[HELP] Fixing an old mini milling machine

[Charles Spencer]

I don't know if I missed it, but I didn't see anybody mention that what you have is a Sieg X2 mini mill.  These are sold by several different companies.  Besides the shank taper (most others have R8) they are essentially the same machine.  See:

http://www.littlemachineshop.com/product...2&category=

http://www.harborfreight.com/two-speed-v...44991.html

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Mini-Mil...hine/G8689

Little Machine Shop has accessories for this machine.  Grizzly sells parts, including an R8 taper spindle for $32.25.  This would enable you to use R8 tooling, which is widely available.

My South Bend lathe has an MT3 head stock spindle.  In order to use MT2 tooling I bought one of these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MT3-to-MT2-Morse...35d317446a

I believe that the thread on the drawbar is 3/8"-16.  This will also fit both R8 and MT2 collets:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-PC-2-MORSE-TAP...1e9944c619

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHARS-13-Piece-P...4d006d497c

There is plenty of information available on this machine, including quite a few youtube videos.  Search using "X2 mini mill", "Harbor Freight mini mill", etc.

Hope this helps.