Custom

[Deus Machina]

Oh, yes. I really do want a Bridgeport, but space and budget prevents that in my case.

And, yes, if it's possible, use the most accurate tool you have. In my case, that center finder is as accurate as most of the CNC manufactured pieces I have. I seem to get lucky with the cheap tools.

[Tig]

Hi guys,
I have a couple of questions. I'm about to order a Harbor Frieght Mini Mill and am looking for a place to order a center finder, edge finder and some collets and solid holders. I'm also looking for a decent vise.

Any and all info would be much appreciated, links a bonus.
Thanks
Tig

[kidneythief]

The best place that i have found for the average hobby machinist is LittleMachineShop.com - tooling, parts, and accessories for bench top machinists

They have Great customer service,good pricing and are truly tailored to the hobbiest/mini crowd.

-Jake

[secretweaponevan]

Originally Posted by kidneythief

The best place that i have found for the average hobby machinist is LittleMachineShop.com - tooling, parts, and accessories for bench top machinists

They have Great customer service,good pricing and are truly tailored to the hobbiest/mini crowd.

-Jake

Aye, I just received my package from them for my lathe accessories. Good prices and an easy to follow compatibility chart at the bottom of each page for each item. Plus, helpful hints!

[Deus Machina]

Originally Posted by kidneythief

The best place that i have found for the average hobby machinist is LittleMachineShop.com - tooling, parts, and accessories for bench top machinists

Ditto. Enco, McMaster-Carr, and Wholesale Tools tend to have the same stuff and more, with some price fluctuations, but start at LMS and go from there. The others are wading through a lot of stuff, but you can grab materials (n/a with Wholesale) and such from them, too.

[Tig]

You guys a great, thanks for the info I appreciate it.

One last question. I was going to order the HF mill but in my wondering of other sites saw this package Wholesale Tool Co. - Industrial Supply - Mini Machine Combo Packages
Is this a decent deal? Look like the HF mill and lathe. What are your thoughts?

Thanks again

[secretweaponevan]

Originally Posted by Tig

You guys a great, thanks for the info I appreciate it.

One last question. I was going to order the HF mill but in my wondering of other sites saw this package http://Wholesale ool Co. - Industria...Combo Packages
Is this a decent deal? Look like the HF mill and lathe. What are your thoughts?

Thanks again

Looks very much like G8689 Mini Milling Machine,
and:
Homier Mill Review - page 1
(not available on Homier's site anymore that I can find.

Apparently most, if not all, mini-mills/lathes are made in China by like 1 or 2 companies.

Do some reading on mini-mill.com home page
. It helped me to learn quite a bit so far.

[kidneythief]

Im afraid that you will be greatly disappointed with those 2 machines. For PB use they are way to small...and I would imagine the quality isn't all that great either.

If your serious about making a decent investment I would shop around a little more. machine tools are alot like everything else in that you get what you pay for.

For a mill I would consider this G0463 Mill / Drill

It is the same as the Sieg X2 only sold through Grizzly...this is about the smallest I would consider for PB use. Ive been able to handle that machine there at Grizzlys showroom and was very surprised by the fit, finish and size.

For a lathe I wouldnt go smaller than this G4000 9" x 19" Bench Lathe

Its your standard 9" X 19" and should accommodate most PB related machining that the average hobby customizer will face. However the next step up in the grizzly line would be an even better choice considering the 1" spindle bore, anything smaller becomes a challenge with any barrel work you may want to do.

Those are just few options in the "moderate" price range. If you dont have the coin to drop on both machines....just wait it out and buy them separatly. It'll be better off for you in the long run...trust me.

-Jake

[Tig]

Thanks for the info secret, I have been dropping in on that site for a while getting some much needed info.

kidney,
I gotcha, you get what you pay for. Wow, I like that Grizzley. $1000 is roughly what I wanted to spend a bit more with some tooling.

This machine is going to be use for my Large Scale RC addiction as well as Paintball. Sorry to get off subject. This is my most recent project.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x319/Tig2002/010.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...Picture040.jpg

Thanks again guys, I appreciate the help.

[Railgun]

I mentioned the size issue ealier but perhaps you missed it.

If you have the room and you KNOW you'll be into the machine work as a long term hobby then it's false economy to buy machines that are too small. You'll end up frustrated with them and find ways to avoid using them where if they were a little larger and more capable you'd find that they are easier to use.

ESPECIALLY with milling machines where you often need room for the tooling. When it comes to tooling the vise is the least of your worries as far as working room goes. Try adding in a rotary table that may well have a 3 or 4 jaw chuck mounted to it or a 5C collet holder. The stack height of such a setup is often around the 5 to 6 inch high area even with smaller pieces. Then you still need room for your workpiece and cutter and cutter holder if you're not using a collet or similar style of low extension cutter holder.

In fact I'd say that it's more important to have a bigger mill than it is a bigger lathe.

The machines Kidney recomended are as small as I'd recomend. The lathe is actually a nice hobby size. The mill is OK but I sure would not suggest anything smaller at all.