but the features and ease of use outweigh the cons, that may be the best milling machine for you.
However, if the price is not justifiable by what the milling machines offer, you can look for other options.
What is Milling?
Milling is the process of cutting, drilling, or boring through soft and hard metals to make simple or complex shapes.
Milling machines can do this job with the use of a cutting tool or a rotating tool. The cutting tools you can use are the following:
- End mill cutting tool
- Face milling cutting tool
- Concave milling cutting tool
- Fly cutting tool
- Thread mill cutting tool
- Hobbing cutting tool
- Ball mill cutting tool
Machinists, both pros and beginners, use the process of milling in their homes, machine shops, and the like.
What is the Purpose of Milling
The purpose of milling using milling machines is to cut through materials in a rotating manner. To achieve this purpose, milling machines must have functional parts, such as the following:
- Drawbar for force in manual milling machines
- Pre-installed drill chuck to secure cylinders when rotating
- Heavy-duty spindle brake to bring milling machines to a halt
- Transparent chuck guard to protect you from the rotating milling machines while still being able to see through what is happening
What Does a Milling Machine Do?
A home milling machine provides a means for machinists and woodworkers to cut, bore, and drill their workpieces efficiently by securing any material in a stationary position.
These milling machines have different constructions/builds. However, most from this list are made of casted iron which is known for its corrosion resistance and innate strength.
Milling machines nowadays also provide conduciveness by changing the spindle speeds for better results, offering a power feed of varying intensity, and even clamping different cutting tools to hit your workpiece’s needs precisely.
More than that, a milling machine provides features with enough end mill capacity, a heavy-duty spindle brake, a table to position a metal, rotary tools, clamps, spindle, and the like.
These make the milling procedure more comfortable and straightforward.
These milling procedures can not only produce slots and shape your workpieces but also yield the following projects, such as:
- Parts of appliances
- Parts of gadgets
- Automotive gears
- Engine blocks
- Transmission housings
- Hydraulics
- Woodworks
- Metalworks
- Plastic-related carvings
Frequently Asked Questions
You may have some questions to ask before finding the best milling machine.
Well, I have answered some of your frequently asked questions to help you choose the best machine.
Can I Use My Drill Press as a Milling Machine?
Yes, you can use your drill press as a milling machine because there are machines (just like some in this list) that are made to be a drill, a mill, and a lathe in one.
However, for others, I suggest using your drill press as a milling machine only for light machining tasks, such as working with plastics.
What Oil Should I Use for Milling?
Use high-viscosity or thick oils for your milling procedures. Also, you can always use WD-40 or other common lubricating oils for your die-cast aluminum and other metals.
How Do You Prepare Wood for Milling?
To prepare your wood before the milling procedure, you need to follow these steps:
- Cut the wood according to the size you need to work on
- Clean the wood by removing unnecessary leaves or branches
- Remove mud, sand, and other environmental factors embedded in the wood.
After this, you can proceed with painting the ends of the wood which have been milled, dry them, and stack them.
What’s the Difference Between Horizontal and Vertical Milling Machines?
The differences between horizontal milling machines and vertical milling machines are encapsulated in this list:
- A Horizontal machine has short cutting tool; the Vertical machine has a long cutting tool
- The horizontal machine cuts deep into the workpiece; the Vertical machine is perfect for intricate and complex designs
- The Horizontal has a thin cutting tool; the Vertical machine has a thick cutting tool
- Horizontal has a horizontal spindle Y-axis and Z-axis; the Vertical machine has a vertical spindle Y-axis and Z-axis
- The horizontal’s table is parallel to the spindle; the Vertical’s table is perpendicular to the spindle (zero position)
- Horizontal is used primarily in industrial factories; Vertical fits perfectly in your home shops
My Recap of Winning Picks
If you do not have much time to go through all these machines, I have a recap of the winning picks for you.
Budget Pick – Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit GRBL Control
For the budget pick, the CNC machine or the Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit GRBL Control caught my attention because it works finely on details with the help of a computer and related programs.
It is priced at $199, which is relatively affordable given that it is friendly for new machinists and hobbyists.
With this cost, it also comes with features that make it more conducive for working on small projects at the top of your desks or benches, like the 1.8-inch engraving depth and offline control.
Best Value – Grizzly G0704 Drill Mill with Stand
The milling machine that holds the best value is the Grizzly G0704 Drill Mill with Stand. For $1,995, you get your money’s worth because it contains the following prominent features:
- One horsepower for the motor
- 90-degree head tilt for both sides
- 2-speed gearbox
- Emergency stop buttons
- Cast iron base dovetail column
Aside from these goodies, one of the things I like about this milling machine is its storage feature, where you can safely keep essential tools for machine maintenance and care.
Best Overall – JET 350017/JMD-15 Milling/Drilling Machine
The best overall milling machine is not just the one that holds value but is also fully loaded with features that work well for pros and beginners. This is the case for the JET 350017/JMD-15 Milling/Drilling Machine.
The Jet JMD-15 is a knockout winner because its 360-degree head swivel can cater to any materials and demands of the mill process.
It is also UL listed, which means every small and big detail from this $2,675 has been third-party tested and reached national standards.
Conclusion
Now that you know the different milling machines you can use in the comfort of your home, you can surely ace your next DIY project.
Remember that when choosing the milling machine that suits you and your workpiece best, consider the size, the make, the orientation, and the spindles.
Whichever you choose from this list, I guarantee you that all of them can perform well and be great companions for every one of your DIY milling projects!