"Jim Wilkins" wrote in message
...
On Jun 8, 3:43 am, "William Noble" wrote:

one comment on mills versus drill presses - some mills (mine for example)
do
not have a handle for lowering the quill like a drill press does so to
drill
things you raise the table - you have no feel for what is happening that
way, so I find I like to have both.

Is it a new machine or an antique?

One of the few things I like on the RF-31 mill drill is its 5" quill
stroke. The 3" stroke on my mill is more typical, and adequate to
drill a hole but when I have to use several different tools at the
same place it's limiting. It helps to buy tools that are all
approximately the same length, such as large 1/2" shank drill bits
that are about as long as a stub-length pilot bit in a chuck. Taps are
a problem. I've seen shop-made tap holders that used 4 setscrews to
clamp the square end.

Jim Wilkins

My machine is an Abene VHF-3 - they are still made, though this particular
machine was made in 1970 - 6 hp spindle, 2 hp ways - what is good is that
it's horizontal/vertical because the head rotates and it has an overarm.
But the quill downfeed was optional and I've never seen an Abene mill with
that option - if I saw one, they go cheaply enough I might buy the whole
mill just to get it.


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