Curious how many mount makers have a bench top mill in their shop and how often they utilize it for Mount making.
I have been considering adding one to my shop but have been hesitant as I do not have machining experience so this would be something to learn on as well.
I could see it primarily being used for drilling, but one of those tools I will find more and more uses for as I learn it.
Is this a piece of equipment I could successfully pick up with time and practice?
Any recommendations on models? I am currently looking at HiTorque Mini Mill for Sale | Mini Milling Machine for Sale (littlemachineshop.com)
I find my vertical milling machine to be one of my most valued and used tools in the shop. Mostly is performs as a precision drill press but I've also used it for slotting, milling steps in materials, surfacing, and much more. I have an older Clausing 8520 small floor mill and have not used the benchtop type you are looking at, but feel you should have plenty of capacity in those smaller machines for the types of work we encounter in most mountmaking.
The operation of a machine like that should be relatively intutive and there are lots of videos available to help you get oriented. A good vise, selection of cutters, and measuring tools like calipers and dial indicators will all help you do your best work. Getting to know spindle and feed speeds and how they effect different materials will come with practice. I work mostly with brass, but machine steel, acrylic, and occasionally wood on mine as well. I'd hate to be without it.
Good luck,
Jamie