Milling newb....Help!

[Nateg281]

I wanted to buy a mill for the longest time and when I found a Harbor Freight branded X2 on craigslist for $75 I had to get it. I got a 4" turn table, milling vise, DRO Slides, and a box of other things. I didn't get any of the tools to work on it or any other tooling, but I can get most of that from Harbor Freight.

What I want to do is eventually CNC it, but right now I'm just looking for a book/website to help me get into milling. The very basics kinda like a "Milling for Dummies" book or site would be awesome. Is there anything you guys can suggest? I'm open to any and all suggestions. Thanks in advance for any help you all can provide!

[TXFred]

Dude, you got a hell of a deal there.

For info, here's a good starting point.

http://smartflix.com/

I've got a copy of The Milling Machine and its Uses by Jose Rodriguez. It's a great introduction to milling. But as you can see, that site has quite a few videos to choose from.

Fred

[Nateg281]

Thanks. I'll definitely have to check into that site and get a few of those to get started. What do you think about taking college classes at the local university? I could learn most of the same things and get credit too....I was leaning towards that route.

What kinda things other than the tools to work on the mill (that I'm going to get from HF) would you suggest right away? I have a few hold down clamps, and a small vise. Are there any known chain or stores in which I could find end mills locally? or is it better to order online?

As for the deal on the X2, yeah, it was pretty freakin awesome! The guy thought it was a drill press : )

[TXFred]

The first place to look for supplies is http://www.littlemachineshop.com/ They carry items specifically for these machines.

http://www.use-enco.com/ is the place to go for tooling.

Fred

[hoss2006]

If you can take some classes you'll be wise to do so, nothing like getting hands on experience.
The MIT Machine Shop Training Videos are a good place to start.
My local hardware store and Sears carry a small selection of tooling, even Starrett calipers but you'll find better deals online.
Careful buying tooling from Harbor Freight and the like, most chinese tools are really just tool props.
good if you're making a movie but not if you want to actually use them.
This is one area where buy American will suit you well.
Hoss

[Nateg281]

Thanks for the advice! Appreciate that video link Hoss...you seem to be one of the main go to guys on here and I've been on your website quite a bit. Very impressive. As for tooling, I meant that I would get the wrenches and stuff like that from HF, not anything else really.

I've been on Littlemachineshop.com and there are some things on there I really would like to get eventually. I'll check out that website for tooling. Thanks and keep the advice coming. Any and all is much appreciated.