Milling machine advice

O

old#7

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I am thinking of purchasing a used milling machine and need some good advice.
I don't have any experience on a mill. I am eager to learn and also want something I can grow into instead of growing out of. The local community colledge offers courses for beginners also.
I bought a 14x40 lathe less than a year ago and I am wanting a bigger machine already. I like turning small parts but lately I have become facinated with larger stuff.
I have been looking at bridgeport type mills but don't really know what to look for as far as size goes. I also don't know what I will be machining with it as these problems just tend to work themselves out for me. I would like to learn how to flute barrels, machine spiral flutes, cut dove tails and any other type of precision part from large to small. I think one of my first projects would be a stainless steel fork for my wife;). My shop is small (800 sqft) with a 10 ft ceiling and 9 ft door.
 
Some very good info here for the person looking at used equipment.

http://www.mermac.com/

Don't rule out Tree and Wells-Index mills. They are less common than Bridgeports but can usually be picked up cheaper and they are typically more sturdy than a BP.
Greg
 
Keep a very close watch on the Craigslist in your region. When I say very close I mean like checking them every hour or two. I found a Super Max 9x42 for a great price. If I had ordered it new I wouldn't have changed a thing, it is perfect. When the right machine pops up you have to be first and you have to be bold. Thinking about it doesn't cut it.

http://benchrest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48995
 
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What about the size of the machine. I don't want a bench top machine.
Give me some specifics please. Also what should I be looking at to determine if the machine has some life in it or if it needs rebuilt.
 
things to look for,
Back lash amount in x and y axis
how tight the ways are, is it tight at either end and loose in the middle ( most of work done in middle) (getting the was scraped or reground is pricey)
Do the ways track straight
Are the bearings in the head quiet at all speed ranges
Does the quill feed work
Carefully check the quill area for oil leaks and the inside where the collects go for burrs. there should be a small pin in the collet area to correspond to the small grove on the collets. ( this gets sheared if abused)
R-8 spindle is most common, and collets are inexpensive, if it is some odd ball walk away
The gearing to tilt the head left to right is easily broken so check that also. front to back tilt is more robust but check it also.
Check for play in the knee rise and fall
 
blades said:
things to look for,
Back lash amount in x and y axis
how tight the ways are, is it tight at either end and loose in the middle ( most of work done in middle) (getting the was scraped or reground is pricey)
Do the ways track straight
Are the bearings in the head quiet at all speed ranges
Does the quill feed work
Carefully check the quill area for oil leaks and the inside where the collects go for burrs. there should be a small pin in the collet area to correspond to the small grove on the collets. ( this gets sheared if abused)
R-8 spindle is most common, and collets are inexpensive, if it is some odd ball walk away
The gearing to tilt the head left to right is easily broken so check that also. front to back tilt is more robust but check it also.
Check for play in the knee rise and fall
Click to expand...

Thanks.
 
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