Got my mill!

[BlueMonster]

I just got back from Harbor Fright, the mill is still in a wooden crate in the back of my truck!

I had gone there intending to bring home this one....

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42976

But ended up bring home this one instead.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=44991

It was on sale which made it only $50 more than the first one. The original one is MUCH bigger than I had thought, I don't think I have any good place it could have gone. The one I got is smaller, closer to what I was looking for.

It looks more up-to-date, and playing ith the one on display, felt like it would do what I want it to do.

I also got a large set of end mills, but I don't see it on thier site. It was about $75, and has quite a few bits.

I am off to the garage to crack this thing open!

[JasonInAugusta]

Sweet.

[BlueMonster]

AAAAhhhhhh!

The agony!
I wasn't thinking abut it, and didn't pick any clamps. Now I have to hope Lowes or Home Depot might have something, Maybe Tool Town, but it might not be for a couple days.

Dammit.

Oh well, I got it uncrated and it's sitting on my work bench. I'll probably go out to the garage and take a pic to post soon.

[BlueMonster]

Here it is.

http://www.offroad-rc.com/main.h1.jpg

[sean_lv_crawler]

very nice!

Fab up some vmg parts and sell em!

[WRMorrison]

Awesome man, congrats! Isn't that the end mill set that's TiN coated with like 1/8-3/4 in 2 and 4 flute e.m.? I've thought about that set myself.

[BlueMonster]

I paid $449 for it, marked down from $499.

I completely plan to make and sell VMG parts, as soon as I find a damn clamping setup! I will be needing a star...

Chassis, lower links, upper links, link mounts...... (Homer gurgling...)

To be honest, I would have preferred a different, smaller set of end mills, but this was all they had in stock, and dammit, I was taking something home, one way or another. It was around $72 and some change, I think. Besides, it is pretty large and I would have needed them all eventually anyway.

[BENDER]

Very nice!!

Welcome to sleepless nights until the projects you have in your head are complete and bolted up. :lol:

[BlueMonster]

I know!

I just wish I was able to actually bolt a chunk of aluminum down! I need clamps and material now...

[WRMorrison]

You might try looking at http://www.use-enco.com . I got my extra t-nuts and stuff from them. They have the oddball sizes that you'll need. Measure the width of your t-slot nuts (I think they're 5/8") because they won't be 3/4" like normal. ;-)

[BlueMonster]

Good plan, I was looking there before at mills and such. I'll check 'em out again. Thanks...

[BlueMonster]

Well, this damn mill is still sitting on my workbench. I never did get any clamps, it has just been collecting dust.

I am afraid I will lose interest completely if I don't get something going soon. I need someone to come over and run through how to use this thing, how to make basic parts! I wa thinking I may have bit off more than I could chew, but once I get it figured out, my attitude will change.

Anyone in the Seattle area willing to come over and give some lessons?

[Ace]

If you can't find anyone local to show you the ropes I highly recommend this book:

http://www.sherline.com/bookplug.htm

It's written for sherlines but the info works on all mills/lathes.

[Davkin]

That is a very good book. Not only informative but inspirational as you'll see lots of very cool things made using machine tools and it will motivate you to get to work on your own stuff. However, starting with an HF machine means you have a longer road to take, since the machines need some work done to them to produce high quality parts. I'd suggest getting a subsciption to www.mini-lathe.com and follow all their suggestions for fixing and improving your mill. These HF machines are often referred to as "assembled kits" for a reason.

David

[BoilermakerFan]

Also, did you tear it apart and clean all the shipping grease off the mill? Kerosene and a soft brass wire brush will do the job. They often have casting sand still inside the castings too. Make sure you get it all cleaned and lightly regreased before you really start using it.