Benchtop Milling Machine

A CNC benchtop milling machine is the smaller version of their larger industrial cousin. The benchtop milling machine resembles a drill and it is used to work with metal, plastics, wood, aluminum, brass and steel. The benchtop milling machine can be used on almost any flat surface and is powered manually or mechnically. The more recent benchtop milling machine models, use computer numberical controls (CNC) and are operated from a desktop PC, using Microsoft Vista or XP.

These tabletop models are perfect for the serious hobbyist, DIY and are used in CNC milling training. This smaller milling machine model, is manufactured in the same form as the larger models, which are mills, drill presses, lathes and combo lathe and combo mills. They have been designed, in a size to fit perfectly on a work bench or on a model shop table and clamped into place by using a vice.

The benchtop models, on a smaller scale, is still capable of cutting gears, drilling, planning, boring and routing. The many advantages of a mini milling machine is its ability to be portable. This machine is light weight and can be transferred wherever the user needs it. Also, the tabletop milling machine requires very little space and is easily placed in a small shop area or in the basement of a house.

Professional educational systems such as vocational schools, technical schools and some universities, are introducing and training their students on CNC benchtop milling machines. Benchtop milling machines are used in the medical technology field, for making stainless steel prostheses, dental laboratories use the benchtop milling machine to help make custom teeth crowns and jewelry designers also use this powerful, compact milling machine. The benchtop milling machine, performs contouring with a 3D effect. Using the benchtop milling machine is touted as being very safe and secure, due to its built in cooling system. The benchtop milling machine costs less than the larger models, and with the same efficiency.

Different Types Of CNC Benchtop Milling Machine Available

As previously mentioned, there are other CNC benchtop models. One such model is the benchtop drill press. A benchtop milling machine, however, is quite different from a benchtop drill press. A benchtop drill press, keeps the material your are working with, stationary, while the drill press is moving vertically. Benchtop drill presses are drilling machines that also can be mounted onto workbenches or any sturdy surface. A benchtop drill press is just as powerful and accuate as the heavy floor model drill press. This model is more commonly used for drilling holes in metal, wood and plastic. The benchtop drill is also very economical than the floor model press. Benchtop drill presses are made for smaller jobs, having up to a 1/3 horsepower motors.

Another benchtop milling machine is the benchtop injection molder. This injection machine is a small, hand operated, plastic injection molding machine for making prototypes. The benchtop injection molder is used to reproduce an aluminum or epoxy mold of parts, every inexpensively and you can use thie injection machine as often as you need parts. The benchtop injection molder can be used in a number of ways, such as making novelty items for sale, making custom made parts for model cars, boats, planes and trains; make or replace game pieces, make hobby figurines, small tools, appliances and many other economical uses.

Due to the growing technology in CNC milling machines, in both large and small milling models, the top CNC milling manufacturers and suppliers also manufacture the benchtop CNC machines, i.e., Grizzly, Jet, Irwin, Bolton, Bridgeport, Shop Fox, Delta and others. These CNC benchtop milling machines are a guaranteed investment and they provide a lifetime of strong durable parts. Also, the manufacturers of these benchtop milling machines offer extended warranties with 24/7 customer service.