Basic Tools List for new mill.

[Silverbullet555]

I have looked all over the web for a basic list of tools to get when you get into milling.

I just ordered my mill and want to make sure I got the accessories I need, but not stuff I don't need.

Any idea of where to find a basic list of what to start with.

[Smertrios]

Collets, Drills, Drill Chuck, endmills, countersinks, center drills, edge finder, dial caliper (dislike digital), material, vise, clamps... I could go on but what else your going to need IMO depends on what your making.

EDIT: coolant (maybe) but lubricant definitely and taps

[Silverbullet555]

Collets, Drills, Drill Chuck, endmills, countersinks, center drills, edge finder, dial caliper (dislike digital), material, vise, clamps... I could go on but what else your going to need IMO depends on what your making.

EDIT: coolant (maybe) but lubricant definitely and taps

I think I did ok then and will order a few more things from msc.

Got a 4" vise
A set of R-8 collets
And edge finder set
Dial indicator and base
Dial calipers
Clamping set
Parallel set
Set of HSS end mills.

[Smertrios]

Now that I think about it a set of files and xacto!

[wizard]

Hammers - an assortment of soft, brass and ball peen.
Wrenches - sized for the common screws on the machine and the clamping system you choose.
Calipers - digital. I know this goes against the other post but digital can be very nice for old eyes.
Deburring tools -
Files - I'm not to sure you can ever have to many of these as they come in an endless variety.
Clamping things - bought as needed for your interests.
Micrometers - Calipers aren't really a replacement for micrometers. Generally you should have a 0-1" and a 1-2" and adjust as needed.
A combination square set
A small double square.
A hack saw.
A fly cutter.
A drill bit set. Dont skimp here.
Band aids.
Sand paper and the like
Good lighting - this actually makes a huge difference.
Safety glasses.
Scriber
Punches and chisels - especially center, prick and drive punches.

Note that I'd you have a mill and a lathe you can make many of the tools that will come in handy.

In any event as others point out what you ultimately need is defined by what you do.

I have looked all over the web for a basic list of tools to get when you get into milling.

I just ordered my mill and want to make sure I got the accessories I need, but not stuff I don't need.

Any idea of where to find a basic list of what to start with.

[neskipper]

A couple more additions to get you started:
1-2-3 blocks
angle blocks

Hammers - an assortment of soft, brass and ball peen.
Wrenches - sized for the common screws on the machine and the clamping system you choose.
Calipers - digital. I know this goes against the other post but digital can be very nice for old eyes.
Deburring tools -
Files - I'm not to sure you can ever have to many of these as they come in an endless variety.
Clamping things - bought as needed for your interests.
Micrometers - Calipers aren't really a replacement for micrometers. Generally you should have a 0-1" and a 1-2" and adjust as needed.
A combination square set
A small double square.
A hack saw.
A fly cutter.
A drill bit set. Dont skimp here.
Band aids.
Sand paper and the like
Good lighting - this actually makes a huge difference.
Safety glasses.
Scriber
Punches and chisels - especially center, prick and drive punches.

Note that I'd you have a mill and a lathe you can make many of the tools that will come in handy.

In any event as others point out what you ultimately need is defined by what you do.

[paulsv]

A quality edge finder, and an indicator holder to hold your dial test indicator in the spindle of your mill. I like the Nogaflex:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006J49MA/ref=oh_o02_s00_i00_details]Amazon.com: NOGA NogaFlex Holder - Model: NF1018: Industrial & Scientific

[Silverbullet555]

Thanks Paulsv for the example of a good quality holder. I will get one of those on order in addition to the magnetic base that I have.

I should have been clearer when I posted. I am a shadetree mechanic so I have quite a large toolbox already with hand tools, just not machinist tools.

I picked up a set of 1-2-3 blocks

wizard,

thank you for the list as well. I keep a good stock of bandaids on hand. I even have a suture kit if I need it.

I do need to order some transfer punches as well.

I am pretty excited as my mill should be here by the end of the week. Then I will be even more like a kid in the candy store.

[mhackney]

Silverbullet555, I would suggest NOT acquiring a list of tooling that you may or may not need! How about pick a project on something you want to make on your mill. What material it will be made from and then what tooling you'll need. I wasted a lot of money on end mill sets, etc and I've never touched them. In retrospect, I would have picked a first project and gone from there. My first project turned out to be making the mounts for my X2 conversion. I needed a vise (4" machinists), a 1/4" end mill and holder for it, a boring head, a chuck, a spotting drill, and a few drills for tap and clearance holes. That got me through the first 2-3 months while I got comfortable with the machine and milling.

