Grizzly G8689Z 4x16 Mill/Drill
#6 in MillsFull review
A starter R8 mill for small parts and learning, with dealer support.
Grizzly $970$970
The Grizzly G8689Z 4x16 Mill/Drill is the better metal lathe overall, rated 3.3 to 3.1. The Grizzly G8689Z 4x16 Mill/Drill leads on features, motor and capacity. The Shop Fox M1036 Micro Milling Machine wins on price and warranty. The Shop Fox M1036 Micro Milling Machine costs $270.01 less ($699.99 vs $970).
Shop Fox M1036 Micro Milling Machine
#9 in MillsFull review
For model makers and electronics enclosures, not for steel brackets.
Amazon $699.99$699.99
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 Grizzly G8689Z 4x16 Mill/Drill for features (R8 spindle, variable speed, tilting head vs digital readout, variable speed), motor (373 W motor vs 187 W motor) and capacity (3.6 x 15.8 in table (57.1 sq in) vs 3.5 x 8 in table (28 sq in)).
- Choose the Shop Fox M1036 Micro Milling Machine for price ($699.99 vs $970) and warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
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 | Grizzly G8689Z 4x16 Mill/Drill | Shop Fox M1036 Micro Milling Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Price 25% | 76 $970 | 100 $699.99 |
| Capacity 20% | 16 3.6 x 15.8 in table (57.1 sq in) | 0 3.5 x 8 in table (28 sq in) |
| Motor 15% | 40 373 W motor | 10 187 W motor |
| Features 30% | 60 R8 spindle, variable speed, tilting head | 35 digital readout, variable speed |
| Warranty 10% | 50 1-year warranty | 100 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Grizzly G8689Z 4x16 Mill/Drill | Shop Fox M1036 Micro Milling Machine | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Table | 3.6 x 15.8 in table | 3.5 x 8 in table |
| Longitudinal travel | 9.1 in | 5.5 in |
| Cross travel | 4 in | 5.5 in |
| Spindle and motor | ||
| Motor | 373 W | 187 W |
| Spindle speeds | 0 to 2,500 rpm | 0 to 5,000 rpm |
| Variable speed | Yes | Yes |
| Spindle taper | R8 | JT1 |
| Head tilt | 45° each way | None |
| Features | ||
| Digital readout | - | Yes |
| Weight | 135 lb | 44 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |