Hand milling is a great alternative to a bulky machine. Of course, some conveyor operations are easier to perform on stationary equipment, but the compact device will cope much better with artistic and other tasks that require fine-tuning.
Today's market offers an impressive range of equipment of this kind. And if seasoned craftsmen have long identified the best options for themselves, then beginners leaf through ratings and reviews of manual wood milling machines. We will try to summarize this information, taking into account the opinions of specialists in this field and the feedback of the owners of the equipment.
So, we bring to your attention the rating of manual wood milling machines. Price and quality will be the determining factors. Consider the remarkable characteristics of the models, as well as the advantages and disadvantages.
Difficulty choosing
Familiarity with the ratings and reviews of manual wood milling machines is the second. The first step is to deal with critical equipment specifications. This will greatly simplify the selection of the optimal device for you. So what should you look for?
Vertical stroke
This is one of the most important parameters for equipment of such a plan. The milling process depends on it. If this parameter is too small, then the efficiency of the tool will be low. While increasing it opens up the possibility of working with more advanced milling cutters.
Revs
The sensible speed regulator will allow you to choose the optimal tool speed. This will make it possible to avoid burns or, conversely, brakes. It is also worth paying attention to the possibility of a soft start, which is especially important for powerful equipment. This eliminates sudden jerks of the milling cutter, as well as overloading the device.
Dynamic brake
If you are wondering: “Which manual wood milling machine is better in terms of safety?”, Then pay attention to models with a dynamic brake. This equipment allows you to almost instantly stop the working cutter if necessary, while avoiding the mass of dangerous and unpleasant moments.
Other parameters
It will be useful to focus on the noise of the equipment. Yes, the whole carpentry power tool is noisy, but most manufacturers try to minimize the decibel level, which is extremely beneficial for the user's health.
It is also worth clarifying what kind of cutters the tool is able to accept. The most common options are at 6, 8 and 12 millimeters. As for the specific equipment, here it is necessary to study the ratings of milling cutters for wood for manual milling. Fortunately, the choice is very rich and there should not be any problems with this.
Next, we consider specific models, focusing on value for money.
The rating of manual wood milling machines looks like this:
- Makita RP2300FC.
- Bosch GKF 600 Professional.
- Hammer FRZ2200 PREMIUM.
- Makita 3612C.
- Makita RT0700CX2.
- Bosch POF 1400 ACE.
- Interskol FM-55 / 1000E.
- "CALIBER FE-1900 / 12M +".
- Makita RP0900.
- Bort BOF-1080N.
- Wert EVR 1450E.
We will analyze the remarkable characteristics of each model.
Makita RP2300FC
In the first place in our ranking of the best hand wood milling machines is a model from a well-known Japanese brand. This tool can be safely called the best representative of its segment. Reviews about the milling cutter are entirely positive, but the model simply does not have any critical flaws.
The tool received a 2.3 kW engine. The milling cutter is able to accelerate the spindle to 23 thousand revolutions per minute. Such power could not affect the dimensions of the device. When equipped, the instrument weighs approximately 6.5 pounds, which is felt during operation.
The model took first place in our ranking of the best hand wood milling machines also due to its rich configuration. The manufacturer additionally equipped the tool with special nozzles for duplicating grooves of complex configuration. There is also a convenient illumination of the work surface, which helps a lot at some outdoor events. All these bells and whistles greatly facilitate the work with equipment.
As for the build quality and the materials used, there are no complaints about them. “Makita” proved once again that its products can be trusted without regard. The working platform is made of alloyed aluminum, so that it is not afraid of any load, or kinks, or any other physical effects. So the model rightfully takes the first place in the ratings of manual wood milling machines. But the corresponding equipment cost is more than 20 thousand rubles.
Bosch GKF 600 Professional
This is an edge manual milling cutter for wood from the world-famous German brand Bosch. The model turned out to be quite compact and powerful for its class - 600 watts. The tool easily spins up the spindle to 33 thousand revolutions.
