Best Benchtop Milling Machines Under $2,500

For a hobbyist who wants an R8 mini mill with a readout at the lowest price and can live with short travels.

A good value brushless R8 mill in the popular 6x20 size.

A starter R8 mill for small parts and learning, with dealer support.

For model makers and electronics enclosures, not for steel brackets.

A supported mid size R8 mill with a depth readout, for the hobbyist who values a dealer.

A capable mini mill with a depth readout, but R8 rivals give more tooling choice for the money.

A small, supported R8 mill for the hobbyist with limited bench space.

For a hobbyist machining small parts in aluminum, brass and light steel who wants a quiet, well-supported mini mill.

For a hobbyist who wants a mini mill ready to cut to the thousandth, with the readout installed and set up.

A well equipped large bench mill for the price, if you can accept no stated warranty.

For a home machinist who wants a 7x27 R8 mill with a brushless motor and a long warranty from a US reseller that supports it.

For a hobbyist who wants a large-table brushless mill-drill at a low price and will confirm the spindle taper with the seller.

For a hobbyist who wants G0704 sized capacity with a stronger brushless motor for less money.

For a hobbyist on a tight budget who mostly drills and light-mills and is fine with an MT3 spindle.