Shop Fox M1036 Micro Milling Machine
#4 in Mini millsFull review
For model makers and electronics enclosures, not for steel brackets.
Amazon $699.99 eBay$699.99
The Shop Fox M1036 Micro Milling Machine is the better milling machine overall, rated 3.0 to 2.8. The Shop Fox M1036 Micro Milling Machine leads on price. The Little Machine Shop HiTorque 3990 wins on features, motor and table size. The Shop Fox M1036 Micro Milling Machine costs $749.01 less ($699.99 vs $1,449).
Prices were last checked November 4, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Little Machine Shop HiTorque 3990
#8 in Mini millsFull review
For a hobbyist machining small parts in aluminum, brass and light steel who wants a quiet, well-supported mini mill.
Little Machine Shop $1,449 eBay$1,449
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Shop Fox M1036 Micro Milling Machine for price ($699.99 vs $1,449).
- Choose the Little Machine Shop HiTorque 3990 for features (R8 spindle, brushless motor, variable speed vs digital readout, variable speed), motor (500 W motor vs 187 W motor) and table size (4.7 x 18.1 in table (85.1 sq in) vs 3.5 x 8 in table (28 sq in)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mini mills milling machine; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Shop Fox M1036 Micro Milling Machine | Little Machine Shop HiTorque 3990 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.0/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Price 25% | 100 $699.99 | 60 $1,449 |
| Table size 20% | 0 3.5 x 8 in table (28 sq in) | 10 4.7 x 18.1 in table (85.1 sq in) |
| Motor 15% | 0 187 W motor | 25 500 W motor |
| Features 30% | 35 digital readout, variable speed | 55 R8 spindle, brushless motor, variable speed |
| Warranty 10% | 67 2-year warranty | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| Shop Fox M1036 Micro Milling Machine | Little Machine Shop HiTorque 3990 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Table | 3.5 x 8 in | 4.7 x 18.1 in |
| Longitudinal (X) travel | 5.5 in | 11.8 in |
| Cross (Y) travel | 5.5 in | 5.1 in |
| Head (Z) travel | - | 10.6 in |
| Quill travel | - | 2.8 in |
| Spindle and motor | ||
| Motor | 187 W (0.2 hp) | 500 W (0.7 hp) |
| Motor type | - | Brushless DC, belt drive |
| Brushless motor | - | Yes |
| Spindle speeds | 0 to 5,000 rpm | 100 to 2,500 rpm |
| Variable speed | Yes | Yes |
| Spindle taper | JT1 | R8 |
| Head tilt | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Power feed | - | No |
| Digital readout | Yes | No |
| Weight | 44 lb | 124 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |