Are you going to buy a milling machine

To the Pro's on this forum , this thread will be of no use whatsoever. But for the newbies that are thinking of getting one then this may help you.

I know & understand that a lot of this forum members will never watch any youtube video's.

I am not sure why but, i found it invaluable in my search for a lathe & then a milling machine. My video in this clip is for anyone wanting to know what tooling they may require. Again it took me a while to find what i would or would not need to get set up. It did help me immensely.

I would like to share it with members that may find it of some use to you.

Steve.

Edited By Steviegtr on 25/01/2022 03:30:41

G'day Stevie.

I found that whatever one purchases a lathe or mill for, a decent set of tooling and accessories to suit can double or even triple the initial cost.

Learned from experience

* danny *

Haven't you already plugged this video Steve? Are you after a few more likes and subscribers

Oh well, if we are into plugging things! Here is a bit from my website about buying and tooling milling machines. May or may not be of interest to the newcomer. Absolutely no YouTube involved, read and digest at your own pace.

*** Journeyman's Workshop - Milling Machines ***

John

Edited By Journeyman on 25/01/2022 08:22:22

For people on a budget some words of wisdom on the St Albans & District MES website.

That things huge and takes up so much daylight, so why would you?

I have watched youtube videos for a few years to see and hear the operation of the machines + workshop accidents etc.

I bought the largest lathe that I could handle myself with a 2-Ton engine hoist extended and did the same recently for the mill. For the lathe I bought tooling as time went on from fuel money I just drive less, for mill I even drive far less now, and its surprising how much money one blows out on fuel.

So for the mill I bought a clamping set, because I will need that.
I also bought a vertex 4 anglock vice, it looks well made, but without the degree table it sits on.

I am still busy doing a few things regarding coolant & chips I want to do.

My next buy will be a collet chuck and set. I cannot decide between ER40 & ER32 yet......Looking for opinions around this and which first collet sizes & milling cutters to buy instead of a set....Which 5x cutter sizes you suggest I buy and type-? Mostly aluminium & steel...I am not in a hurry and don't want to buy twice.

-Must buy parallel set as well....

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

A lot will depend on what you intend doing with the mill, a small stationary engine is not going to want the same size cutting tools as a 1/3rd scale traction engine. Or if your hobby is RC models they won't want as big a scar and bike restoration.

If buying a basic set of collets first then 4, 6, 10, 12 & 16 will cover the common shank sizes. 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 & 5/8 if you work in old money.

I'd start with 6, 10 & 12mm 3 flute cutters and see how you go from there.

A fly cutter would be a handy tool to have, & they are not that expensive .

Steve.