Buy a milling machine

[Ian]

Hi Guys

Like I said in my last post I went for a warco WM-16 mill. I received it the other day and what a piece of kit, the machine was supplied ready with only some cleaning up needed, one small problem with the digital depth gauge but emailed them and their sending a replacement.

So I want to say a big thanks,merry xmas & a happy new year to everyone :wink:

cheers Ian

ps anyone know of any metal suppliers in Northern Ireland?

 

[wizer]

I know this is a woodworking site, but please post pics of your progress. I'd love to see what you get up to with it.

 

[Ian]

Will do wizer

but may take a while before I get around to do exactly what I want.

Ian

 

[wizer]

Progress is good Start a blog

 

[MusicMan]

I bought a used Arboga, plus a three-phase 415 inverter from Drives Direct, and find it excellent. The extra throat height over most mini machines is very useful, the rigidity very good and the tool clamping sound. Definitely worth looking at secondhand, but the older machines whilst better will take more space. If buying new I have been the best impressed with the Warco range.

Be warned that within a relatively short time you will spend as much again on tooling and accessories.....:
Machine vice or two or three
Clamps and fixtures
Tools (end mills, slot drills, slitting wheels)
Jacobs chuck
Boring head and tools
V blocks
90 degree blocks
Dial indicator
Edge finder
Rotary table
and so on!

I wouldn't be without it, though.

Keith

 

[Phil Pascoe]

He's probably bought the extras by now ...

 

[woodpig]

Yep, you can buy a lot of stuff in seven years! :lol:

 

[MusicMan]

Duh!!! I forgot to look at the date again! I must remember as a forum newbie that what is new to me isn't new to everyone else!

 

[woodpig]

It's colloquially called "Necroposting" but that's ok, lots of folks do it at one time or another!

 

[graduate_owner]

I have not read all the posts so apologies if I am repeating things. I bought a second hand milling machine about 10 years ago, initially to use on wood but of course it has been great for metal.

Just a warning to those thinking of buying one, you can spend an awful lot on extras such as milling vice (£120), chuck (£80), cutters (£8 each), clamping kit (£50), measuring equipment (digital calipers, micrometers). If you want to cut a circle or arc then you need a rotary table (£120). All these prices are approx. and a look on the web or a catalogue such as Axminster will show you what is available and at what cost. Also a book on milling may give you an idea of what you might need. Of course you can get second hand stuff but still you can spend serious cash on top of the cost of the machine. Well at least, I did.

K