Reply To: New Mill

[david pierce]

Tom,
There are a few things to consider after watching this video. First, is the degree of precision desired going to be obtained using these methods? If the answer is yes than go with the easiest method. If the answer is no than these methods will probably not apply. There are a few other things I would do differently. One is I prefer the Kurt design ball lock vice to the old Bridgeport vice in the video. The Kurt design is the vice you currently have. I also like to use a lubricant when cutting anything (with the exception of cast iron where you would use an air blast). My personal lubricant of choice is inexpensive motor oil that I apply to the part and cutter with a cheap small paint brush. As far as a readout goes, I am almost certain that one can be purchased comerically for your mill. When I was a machinist, we had a DRO on every machine in the shop. They can be a great timesaver but they are not a magic bullet to produce high precision work. Mounting either dial or analog dial indicators to your mill axies will provide precision positioning at a lower cost.
david