MechMaxx VM18L 6x20 Mill Drill
#3 in MillsFull review
A good value brushless R8 mill in the popular 6x20 size.
Amazon $1,599$1,599
The MechMaxx VM18L 6x20 Mill Drill is the better metal lathe overall, rated 3.6 to 3.3. The MechMaxx VM18L 6x20 Mill Drill leads on features, capacity and motor. The Grizzly G8689Z 4x16 Mill/Drill wins on price. The Grizzly G8689Z 4x16 Mill/Drill costs $629 less ($970 vs $1,599).
Grizzly G8689Z 4x16 Mill/Drill
#6 in MillsFull review
A starter R8 mill for small parts and learning, with dealer support.
Grizzly $970$970
Prices were last checked November 3, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the MechMaxx VM18L 6x20 Mill Drill for features (R8 spindle, brushless motor, variable speed, tilting head vs R8 spindle, variable speed, tilting head), capacity (5.5 x 19.6 in table (107.9 sq in) vs 3.6 x 15.8 in table (57.1 sq in)) and motor (746 W motor vs 373 W motor).
- Choose the Grizzly G8689Z 4x16 Mill/Drill for price ($970 vs $1,599).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mills metal lathe; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | MechMaxx VM18L 6x20 Mill Drill | Grizzly G8689Z 4x16 Mill/Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Price 25% | 40 $1,599 | 76 $970 |
| Capacity 20% | 46 5.5 x 19.6 in table (107.9 sq in) | 16 3.6 x 15.8 in table (57.1 sq in) |
| Motor 15% | 70 746 W motor | 40 373 W motor |
| Features 30% | 80 R8 spindle, brushless motor, variable speed, tilting head | 60 R8 spindle, variable speed, tilting head |
| Warranty 10% | 50 1-year warranty | 50 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| MechMaxx VM18L 6x20 Mill Drill | Grizzly G8689Z 4x16 Mill/Drill | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Table | 5.5 x 19.6 in table | 3.6 x 15.8 in table |
| Longitudinal travel | 8.6 in | 9.1 in |
| Cross travel | 6.3 in | 4 in |
| Spindle and motor | ||
| Motor | 746 W | 373 W |
| Brushless motor | Yes | - |
| Spindle speeds | 0 to 2,500 rpm | 0 to 2,500 rpm |
| Variable speed | Yes | Yes |
| Spindle taper | R8 | R8 |
| Head tilt | 60° each way | 45° each way |
| Features | ||
| Weight | 180 lb | 135 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |