Need Help!- Machining a cylinder on a Mill

[chris123]

Hello

I need help in how to Mill a hollow cylinder with tabs at one end, so I cant use a lathe end part.
I have a 3-axis CNC Taig Mill and manual lathe, the part is aluminium 3.5" long and about 0.9" wide.
Would this be the correct order
1. Use the lathe to machine most of the cylinder
2. Bore out the inside
3. Mill the end top half where the tabs are
4. Turn over Mill the other side

Does anyone have any tips on how I can turn the piece over and still have it aligned to machine a complete cylinder

[SRT Mike]

I am having a bit of a hard time visualizing what you are trying to do - can you post a pic or diagram?

if I was doing this, I would put it in the lathe and turn down to the necessary OD, then bore it out as deep as needed. Then I would mount it on the mill and mill out the tabs. Why would you need to turn it over on the mill? You could also bore it out then use an ID collet holder (or similar ID clamp) to hold it so you can get to the whole outside.

[chris123]

hmmm, this might help explain a bit more.
The part has to be mounted horizontal to mill it out leaving tabs sticking out of the cylinder, more are required on the other side. They can not be milled out if I mounted the cylinder vertically.

[SRT Mike]

I would probably just use a v-block to hold it laid down on it's side. Clamp the v-block to the table so it doesn't move, you can also put a clamp or some kind of stop on the v-block so the part will be fixed in X, Y and Z. Then the only variable is the rotation about the part's axis - allowing you to turn it and machine the tabs as you like.

You could also get a cheap collet clamp from US Shop tools for $60 to hold the part and you could use an edge finder to ensure you get the depth of the part right in the collet every time you move it to a new position.