Want to get started in mlling

[gloogan]

Hello to everyone,



I have had some ideas of projects that I want to under take and I need to do some prototyping. I am going to use plastic composite decking material for the prototype, its cheap, and should be easy to machine. I am wondering what kind of mill I'll need to get started. The one project I am going to start isn't very big may be 8" long and 2" wide so I was thinking a benchtop mill but I cant seem to find anything cheap in price($200-$300) but not in quality. If anyone has some ideas or input it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Jake

[mdreitzusa]

i got a hf micro mill/drill for 399$us.it was about the best price i found for a starter mill.with a bit of cleaning i am very happy with the work i can do with it. i moved the controls to prepare for a beltdrive convertion.and someday a cnc convertion.but i will have to wait to save $ for the parts.

[Runner4404spd]

a benchtop mill for 2-300 really wont' do a whole lot and you'll be hardpressed to find one. where are you located? i would recommend at least the RF-30, this will leave you with some room to expand. me personally i'm looking for an RF-45.

[gloogan]

I am located in New York. The RF-30 looks like a nice machine. Where can you get these, is there a website or a catalog. If you could please link to them.



Thanks, Jake

[Runner4404spd]

if you look on ebay under mill drill there is a RF-30 clone for $529.99 plus shipping in indiana. as well as a larger machine in warren michigan $for 895. if your really serious about milling 8x2 then i would recommend something along these lines. harbor frieght, enco, grizzly all carry basically the same mills, you can go to anyone of their sites.

[gloogan]

The one on ebay, what will that mill as far as materials. I'm just not sure if I want to spend that much and not be able to do what I need on it.



Thanks Jake

[Runner4404spd]

either one on ebay will be able to mill aluminum and light steel. some people like the mini mills but i know in my own experience i would get the largest mill i could afford and had space for. even the one that i bought now in retrospect seems small compared to what i want to do with it. also i've noticed that what i want to do has evolved as well now requiring me to get a larger mill.

in any case either mill will do aluminum and steel. both that are on ebay are round column mills, some people hate some people have no problem with them. me i'm on the fence. they are ok if you realize the limitations and can work around them. the biggest limit being - not being able to adjust the height of the head without losing position. thats pretty significant but you do get 5" stroke on the spindle.

[phil burman]

Ye but the spindle's very sloppy when extended beyond a couple of inches.

Phil

Originally Posted by Runner4404spd ...... both that are on ebay are round column mills, some people hate some people have no problem with them. ....... not being able to adjust the height of the head without losing position. thats pretty significant but you do get 5" stroke on the spindle.

[gloogan]

So the round column is more like a drill press I take it. The spindle moves up and down correct. Or does the whole head move up and down? The only thing is I'm limited to 110v unless I run a new line to my garage. I dont really want to do that so thats really my only limitation, other than getting a full sized bridgeport but those are 3 phaze any way.

I just want to thank everyone for their input and opinions again, I'm glad I found this site.


Thanks, Jake

[acondit]

Both, but hopefully not at the same time. The spindle (quill) typically has about 5" travel. And the head can be raised and lowered by a larger amount (which depends on the exact model). Typically there are two nuts that must be loosened before raising or lowering the head (and then retightened) and a single lever for locking or loosening the quill.

Alan

Originally Posted by gloogan So the round column is more like a drill press I take it. The spindle moves up and down correct. Or does the whole head move up and down? The only thing is I'm limited to 110v unless I run a new line to my garage. I dont really want to do that so thats really my only limitation, other than getting a full sized bridgeport but those are 3 phaze any way. I just want to thank everyone for their input and opinions again, I'm glad I found this site. Thanks, Jake

[gloogan]

OK, I see. Well I'm still lookin on ebay and such for an RF-30 or something similar. It seems to be able to do what I'll need it for. When I finally do get one where can I find books or other guides to learn how to use it?



Thanks, Jake