Newbie- Milling Machine.

[Gavcarter]

Hi all Just after some advice on building a relatively small and simple milling machine.

It will only need a Z axis as i am planning to use a good quality cross vice to control the X and Y (at least to start with).

The main problem I am encountering is spindles/chucks - there are so many types and i would much prefer if i could get away with something simple like a drill chuck (for holding the tools - obviously this needs holding to a much more secure spindle than it came from)

What should i be looking at when thinking about the main spindle? I know the bearings must be up to the job but do they HAVE to be tapered as this makes building the machine a lot harder.

Im just running ideas as yet i have no real idea what exactly is required to build something useable.

It will be made for small jobs on aluminium and brass - doesnt need to be ultra accurate but it needs to be able to mill a straight line in a (to the eye) prefect straight line. The pillar drill just cant do it - the chuck and shafts wobble (bearings are probably shot).

Many thanks for any help!

Gavin

[john huijben]

I think getting a sturdy drill press, and modifying that with a crosstable is your best option

[BioMicro]

When you say you only need the Z axis, you don't mean you only drilling, right? Which means you will be side-loading the spindle. So a drill press is out. Drill press bearings are made for axial loading. Radial loads will cause all kinds of chatter, wobblies, and assorted goofiness.

There are some cheap solutions and creative ideas around for mill bearings but this is why the spindle bearings on a mill are always so darned $$$$.

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Drill chucks are for drills, NOT for milling cutters. Drill chucks are not very secure, even for small tools, and generally not accurate enough for milling. Wobble etc.

Dick Z

[DareBee]

By the time you buy/build a spindle and then buy a "good quality cross vice to control the X and Y " - you might as well just buy an X3 style machine and save a few bucks and a lot of headaches.