A mini mill is great for creating one-off custom pieces. Unlike a mini lathe, the mill doesn’t specialize in cylindrical objects, but rather squared-off or rectangular material. It’s particularly helpful where CNC machining would be too expensive or impractical. The Grizzly G8689 Mini Mill (or mini milling machine) has a cast iron table to hold and move the work material against the bit. Using traditional milling bits that fit the 3/8″ and 1/2″ collets, you can drill into or take away material to form your piece. In this way, you can remove entire areas of metal to create the custom shape.

The Grizzly G8689 Mini Mill weighs 150 pounds, which gives it some benchtop stability. When you’re looking at milling, lightweight tools actually hinder performance. Within reason, the heavier the better. The Grizzly mini mill can handle any kind of job up to 1/2″ drilling, 1/2″ end mills, and 1″ facing. It comes equipped with a 3/4HP, 110-volt, single-phase motor. Also, the variable speed control and gear drive features require no belt changes, making it more efficient.

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To maintain torque and speed, Grizzly opted for a continuously variable electronic speed control. The left-hand mounted control panel includes a safety shut off switch, on/off toggle switch, and speed control knob. At the low range you can vary from 0-1,100 RPM, and at high speed, you get 0-2,500 RPM.

In addition, the Grizzly Mini Mill cast iron table uses T-slots for holding T-shaped clamping nuts. Also, the table can be moved side to side and front to back by means of heavy cast iron hand wheels. The hand wheels feature a calibrated scale that allows the user to move the table accurately.

The markings on the Grizzly Mini Mill present an easy and accurate way to attain precise angles on your workpiece when needed.

Grizzly G8689 Mini Mill Key Features

• Safety shut off switch
• Adjustable depth stop
• Fine feed head control
• Geared drive
• Clear guard on spindle
• Rubber chip guards on ways
• Zero setting dials read in inches
• Adjustable dovetail ways on column
• 3/8″ and 1/2″ collets
• 1/2″ drill chuck
• Two T-nuts
• Made in an ISO 9001 factory

Grizzly Mini Mill Specifications

• Motor: 3/4 HP, 110V, single-phase, 4.5A
• Spindle taper: MT #3
• T-slots: 2 at 1-1/8 in. centers, 7/16 in. wide
• Head travel: 7-1/2 in.
• Head tilt: 45° L/R
• Max. distance spindle to table: 11-1/2 in.
• Swing: 12-3/4″
• Table travel (longitudinal/cross): 7-5/16 in./4 in.
• Table size: 3-5/8 x 15-3/4 in.
• Range of speeds: Variable, 0–2500 RPM
• Drawbar thread size: M12-1.75
• Approximate shipping weight: 149 lbs.
• Warranty: 1 year
• Price: $720

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Grizzly Mini Mill Summary Impressions

If you’re looking to get into some basic milling projects, the Grizzly G8689 Mini Mill gives you a good start. It’s heavy-duty enough to get smaller pieces completed, and the 3/4 HP motor should hold up well if you don’t abuse it. Lastly, we like the look of the base and table, and the T-slots make for easy clamping. For heavier duty applications, you may want to step up to something like the Jet JMD-18 Mill Drill or even the Baileigh VMD-30VS Vertical Mill Drill.