Newbie- harborfreight 44991

[itowbig]

how and what is the best way to get the mill straight up and down.
tramming it i quess is what you call it.
i just got one from harbor freight $400. and it seems to be off just a bit.
is there a tool i can build to help me with this.
im out of funds now so something i can build would be great. (that probly needs the mill huh)

[philbur]

A bent coat hanger and some feeler gauges (or if you want to be really cheap a piece of paper) will get you by.

Phil

Originally Posted by itowbig how and what is the best way to get the mill straight up and down. tramming it i quess is what you call it. i just got one from harbor freight $400. and it seems to be off just a bit. is there a tool i can build to help me with this. im out of funds now so something i can build would be great. (that probly needs the mill huh)

[Larry83301]

Do you have a dial indicator? If you do then just make an “L” shaped holder ( about 3" X 5" ) for the indicator, so that the long side of the “L” is parallel with the table and the short leg can be clamped in the chuck. Then just touch the indicator to the table ( .005 or .010 thousandths) on the left side and then swing it around to the right side. Read the indicator, and adjust the head until the indicator reads the same on both sides. You may need to check from front to back first if to be sure that the head is straight up from the table.
I use a “test indicator” and a piece of 1/4" round stock for my BP Mill, works just as good as the expensive stuff.
Larry83301

[itowbig]

well now phil thats about the best dam answer ive got in a long time .

[itowbig]

yes larry i do and ive been looking at my dial indicator metal poles and they are bent so ive got to make some. i found a place on the web (introduction to the mill) it has a lot of info for me. thanks for your info i can sure use all i can get.