Got my milling machine yesterday

MAC82 · June 18, 2021, 12:47am

Well i got the machine, it was damaged in shipping like the last one. I think it’s minor everything seems to be working. Still got to tweak some thing but I’m hoping to make some chips this weekend. I’ll post some pics later.

BobRock · June 18, 2021, 2:59am

What mill did you pick?

Mosinvirus · June 18, 2021, 3:37am

I second this inquiry.

MAC82 · June 18, 2021, 10:57am

A Grizzly 758. I know it’s Chinese and not the best out there but it is what is in my price range.

BobRock · June 18, 2021, 1:20pm

They are nearly all Chinese until you get to the really big bucks. The smaller ones do ask a bit more of the machinist in order to get adequate precision.

MAC82 · June 18, 2021, 1:57pm

Yeah i had 2 hours in setup yesterday and i ain’t done

MAC82 · June 18, 2021, 9:05pm

albroswift · June 18, 2021, 9:24pm

Excellent! Start with some simple work and get to know the limits.
Solid carbide endmills are nice, misting system is a nice addition, DRO’s, clamps, collets, precision chuck, pretty soon you realize the cost of the mill is not the defining factor!

Mosinvirus · June 19, 2021, 1:34am

I would do a bit of checking and tramming first. Make sure the spindle is 90° to the table. In both directions.

Jeff300 · June 19, 2021, 2:52am

Oh that’s nice.

MAC82 · June 19, 2021, 8:50pm

First chips, needed to take .003 off the front also drilled and tapped some holes for thumb rest

Mosinvirus · June 19, 2021, 10:26pm

Very exciting!

albroswift · June 20, 2021, 1:07am

Good work!
Apparently some folks definition of start with some simple work is different then others!
Agree with @Mosinvirus about checking the tram, these square column bench mills are usually pretty solid, but you did mention it took a beating during shipping. .
Edit, that’s a gorilla of a vise.

Belt-Fed · June 20, 2021, 11:12am

That’s a mighty fine fancy machine to make arrowheads and beads with. you injuns done gone hi tek.

MAC82 · June 20, 2021, 1:29pm

Spent days checking and squaring the mill. Yeah the vise is overkill. I may get a smaller one. As far as simple start that seemed simple enough.

MAC82 · June 20, 2021, 1:29pm

$800

MAC82 · June 20, 2021, 1:30pm

What can i say casino money has been put to good use.

albroswift · June 20, 2021, 3:32pm

Can’t have too much vise unless it starts cutting into your vertical clearance. I do a lot of 1911 stuff with a plate jig so I don’t loose any vertical, also a 3" screwless and a 4-1/2" with a rotary table. The 4-1/2" is a copy of a well known brand, not for high tolerance work but has its uses. Difference between good and bad vises is how much the part rolls when applying clamping force and the live jaw lifts a bit. Put a dial indicator in the quill and try it, crappy vise will lift 3-4 thou, quality >.001 Screwless doesn’t have those issues. (Neither does a jig). Jigs are a good easy practice projects.

MAC82 · June 20, 2021, 3:52pm

Yeah this vise isn’t good i ignored all warnings to just buy a kurt vise. I had to shim the vice on the x axis. To level it.

RogueGunnWorks · April 18, 2022, 8:50pm

I use a VERY large vice on mine. Didnt need shimming thank goodness.