Build quality, judging by the reviews on the manual milling cutter for wood from Bosch, at the usual height for the brand. The design looks monolithic, without backlashes and gaps. Pleased with the presence of a platform of high-quality aluminum alloy. The latter is much stronger than any plastic and at the same time does not give an increase in weight.
Ergonomics are also at a high level. The milling cutter is convenient to hold, and your hands do not get tired even after prolonged work with the tool. In addition, the manufacturer provided the opportunity to replace the vertical base with a firm one with a floating slope. The cost of the cutter varies around 12 thousand rubles.
Hammer FRZ2200 PREMIUM
In third place in our ranking of manual wood milling machines is a model from a Chinese manufacturer. The tool showed itself exclusively on the positive side. This is a vivid example of the successful combination of good technical characteristics with wide design capabilities.
One of the best manual wood milling machines for the home offers a decent range of spindle rotation - from 9 to 22 thousand revolutions, which is enough for processing complex materials, such as hard wood. In addition, the cutter can go up to 75 millimeters, which when working with grooves is a significant plus.
I was also pleased with the delivery set, which included a nozzle for a vacuum cleaner and popular clamps of 6, 8 and 12 mm, which added versatility models. There is also an adjusting ring to adjust the depth of stroke and an advanced soft start that prevents jerking. The cost of the instrument fluctuates around 11 thousand rubles.
Makita 3612C
The fourth place in our rating of hand milling machines for wood is the reliable, convenient and efficient model from Makita. The tool is inferior in performance to the leader of the top, but a power of 1.85 kW is enough to solve most problems.
The engine without straining accelerates the spindle to 23 thousand revolutions. The manufacturer claims that with daily and intensive loading of the router, it is able to work without problems for 5 years. Judging by user reviews, the way it is.
The model fully pays for the funds invested in it, and this is almost 18 thousand rubles. The tool does not have any critical flaws. The only thing some consumers complain about is the high cost. But many people understand that professional and high-quality equipment simply cannot be cheap.
Makita RT0700CX2
In fifth place in our ranking of manual wood milling machines is the edge model, slightly inferior to the competing Bosch. The tool received an engine with a power of 710 watts, which easily accelerates the spindle to 30 thousand revolutions.
Judging by user reviews, such qualities are quite enough for processing hard and viscous varieties of wood. The maximum depth that the cutter is capable of entering is 35 mm. The platform of the model is made of transparent high-quality plastic. Yes, it is better in terms of process control, but less reliable than aluminum bases.
With the ergonomic part is also a complete order. The tool is comfortable, and your hands do not get tired after long work. To the assembly, of course, there are no complaints. In specialized stores, the model can be bought for 12-13 thousand rubles.
Bosch POF 1400 ACE
This is a great hand wood milling machine for home. A small but sufficiently agile engine is able to accelerate the spindle to 28 thousand revolutions. This is quite enough for processing finicky varieties of wood.
It is convenient to work with the tool, especially since it weighs a little less than powerful devices - only 3.5 kilos. Build quality at the proper height for the brand: no backlash, gaps or creaks. Separately, it is worth noting the impressive scope of delivery. It included a branded case for equipment, a copy nozzle and collets of 6 and 8 mm. Alas, the 12-mill cutter tool will not pull.
Of the minuses, the owners note the lack of a soft start, although it is, by and large, not needed. Light weight allows you to safely hold the device during startup. Also, some complained of a clear noise. 95 decibels is still a bit much for an unprotected human ear. The cost of the device varies around 8 thousand rubles.
Interskol FM-55 / 1000E
This is just that rare case when domestic equipment is a worthy competitor to foreign analogues. The model does not have a high power indicator and is intended mainly for the organization of home carpentry.
The tool attracts primarily with its ergonomic qualities. In convenience, premium devices from TM Makita and Bosch can be compared with it. Here, each element is clearly thought out for the sake of ergonomics. Consumers are very positive about this part of the tool.
Pleased with the accuracy of the milling cutter. Any backlashes are completely absent, the device behaves perfectly on almost any wood. The model received only one 8 mm collet, so the rest, if necessary, will need to be purchased separately.
