Posted by Penn Tool Co., Inc on 10th Nov 2022

The Best Milling Machines for Your Workshop

Milling machines are a staple in any workshop. They can be used for a variety of tasks, from making basic cuts to shaping and forming metal.

But, with so many different types and models of milling machines on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is best for your needs. Fortunately, at Penn Tool Co., we’ve been using, reviewing, and upgrading milling machines since 1968!

In this article, our milling experts consider the key factors you must consider when choosing a milling machine for your workshop. For starters, what brands do you like?

When it comes to woodworking and metalworking operations, having the right milling machine can make all the difference in achieving the desired results. Milling machines can perform a range of tasks, from drilling, cutting, and shaping to smoothing and finishing surfaces. Therefore, it is essential to have the best milling machine for the job.

In this article, we will provide you with information about the best milling machines for your workshop, including the best CNC milling machine, the best combination vertical/horizontal milling machine, and the best combination gear drive milling and drill machine.

Best Milling Machine Brands

When investing in your workshop, it’s often easier to narrow down your options by brand. However, even then, it can get overwhelming to review every potential brand out there.

So we did the hard part for you. Here are a few of the most popular brands at Penn Tool Co.:

Top High-Quality Milling Machines

Another excellent strategy when comparing industrial milling machines is to consider your budget and your workplace. To that end, we broke our recommendations into 3 simple and common categories:

Best Budget Milling Machine
Best Milling Machine for Home Use
Best Milling Machine for a Small Shop
Best CNC Milling Machine
Best Combination Vertical/Horizontal Milling Machine
Best Combination Gear Drive Milling & Drill Machine

Best Budget Milling Machine: Proxxon Micro Milling Machine

This Proxxon Micro Milling Machine has earned a top spot in many lists, and with good reason. In fact, we considered suggesting a more expensive machine in this category so that we could recommend the Proxxon for home or small workshops!

That’s how much we love this machine. Powerful, portable, and compact, this milling machine is much more delicate on your wallet than it is on your workpieces.

Best Milling Machine for Home Use: Precise Mini Milling and Drilling Machine

At a length barely exceeding 22-inches, and a width of less than 20”, this Precise Mini Milling and Drilling Machine is an excellent home milling machine. Again, don’t let the “mini” in its name fool you.

This garage milling machine boasts speeds up to 2,500 rotations per minute! If you require power in a small package, this is the machine for your shop.

Best Milling Machine for a Small Shop: Sharp Industries Premium Vertical Knee Mill

Ok, now we’re assuming that your work environment is a little more spacious. For a small, independently located workshop, we can’t find a better option than the Sharp Industries Premium Vertical Knee Mill.

Large but not prohibitive, this milling machine can meet your every need. In fact, it features functionality on 3 axises (Quill, Table, and Saddle), a Power Feed Table, and a mighty 3-horsepower motor to maximize your productivity!

Best CNC Milling Machine

CNC milling machines are computer-controlled machines that can perform complex milling tasks with precision and accuracy. They are perfect for industries that require a high level of automation and precision, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical.

The best CNC milling machine on the market is the JET CNC Vertical Turret Milling Machine (JTM-1050EVS2 CNC). The JET CNC Vertical Turret Milling Machine is a highly advanced and powerful CNC milling machine that’s designed for high-precision and high-speed milling operations.

This makes it perfect for industries that require a high level of automation and precision, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical. It features a powerful 3 HP motor, a variable speed spindle, and a precision-ground, hardened, and chromed spindle quill for maximum precision and accuracy.

Best Combination Vertical/Horizontal Milling Machine

A combination vertical/horizontal milling machine is a versatile tool that can perform both vertical and horizontal milling tasks. This type of milling machine is ideal for small to medium-sized operations that require flexibility in their milling operations.

The best combination vertical/horizontal milling machine is the Kent Combination Horizontal and Vertical Spindle Milling Machine. This machine offers the best of both worlds, with a 5 HP motor for vertical milling and a 3 HP motor for horizontal milling.

It also features a 12″ x 51″ table with a 45-degree tilt in both directions, allowing for greater flexibility in milling operations. This machine is perfect for small to medium-sized operations that require flexibility in their milling operations.

Best Combination Gear Drive Milling & Drill Machine

A gear drive milling and drill machine is a powerful tool that combines both milling and drilling capabilities. This type of milling machine is ideal for industrial and commercial operations that require high-speed drilling and milling capabilities.

The best combination gear drive milling and drill machine is the Gear Drive Mill/Drill Machine (OT7045FG). The OT7045FG features a powerful 1.5 HP motor, a gear drive system, and a 5/8″ drilling capacity.

It also includes a digital readout system for precise milling and drilling operations, making it perfect for industries that require high accuracy and precision. Additionally, it includes a coolant system, automatic lubrication system, and a work lamp, making it easy to use and maintain.

Find the Best Milling Machine for Your Shop at Penn Tool Co.

At Penn Tool Co., we have a passion for pairing machinists with the perfect solution for their needs. We offer an expansive selection of reliable milling machines to ensure that we can serve every workshop, no matter the size.
To find the best milling machine for your workshop, reach out to our team today.