Aha.
Finally got to the place where I can make chips.
It suddenly ( well, almost ) came upon me that I would never be in the mood to hack off steel or aluminum stock for machining projects. I will be buying a Harbor Freight horizontal bandsaw for this purpose. Don't want to machine torch-cut parts, and abrasive disc cutoff saws expect my lungs are good air filters. I don't think so!
In preparation for the bandsaw, I decided I would steal the table top from an old Skilsaw. Although the size is too large for mounting to the bandsaw, that isn't stopping me from preparing the underside for mounting to a piece of 1/2" steel, which will be peranently attached to the diecast aluminum table. I really don't want unexpected movement from the table in any direction!
The table on the mill makes setup difficult. Not having a clamping set yet doesn't help, either, But I do have 4 t-slot bolts, and I can always find something to clamp this with. I am just going for a reasonably flat side to attach the steel plate to.
I am only "clamped" at 2 locations. I have a 3/8" end mill, and the chips are flying! It feels good! The finish is far better than I expected as this clamping allows some vibration, but not much.
Thank You, Matt, for adding the variable speed drive. I can dial it in to the sweet spot and remove the metal. I should have ordered the DRO and power feed from Matt when I got the machine. 20/20 hindsight for sure. But this machine is a pleasure to work with!
Cheers!
StanR
Finally got to the place where I can make chips.
It suddenly ( well, almost ) came upon me that I would never be in the mood to hack off steel or aluminum stock for machining projects. I will be buying a Harbor Freight horizontal bandsaw for this purpose. Don't want to machine torch-cut parts, and abrasive disc cutoff saws expect my lungs are good air filters. I don't think so!
In preparation for the bandsaw, I decided I would steal the table top from an old Skilsaw. Although the size is too large for mounting to the bandsaw, that isn't stopping me from preparing the underside for mounting to a piece of 1/2" steel, which will be peranently attached to the diecast aluminum table. I really don't want unexpected movement from the table in any direction!
The table on the mill makes setup difficult. Not having a clamping set yet doesn't help, either, But I do have 4 t-slot bolts, and I can always find something to clamp this with. I am just going for a reasonably flat side to attach the steel plate to.
I am only "clamped" at 2 locations. I have a 3/8" end mill, and the chips are flying! It feels good! The finish is far better than I expected as this clamping allows some vibration, but not much.
Thank You, Matt, for adding the variable speed drive. I can dial it in to the sweet spot and remove the metal. I should have ordered the DRO and power feed from Matt when I got the machine. 20/20 hindsight for sure. But this machine is a pleasure to work with!
Cheers!
StanR