As such, the milling cutter does not have disadvantages for its segment. The tool copes with the tasks perfectly and at the same time does not make much noise. A little confused by the high price of the model - 10 thousand rubles, but some are willing to overpay for additional comfort.
"CALIBER FE-1900 / 12M +"
Another domestic representative, striking primarily for its power. The 1.9 kW engine quietly accelerates the spindle to 26 thousand revolutions per minute. This is enough to cope with any kind of wood. Torque involves working with grooves and ends without serious loads on the structural elements.
The Russian inexpensive manual wood milling machine in the ranking loses significantly to the other participant in ergonomic indicators. Yes, he is powerful, resourceful and will grind any tree, but you can’t use it for a long time - your hands get very tired. It affected large kilowatts, for which you need a good, as well as a heavy engine (5.2 kg), as well as a poorly designed ergonomic design. The model is not very comfortable to hold in your hands, and the elbow muscles overexert during operation.
But the power and dimensions allow you to equip the tool with 8 and 12 mm collets, which adds practicality and versatility to the technique. So the tool justifies its small cost of 5 thousand rubles.
Makita RP0900
The model is noticeably more modest in the technical part of the above brand solutions, but for home use this is a great option. In addition, the cost (about 8 thousand rubles) just involves the semi-professional use of the tool.
Here we have the high quality of performance and reliability already familiar from other representatives of the brand. The milling cutter handles are well rubberized and add comfort during operation. The platform is made of cast aluminum, and the body itself is made of high-quality plastic.
On board, a rather nimble engine with a power of 900 W is installed, giving a decent speed. Soft start, alas, no. The working stroke of the cutter is 35 mm. This is less than similar models from this price category, so the tool is not suitable for specific tasks. I am glad that the course can be precisely adjusted.
A double nozzle and several interchangeable cutters are included in the scope of delivery. The model is a frequent guest in domestic stores, so there should not be a problem with the purchase.
Bort boof-1080n
This is one of the best budget milling machines. The model comes from China, but, despite the low cost, it is assembled extremely high quality. Yes and with return also a complete order. The tool received a fairly powerful 1.2 kW engine, capable of accelerating the spindle to 30 thousand revolutions.
A depth of 45 mm is enough to organize any specific tasks. There is also the ability to adjust the speed to adapt to different trees. True, it is not as accurate as we would like, but the router does not pretend to be a professional tool.
The package includes a pair of collets for 6 and 8 millimeters. So there will be no problems with processing narrow grooves. For deep cuts, a special revolving emphasis is provided. The last in several passes allows you to get the perfect result.
Of the minuses, owners note mediocre ergonomic indicators. The model turned out to be heavy and uncomfortable. The same “Makita” or “Bosch” solve problems with rubberized handles or a more thoughtful arrangement of body elements. Here we have a kind of monster, which you can work with, but with smoke breaks. But you can close your eyes to all the flaws by looking at the cost of the instrument - 4 thousand rubles.
Wert EVR 1450E
Another "Chinese", attracting primarily an extremely affordable price tag. Buying a sufficiently powerful and convenient milling machine for 3 thousand rubles is a great success. The model received a 1.4 kW engine that accelerates the spindle to 30 thousand revolutions per minute.
Pleased with the depth of cut. The cutter is capable of leaving 50 millimeters, which is enough to perform specific tasks. With the ergonomic part, everything is fine. Comfort is added by convenient plastic handles correctly placed on the case, plus a relatively small weight of the device - 3.1 kg.
The delivery set can be called standard. The manufacturer put two collets for 6 and 8 mm, a nozzle for connecting a vacuum cleaner and a couple of simple cutters. To the technical part of the questions, in principle, no, but the assembly of the model leaves much to be desired. No, the instrument does not crumble in the hands, but some elements play, causing the body to vibrate.
Russian craftsmen easily cope with this problem and bring to mind the design of third-party devices. In addition, many masters also advise replacing the local platform with a better one. This is not difficult, and does not fly into a serious penny. After all the “upgrades”, you can get a device comparable in level to the models from “Makita” or “Bosch”. Yes, it’s troublesome, but at the same time you can save at least 5 thousand rubles.