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Old 11-10-2006, 08:03 AM
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Re: Machining Discussion-Lathes, Mills, CNC.

What mill are you looking at getting? If it has no accessories at all, a good first shopping list would include:

- a milling vise
- a set of parallels for use w/ vise
- end mills and end mill holders (I have a 2 and 4 flute 3/8" for rough cutting, plus a 1/4, 3/16, 1/8, 1/16, and a couple of 1/32s. 1/16 and smaller are very fragile and expensive!)
- an edge finder set
- a dial indicator (for squaring the vise)

This will get you started, and is most of what I use with my mill. For example I used all of these to make the valve cover for my 7- but I didn't need anything else. To this list I would also add a fly cutter, but with the stuff above and your lathe you can make your own. You can also make your own hold down blocks (I made a set and almost never use them, as nearly everything I make can be held in the vise) and your own slitting saw holder- when you feel a need.

Yes, you will definately want a rotary table- but you can start milling without one. When you start spending alot of time/effort figuring out clever ways of how to do stuff without it ("Sure, I can cross drill brake rotors with just XY coordinantes, right??!"), it's time to get one.
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