Member postings for David Canham

Interesting comment re locking up both before machining. Just a novice making comment here but I am sure I have read somewhere that extending the quill is possibly more likely to encounter any run out / slack than using the knee to make a cut.

Would it be possible to check the accuracy of the knee with the locks off and then with locks on?

David.

Well chaps, I now have more info than I thought possible. Thank you all.

It now feels like the Knee is in front by a short Head. I have just looked at Warco's site again and noticed that they also do a variable speed VMC. very tempting. I may have to dig a bit deeper into the piggy bank as this will hopefully be the only mill I will ever need.

David.

Norman, that is a really interesting point about taking a cut with the head working downwards. I am guessing that there has to be a small amount of backlash in the lead screw. For light cuts I am sure it will work fine but what about plunging a 20mm cutter into something like stainless steel. Would the cutter sit on the surface momentarily and then jump down into the cut as it takes up the backlash. Or maybe I am just over thinking things.

David.

Vic's comment about being able to swing the head on the VMC is certainly food for thought ...

David.

Thanks for your input everybody. I think I will probably go for the WM18 due to it being a slightly smaller overall unit and space is at a premium. With a DRO and table feed it should fit the bill. I will hopefully be working on anything up to 5" gauge loco size and so size and power wise it should do the job. I stand to be corrected of course.

Also as mentioned above, I have not used either type so I have no experience to fall back on and will make the most of what the machine has to offer. However, I will not be making the purchase for a couple of months so plenty of time to change my mind.

David.

Thanks Neil, that's one issue sorted.

Does anyone have an opinion as to the better machine, VMC or WM18. Like I said I think I prefer the WM18 but I am not sure why.

David.

As a novice to milling, I have a question about the Warco VMC mill or the WM18. I think I am veering towards the WM18 because it looks right. However, it does not have a knee to raise up during machining. It does though have the facility to lower the head via a graduated handle. So what I am trying to ask is can you use the head lowering in the same way as the knee raising to machine something. Thanks,

David.

Yes Lofty, not easy. A bit like loosing a faithful old dog.

Cheers,

David.

Hi Brian,

Thanks for the welcome, progress so far is that I have just (yesterday) been accepted as a probationary member of the Welling and DMES. I have only been to the club a few times but already feel at home, a great bunch of people.

David.

I am just finishing with motorcycling and once the last bike is sold I will have the cash to throw Warco's way. So now is the time to start the hobby I have lusted after for so many years. The only experience of lathes I have had is with a big old Ward 7 capstan we had in the works back in the late 70's. My fave loco is the Schools and so I have already purchased the drawings for a 5" gauge from Poly. I am in the steel construction game and so dealing with some miniature metalwork will make a nice change. Once the bike is gone I need to re roof the garage, insulate and then get some machinery. I apologise in advance for asking lots of newbie questions and look forward to getting to know you all.

David.