Milling Machine: Difference between revisions
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→Tips and Advice
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* The fine adjust handwheel on the quill is not as accurate as the knee for up/down motion. Lock the quill before milling and use the knee to plunge into the material or to set the height of your cut. | * The fine adjust handwheel on the quill is not as accurate as the knee for up/down motion. Lock the quill before milling and use the knee to plunge into the material or to set the height of your cut. | ||
* To change tools in the same collet don't unscrew the drawbar more than a few turns. Tap with a rubber mallet to loosen the collet and change the tool. Push the tool in as far as possible. | * To change tools in the same collet don't unscrew the drawbar more than a few turns. Tap with a rubber mallet to loosen the collet and change the tool. Push the tool in as far as possible. | ||
* Don't use end mills in the drill chuck! The accuracy will be much lower and you will | * Don't use end mills in the drill chuck! The accuracy will be much lower and you will risk breaking the tool. | ||
* Four-flute end mills cannot plunge as fast as two-flute type. Go easy on it. | * Four-flute end mills cannot plunge as fast as two-flute type. Go easy on it. | ||
* Clean out the spindle before mounting the collet or drill chuck to reduce the runout on the tool. | * Clean out the spindle before mounting the collet or drill chuck to reduce the runout on the tool. | ||
* Do not mill structural-grade steel. It contains impurities which can damage tools. | * Do not mill structural-grade steel. It contains impurities which can damage tools. | ||
* Plan your moves to avoid ruining your part or cutting into the table or the vice. These are expensive for you to replace! | * Plan your moves to avoid ruining your part or cutting into the table or the vice. These are expensive for you to replace! | ||
* Pass the material with approx. 1/3 or 2/3 of the tool end | * Pass the material with approx. 1/3 or 2/3 of the tool end cutting into fresh material. Do not centre the tool on the edge of fresh material. | ||
* You can plunge up to 1/2 the cutter diameter per pass. The end mill is not a drill bit! | * You can plunge up to 1/2 the cutter diameter per pass. The end mill is not a drill bit! | ||
* Take the cutter away from the material before turning off the motor. | * Take the cutter away from the material before turning off the motor. | ||