Got The Hf Mill...now What?

D

Dask62

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After a 1.5 years of drooling to get my hands on a mini mill, I finally pulled the trigger and got one this week. During that 1.5 years, I researched adopting air springs, going to belt drive, taking apart 7 treadmills and ending up with numerous DC motors and control panels so I could use a set on the mill, changing out the screws to eliminate run out, eventually going full CNC and a ton of other modifications that I'm not gonna list. But, like the saying goes, you must first crawl before you walk. It can be a little over whelming trying to decide on the tooling to get started without braking the bank.
So with that in mind, I have a few simple questions.

1. R8 collets, what brand and size of set.

2. End mills. HF has a 20 piece set for $75. Is that a good price and has anyone had any experience with it.

3. Vise. I bought a Yost drill press style vise a year ago but it huge and heavy. Will it work on the mill?

4. Clamp set. Is the 58 piece set at HF a good set?

Thanks ahead of time.
Dask
 
I've had pretty good luck with Enco for economical tooling, watch for the 20% off and free shipping deals. I think all the Chinese clamp sets are about the same. A pic of the vise would help, but generally speaking a dedicated mill vise will be your friend. The less expensive ones can usually be tuned up to meet your needs, or keep an eye on Craigs list for a high quality used piece. Welcome aboard. Mike
 
The HF 58 piece clamp set uses 1/2" t-nuts. The mini mill needs 7/16" t-nuts. I purchased mine from LMS. Got my R8 collets from LMs. 3" precision vise from LMS 4871 $59.95 is a great deal as is the 1699 heavy milling vise $114.99. Can't go wrong with Enco as FOMOGO stated or LMS end mills. Don't know about the HF end mills. I have trust in LMS that what I get from them will be good quality and perform as advertised.

Roy
 
My HF mini mill will be here tomorrow. Like you, I had dreams to. I did go on and get the spring and belt drive kit. I ordered a package from LMS for 229 That includes the clamps, vise, 5 collets, edge finder and end mills. Let the fun began.......
 
I get my tooling from enco or LMS. get the belt kt from LMS worth every penny.
Also if you notice a lot of slop, backlash. I had to pull mine apar, there was a lot of paint overspray on the ways. works like a champ now.
 
I'd also look at a test dial indicator and indicator holder for zeroing your vise to the table. The ones below are $10 from CDCOtools.com. Universal attaches to the spindle, axial one goes in a collet (1/4"). A Chinese indicator goes for another $20. Congrats on the purchase!

Bruce

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Dask62 said:
After a 1.5 years of drooling to get my hands on a mini mill, I finally pulled the trigger and got one this week. During that 1.5 years, I researched adopting air springs, going to belt drive, taking apart 7 treadmills and ending up with numerous DC motors and control panels so I could use a set on the mill, changing out the screws to eliminate run out, eventually going full CNC and a ton of other modifications that I'm not gonna list. But, like the saying goes, you must first crawl before you walk. It can be a little over whelming trying to decide on the tooling to get started without braking the bank.
So with that in mind, I have a few simple questions.

1. R8 collets, what brand and size of set.

2. End mills. HF has a 20 piece set for $75. Is that a good price and has anyone had any experience with it.

3. Vise. I bought a Yost drill press style vise a year ago but it huge and heavy. Will it work on the mill?

4. Clamp set. Is the 58 piece set at HF a good set?

Thanks ahead of time.
Dask
Click to expand...
Dask62 said:
After a 1.5 years of drooling to get my hands on a mini mill, I finally pulled the trigger and got one this week. During that 1.5 years, I researched adopting air springs, going to belt drive, taking apart 7 treadmills and ending up with numerous DC motors and control panels so I could use a set on the mill, changing out the screws to eliminate run out, eventually going full CNC and a ton of other modifications that I'm not gonna list. But, like the saying goes, you must first crawl before you walk. It can be a little over whelming trying to decide on the tooling to get started without braking the bank.
So with that in mind, I have a few simple questions.

1. R8 collets, what brand and size of set.

2. End mills. HF has a 20 piece set for $75. Is that a good price and has anyone had any experience with it.

3. Vise. I bought a Yost drill press style vise a year ago but it huge and heavy. Will it work on the mill?

4. Clamp set. Is the 58 piece set at HF a good set?

Thanks ahead of time.
Dask
Click to expand...
If you have any doubts about that drill press vise staying true under load put a piece of something in it then set up a dial indicator on the top edge of the sliding jaw and observe it as you tighten the vise. If it lifts up, there's your answer. If it's not too bad just make sure when you're milling in it to run in a direction that puts the load against the fixed jaw.
 
Wow...thanks for all the quick replies.
Ok...I plan on using one of the many gas springs that I pulled off the treadmills.
Since I have an assortment of treadmill motors, mc60 motor controlers and pots
I will try to make my own motor mount from some plans that I saw here (crossed fingers). The parts I want to purchase are the ones I can't try to construct or make. Just like I do with woodworking, I spend more time making jigs than woodworking.
I will try to post a link of my vise actually placed on the mill for size reference...but will check out the ones at LMS.
And yes, I did notice the over spray also...I'm still in the cleaning process.
End mills, collets and dial indicator are my first purchase of course.
Again, thanks for all the info and will post pics of the progress.
BTW...I might just jump on the LMS package deal.

Dask
 
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