Milling for beginners

Does it have to be 3mm, they do 1/8" which would fit if you knock up a quick stepped bush

Yes I can get away with a 1/8" cutter, the small difference in size wont be a problem. Just ordered one plus some of the spiral flute taps.

Thanks Jason

Ron, you could get another 1.5mm wide blade same as you have and gang them together for your 3mm cut.

Emgee

Emgee, that had crossed my mind but didnt know if it would work having no experience of it. However I have ordered the 1/8" as 7 thou difference wont be an issue on the spring mounts.

Thanks anyway.

Ron

Jason, I have just read your latest Milling for Beginners and I have to say it is excellent you couldn't have a clearer or more understandable "how to do" than that.

I hope.beginners are reading the guides I for one have picked up such a lot from them.

Well done Sir, great stuff.

Ron

Morning Jason,

I dont know how long the beginners mill and lathe series have to run, I,m guessing not that many now. Just a thought but having made myself your vice stop I wondered if there is any other mill tooling/fittings that you have made which would be useful for the beginner. There may not be any others but it if there are it would be good to see them, its just an idea.

Ron

Edited By Ron Laden on 24/11/2019 08:21:23

Thank's Ron, There will be just one more which I have most of the content for but will see if I can think of anything else to add. Having said that Neil has asked for the occasional article aimed more at the beginner that will cover a broader spectrum than just milling for which I'm open to suggestions.

Best get your name down on the list for a good price on a lightly used SX2.7

With issue 289 about to be available in digital here are a few additional photos to go with part 14.

A posed photo to better show how the two pins inserted into the base of the casting along it's front to back axis can be used to set the casting for machining features at right angles to that axis.

A similar setup but making use of the castings mounting holes to take pins (drill bits) to rest on the parallels

Using the same mounting holes to line up the casting but this time with the pins (drill bits) set against the side of the mill table's tee slots.

Close up of the pins against the side of the tee slot

If using a machining plate that will need to be repositioned several times then some simple buttons can be made to fit the mill's tee slots and then the edge of the plate placed against them. Buy using two slots and adjusting the position of the buttons the plate can be quickly reset at an angle which would be time consuming to have to set up each time the plate is moved

Close up of the buttons for anyone wanting to make a pair.

The buttons are a great idea I will have to make a set, using them in two slots you can see how you can set up for any angle.

I made a set of buttons some years ago when I got my CNC mill. Very useful; but I'd make a set of three. That way you can use two for alignment and the third, in a different T-slot, as a stop. A set of hex blocks with an eccentric screw are good for holding work in conjunction with the buttons, while leaving the top free, like these three:

I bought the hex blocks and screws, but made the T-nuts.

I also made a set of buttons, but much taller than standard, which can be useful for larger work. I cylindrically ground my tall buttons, but that's a bit OTT. The tall buttons can just be seen in this picture:

Andrew

Just read part 14 Jason, very good as usual pity its the last one but they cant go on forever. I think a big thank you is in order for all your effort in producing the series, the timing was ideal for me with my first mill 18 months ago. I have learnt a lot from the series and hope other beginners have to.

Thanks Jason

Ron

Edited By Ron Laden on 31/12/2019 08:23:54

I will echo Ron's comments, thank you Jason for producing the series

Any chance that the two series on Milling and Lathe for beginners might become a book? Both very good series. The book could incorporate the extra details that appear in this thread and the lathe work thread.

John

Edited By Journeyman on 31/12/2019 10:00:37