Supporting > Tooling & Machines

Buying a mill (probably)

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Cotton:
Hello All

Just finished machining my first engine, a Stuart 10v, assembled and it works!  Disassembled and painting in progress.  The job was very enjoyable and extremely instructive!  There are a number of processes I could have done better, mostly associated with setting up work.  The concept of an hour's set up (or more making fixtures) followed by 5 minute's machining is now clear in my mind and perhaps the most enjoyable part of the process (when it works!).  I produced the model using an ML7 and a pillar drill.  I would like to progress and the idea of making from stock rather than castings is appealing.  Although I have managed milling with a vertical slide on the lathe it isn't ideal and it is size-limited.  I would like to buy a small milling machine.  Having lurked a little on some sites I am considering one of the machines sold by Axminster.  Any views on this?

Additionally I am a bit limited for space and would probably have to put the mill on my (very solid) bench, in place of the pillar drill.  Is there any reason I shouldn't use one of these machines for general drilling tasks?

Thanks in advance

Regards

Ian

propforward:
I don’t know the Axminster specifically, although I am sure they are similar to other import mills. I’ll look them up.

What I will say is that since I got my own mill, in the last 7 years I’ve maybe used my bench pillar drill once. The mill is a much better tool, so I doubt you’ll regret putting one in place of your drill.

Great to hear that you are progressing and enjoying the hobby!

AVTUR:
Ian

Like you I decided I needed a milling machine after finishing my first recent (started in the last 25 years) project. After buying a Chinese band saw I did not want a Chinese milling machine so I bought a new German machine. I use it and the lathes for all my precision drilling (I never drill "free hand") and gave away the bench drill many years ago.

You are right about setting up time. On my present model I have spent more than two afternoons setting up for a 15 minute job. That's life.

AVTUR

Vixen:
Hello Ian

I see you are located in the UK.

Axminster appear to import a higher quality product (to UK) than some of the cheep-end importers. They may all look similar, but you get what you pay for

When you have a mill in the workshop, it makes a big difference. I use my mills more than any other machine tool.

Cheers

Mike

simplyloco:
Wise words from Mike, as I buy Axminster kit as well. In addition, Arc Eurotrade kit is well worth a look at.
Just to stir the pot, even though I have an Austrian made EMCO FB2 milling attachment, which is first class, I still do a great deal of work in the four jaw chuck.
However, as I get older I work on smaller stuff, and my Proxxon Mill/drill which I've had for 15 years gets used just about every day. It is one fantastic piece of kit...
https://www.proxxon.com/en/micromot/20165.php

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