Mill???

Rubikahn
It all depends on what you want to do, if it is mainly hobby-work that you are into, a mill-drill would probably be all you need. If it is more serious stuff, than you have to move up to a bridgeport (or a clone)
I have that B048 mill from BB in my hobby shop and it works well for the small jobs.
 
There was a thread not long ago about lathes. Opinions about the BB, etc. import machine tools ranged from they are absolute junk, not even worth being used as a boat anchor, to they are usable machines that can do good work. Mill/drills are lighter than true milling machines. I've used a medium sized one. You can certainly do useful work with one.
Just an indicator, perhaps, but how many of these import machines do you see for sale used? If they were all that bad, you'd think that unhappy users would be getting rid of them in droves.
What sort of work are you planning to do?
 
tiriaq said:
There was a thread not long ago about lathes. Opinions about the BB, etc. import machine tools ranged from they are absolute junk, not even worth being used as a boat anchor, to they are usable machines that can do good work. Mill/drills are lighter than true milling machines. I've used a medium sized one. You can certainly do useful work with one.
Just an indicator, perhaps, but how many of these import machines do you see for sale used? If they were all that bad, you'd think that unhappy users would be getting rid of them in droves.
What sort of work are you planning to do?
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I would like to scratch build a receiver.
 
With a lathe, and one of these mill/drills you should be able to do that, depending on the design. You would also need the necessary tooling. The design is key, because some receivers require rather specialized cuts.
 
Mill

Dear Rubikahn

I own the same mill drill (B 1976) since 1999.Perfect for the small and medium work.No problem with it since.Busy Bee offers an excellent service.Excellent value for the money.

DESERTFOX
 
desertfox said:
Dear Rubikahn

I own the same mill drill (B 1976) since 1999.Perfect for the small and medium work.No problem with it since.Busy Bee offers an excellent service.Excellent value for the money.

DESERTFOX
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Sounds great. Thanks
What tooling would you recomend for starting out?
 
"...for starting out?..." A place to put it and the hydro it requires. If you don't have 220v service it'll cost a bundle to have put in and pay the monthly hydro rate for 220v service. Plus 200kgs will require a solid floor. Desertfox is the one to listen to about installation.
I know a smithy(he's also a master machinist) who used a mill attachment on a drill press. I have no idea what jobs he used it for though. Or who made it.
 
sunray said:
"...for starting out?..." A place to put it and the hydro it requires. If you don't have 220v service it'll cost a bundle to have put in and pay the monthly hydro rate for 220v service. QUOTE]
Not sure if you realize this but alll house services in canada are of the 220 V variety. when you get into Apts. or comercial you may have a different service voltage but by far 220v is the most common
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220V single phase is not likely to be a problem in most homes. 550v. 3 Phase, often seen in industrial machines, can be a problem. If it came to it, a 110v. motor could be installed. A concrete floor can take the weight. If the machine is being installed in a garage, it would probably be necessary to run a circuit. If one of these mill drills had to be taken into a basement shop, it would likely be best to dismantle it and move the pieces.
As far as tooling and related gear is concerned, you would need cutting tools and tool holders, arbors, edge finders, etc. Work holding devices - vice, clamps, indexing equipment. Measuring tools. The accessories needed before you can start doing real work represent a serious investment.
 
Al Flipo said:
I admire your confidence, most machine shop novices would attempt a simple project and gain some experience before attempting an advanced project like a receiver.
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I would attempt that project, no problem. However I own a CNC machining center and 25 years experience to back me up. :D
 
Al Flipo said:
I admire your confidence, most machine shop novices would attempt a simple project and gain some experience before attempting an advanced project like a receiver.
Click to expand...
Perhaps I should say I would eventually like to scratch build a receiver:D
 
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