DIY mill...

[wiremonkey]

I just discovered Taig today. I've got my eyes on the 2018CR-ER, which is CNC read, just attach steppers, your controller and you're off, with a full blown mill ready to tackle mild steel even. I'm saving my coppers. I am not affiliated with Taig, but like their style!
http://www.taigtools.com/mmill.html

[keith77777]

THUMPING NOT PUMPING IRON !!

Here is a picy of the base of my mill/grinder its a cast iron night storage heater block. Unfortunately its covered with what I find is called cementite. Aptly named, its as hard as diamond and sticks like s--t to a blanket. The only way of getting it off is with a bricky's hammer. If not removed is distroys hacksaw blades and lathe tools. This bit will be used intact but I am using this material for column clamps etc, so there is a fair bit of machining.

[keith77777]

THE SMART WAY OF THUMPING IRON

Using one of these babies is a lot easier than a hammer especially in confined places. £16 from Aldi it pays to keep an eye on this store. Mind it uses lots of compressed air. The mill grinder I am building is based on
www.neme-s.org/Model_Engineer_Files/swing_grinder.pdf
Its supposed to be able to grind its own table.

[keith77777]

Having gotten the base plate cleaned I must turn my attention to taking the flange which is to be welded to the base of the column (6cm pipe) the indispension unit has to be taken to bits. This wheel flange will then bolt the column to the base plate and can be shimmed etc for squareness. Oh I almost forgot the column has to be turned to be uniform in a better lathe than mine before welding. There is a lot to do.

[keith77777]

It's a concrete lampshade !!

My latest acquirsition from the Cumbria steam rally at the week end. Has a big hole though, will have to give some thought about making an arbor.

Cheers Keith

[Robin Hewitt]

It's a concrete lampshade !!

There may only be one diamond in the house that will true this thing up, but I suggest you ask her first :naughty:

[keith77777]

Just another addition to my Gingery imitation mill. Its a collet chuck. I have made face-plate,flying spot cutter and 4 chuck add-ons. However this was a challenge, more exacting reproducability of the spindle taper joint is difficult. Hopefully it will be forth time lucky. Merry xmas everyone and best regards.