Complete Noobie Noob Question

[markg71]

Hi All
I would like to cut some slots into a metal pipe - probably either Aluminium, Brass or Stainless Steel. The pipe is only 5/16 and 6 slots need to be placed around its diameter in a staggered pattern and down its length..(this is for a 1/5 scale browning machine gun .303 cooling sleeve )

I didnt fancy using a dremel to do this, so am tempted to buy a small X0 mill for this and some other parts I may need to do.

All very light work, but, I am a little confused about the milling pieces I should use..I have heard a side cutter should do well, but the slots would probably be thicker than the cutters width, a ball nose should also do after the piece is drilled once to start it off but they dont like narrow cuts to work along or so I have also heard ?

So, thats my intended purpose, is the X0 machine a good choice for light, light work as I intend, and what milling pieces should I be using to achieve it, Finally, what is also the best way to clamp the pipe down as I probably will want it to slide along an axis so I can lift and mill a series of slots at once ?

Sorry if this is a dumb question, I have searched the net and maybe I am looking in the wrong spot, but I can't seem to find my questions answered anywhere

Kind Regards
Mark

[djr76]

Small 2 flute endmills will work. I would clamp it in a small 5c collet indexer with the proper sized collet, that way you can mill slots anywhere around the cylinder accurately.

[Crevice Reamer]

Hi Mark. Welcome to the Zone!

An X0 is more of a small drill press than a mill. A drill cannot take the side force of an end mill. The X1 micro mill might do the job for you though--If the Z height will allow the length of the pipe. I would use a slitting saw or cutting disk to make those slots.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=47158

OR, you could use a mini lathe with slitting saw or cutting disk in chuck, and a milling attachment to hold the pipe.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93212

http://littlemachineshop.com/product...1681&category=

http://littlemachineshop.com/product...1956&category=

CR.

[markg71]

Evening
Thanks for your replies...Ultimately, which do you think I would get more use out of considering the type of work I intend to do...

A Mini-lathe ?
or
a Mini Mill ?

I would love to get both, but the financial controller is in need of some persuasion for that argument..

Is the X1 a good mill to get, are you able to give me any ideas for contenders in the beginners market for both mills and lathes ?
I have seen Sherline and Proxxon models but fairly little else in that price bracket

Sorry for the barrage of questions, I am searching the net, but I am a little restricted being in Australia as to my manufacturers and options I can choose from

Kind Regards

[Crevice Reamer]

Originally Posted by markg71 Evening Thanks for your replies...Ultimately, which do you think I would get more use out of considering the type of work I intend to do... A Mini-lathe ? or a Mini Mill ? I would love to get both, but the financial controller is in need of some persuasion for that argument..

I can't answer that for you. Maybe if you watch these machining videos, you can decide that for yourself:

http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/142-machine-shop-1

Is the X1 a good mill to get, are you able to give me any ideas for contenders in the beginners market for both mills and lathes ? I have seen Sherline and Proxxon models but fairly little else in that price bracket

Proxxon is extremely tiny. Sherline is both tiny AND very expensive. The X1 Micro Mill is small, but actually can do a lot considering what they cost. An X2 Mini Mill is a reasonably capable beginner mill.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44991

Most bang for buck in a larger, MORE capable mill is the Sieg X3:

http://grizzly.com/products/Mill-Drill/G0463

The 7 x 10 mini lathe is actually only 7 x 8. That doesn't leave much room for stock AND a drill bit. 7 x 14 is much more usable. But light weight lathes are not as rigid as heavier lathes.

Most bang for buck in mini lathe is much heavier Harbor Freight 8 x 12. (Which is ACTUALLY 8 x 14)

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44859

Most bang for buck in a larger lathe is Grizzly 10 x 22:

http://grizzly.com/products/10-x-22-...al-Lathe/G0602

CR.