I think we all suffer from "deer in the headlights" syndrome and just start buying tooling without regard for what we plan to actually make. And, worse, we buy "sets" and inferior tools that are crap at best. Buy once, buy smart is a good practice to follow. Being a little frugal and trying to do more with less will, I think, make you a better machinist and ultimately get you a workshop filled with higher quality tools!

I wasted money on a set of junk black oxide drills that I finally pitched, a set of 2 and 3 flute end mills that I never use, a cheap import fly cutter that terrified me to use, a set of spotting drills and I only ever use 2 sizes, etc.

Sorry for the soapbox speech, but having been through this recently, I wish someone had told me this!

cheers,
Michael

[Silverbullet555]

Silverbullet555, I would suggest NOT acquiring a list of tooling that you may or may not need! How about pick a project on something you want to make on your mill. What material it will be made from and then what tooling you'll need. I wasted a lot of money on end mill sets, etc and I've never touched them. In retrospect, I would have picked a first project and gone from there. My first project turned out to be making the mounts for my X2 conversion. I needed a vise (4" machinists), a 1/4" end mill and holder for it, a boring head, a chuck, a spotting drill, and a few drills for tap and clearance holes. That got me through the first 2-3 months while I got comfortable with the machine and milling.

I think we all suffer from "deer in the headlights" syndrome and just start buying tooling without regard for what we plan to actually make. And, worse, we buy "sets" and inferior tools that are crap at best. Buy once, buy smart is a good practice to follow. Being a little frugal and trying to do more with less will, I think, make you a better machinist and ultimately get you a workshop filled with higher quality tools!

I wasted money on a set of junk black oxide drills that I finally pitched, a set of 2 and 3 flute end mills that I never use, a cheap import fly cutter that terrified me to use, a set of spotting drills and I only ever use 2 sizes, etc.

Sorry for the soapbox speech, but having been through this recently, I wish someone had told me this!

cheers,
Michael

Definitely some good advice and that is what I was looking for. I did buy a couple sets of things, collets, end mills, parallels, etc, a vise, some dial indicators and holders, 1-2-3 blocks, etc. For the rest of it, I picked up the exact tool I needed, often in pairs so I had a spare. That way, I was only buying what I needed and not ending up with too much stuff I will not use.

I'm sure there will be some things that I don't use and will have been a waste, but given enough time, I will use most of it. I envision MSC getting a fair amount of business from me as time goes on and I need more tooling, but I think I am good to get started.

True to form, I spent about $1200 for the machine, base and shipping and about 800 on tooling and accessories. $200 of that was specifically for the first set of projects I am working on.

[mhackney]

Great! It doesn't hurt to pick up a few extras but just don't get carried away! I suspect most of us spend about the same for the machine and initial tooling! Just the way it goes.

cheers,
Michael

[wizard]

The issue of not using something you buy can be a problem, however your background seems to indicate that you might have a better grasp on what you will need. If you expect to work on very specific things then you can limit your expenses significantly. On the other hand if you are like me and are never sure what you will be doing next it does pay to have the right tooling on hand.

The trick is to not go overboard. For example for most users I do believe it is wise to invest in a good drill bit set. There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to drill the RIGHT hole when you need it. One advantage lathe users have is the ease of stocking a few blank tools and rolling your own cutters as needed. Rolling your own for a mill is more difficult.

Definitely some good advice and that is what I was looking for. I did buy a couple sets of things, collets, end mills, parallels, etc, a vise, some dial indicators and holders, 1-2-3 blocks, etc. For the rest of it, I picked up the exact tool I needed, often in pairs so I had a spare. That way, I was only buying what I needed and not ending up with too much stuff I will not use.

Experience is a good teacher. Shopping for bargains is also wise. Make a point to follow local auctions and estate sales. You would be surprised at what often goes for a song. For example at one auction I picked up a whole bunch of high speed bits for lathing for a song, more importantly it was just a filler in a box with an Albrecht chuck (my goal). Less that $50 for the whole lot chuck, tooling and other stuff.

I'm sure there will be some things that I don't use and will have been a waste, but given enough time, I will use most of it. I envision MSC getting a fair amount of business from me as time goes on and I need more tooling, but I think I am good to get started.

Years ago I decided to get rid of a few tools as the new job didn't require them. Big mistake!!!! Now I keep everything as I can't predict future needs.

True to form, I spent about $1200 for the machine, base and shipping and about 800 on tooling and accessories. $200 of that was specifically for the first set of projects I am working on.

Not bad really. On these small mills people often suggest that tooling up will cost as much as the mill itself.