[Newbie] Hi all, have questions about a mill.

[Jamster]

I got a new mill this week nothing special its a https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=4700&category=1387807683

Ive heard I need prep the dovetails so they last longer, anybody know what I need to do??

Also I got some collets (https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=1752&category=874479994) and they are real pain to change, I have to unscrew the drawbar a little bit, then hit the top of the draw bar with punch and rubber mallet, doesn't seem right to do it this way. Is there a better way of doing it ??

Anything tips and tricks I might need to know using a new ??

Thanks

 

[kd4gij]

what collets did you get? The mil in your link says er16 collets witch don't use a drawbar.

 

[Jamster]

what collets did you get? The mil in your link says er16 collets witch don't use a drawbar.

Its the one with 2mt collets and a drawbar.

[h=1][/h]

 

[kd4gij]

Ok, Smacking the drawbar is the proper way to release most collet systems that use drawbars. The only way around it is a power drawbar system. thay are $$$$. I do not have eny experince with that mill so can't help much there.

 

[Jamster]

Ok, Smacking the drawbar is the proper way to release most collet systems that use drawbars. The only way around it is a power drawbar system. thay are $$$$. I do not have eny experince with that mill so can't help much there.

Guess Ill have to stick with the mallet

You happen to know anything about prepping the dovetails ??

 

[AlanR]

Guess Ill have to stick with the mallet

You can get an air impact wrench for around $50 that's what all the power drawbars are based on.

I have one of these and I really like it. - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MQEKTY/

 

[Jamster]

You can get an air impact wrench for around $50 that's what all the power drawbars are based on.

I have one of these and I really like it. - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MQEKTY/

You still have to hit to get it out or does yours just fall out ?? Mine is always stuck in.

 

[AlanR]

You still have to hit to get it out or does yours just fall out ?? Mine is always stuck in.

Usually they fall out, sometimes you need a mallet.

The trick to getting them out with the impact if they stick is to bear down on the impact so the threads bang against each other. I also use anti-seize on the surface of the collets and inside the spindle, helps a lot.

The threads on the drawbar are holding up fine.

 

[hman]

First off, I think you should double check the URL that points to "your" mill.

The one you posted is the ER-16 collet version, https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=4660&category=

I think your mill is the 2MT version, https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=4700&category=1387807683

No big deal, but If I'm correct in my guess, it will save others a bit of confusion.


That said, i've read in several other forums that MT type collets always have to be knocked out. The R8 collets have only a short tapered section, and are much easier. They sometimes fall out, but never need mre than a gentle tap. The MT taper is much longer, so it holds tighter.

The best advice I can offer here is to find the minimum number of turns of drawbar loosening that still allows the collet to be knocked out. In other words, try to leave as many threads engaged as possible, so that there's less chance of damage. And if possible, use an aluminum or brass-faced hammer. Here's one I cobbled together for my mini. Something similar, maybe with a larger chunk of aluminum, might well work for you.

Best wishes!

 

[Jamster]

First off, I think you should double check the URL that points to "your" mill.

The one you posted is the ER-16 collet version, https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=4660&category=

I think your mill is the 2MT version, https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=4700&category=1387807683

No big deal, but If I'm correct in my guess, it will save others a bit of confusion.


That said, i've read in several other forums that MT type collets always have to be knocked out. The R8 collets have only a short tapered section, and are much easier. They sometimes fall out, but never need mre than a gentle tap. The MT taper is much longer, so it holds tighter.

The best advice I can offer here is to find the minimum number of turns of drawbar loosening that still allows the collet to be knocked out. In other words, try to leave as many threads engaged as possible, so that there's less chance of damage. And if possible, use an aluminum or brass-faced hammer. Here's one I cobbled together for my mini. Something similar, maybe with a larger chunk of aluminum, might well work for you.

Best wishes!
View attachment 77880View attachment 77881

Thanks for the tips.