Dovetail Column Mill
I am interested in getting a RF-45 bench type mill. Thing is, I am
not convinced that this mill is what I really want; they seem on the light side. I was thinking of cobbling something together; but it has to go down the basement stairs. Otherwise I would just buy a bridgeport, universal or convert a horizontal mill. A) I found 5 pcs. really nice bridgeport type heads; belt drive, 3phase, 5" stroke, R8, swivel, heavy duty & in excellent condition (except for the paint). Would put the mill-drill heads to shame. Reasonable price; CA$450 ea (buy more for less) B) I also found some 8x29 tables with X-Y travel & base ready for a column. These are on the small side, but I expect larger ones are hard to come by. C) Last item needed a not found is a dovetail column; about 3'+ long; 10"x10" or larger; strong. I have thought of fabricating something from steel square tube, insert a dampening tube and attach a dovetail or linear rails. So here comes the question for anyone kind enough to consider answering... 1) Any comments of where I could get item C or at least the start of it? 2) Does anyone know where I could get a larger X-Y T-Slot table? 3) Anyone think I am wasting my time? Eric P.S. See my next post about a mill I found. |
"distracted" wrote in message om... I am interested in getting a RF-45 bench type mill. Thing is, I am not convinced that this mill is what I really want; they seem on the light side. I was thinking of cobbling something together; but it has to go down the basement stairs. Otherwise I would just buy a bridgeport, universal or convert a horizontal mill. A) I found 5 pcs. really nice bridgeport type heads; belt drive, 3phase, 5" stroke, R8, swivel, heavy duty & in excellent condition (except for the paint). Would put the mill-drill heads to shame. Reasonable price; CA$450 ea (buy more for less) B) I also found some 8x29 tables with X-Y travel & base ready for a column. These are on the small side, but I expect larger ones are hard to come by. C) Last item needed a not found is a dovetail column; about 3'+ long; 10"x10" or larger; strong. I have thought of fabricating something from steel square tube, insert a dampening tube and attach a dovetail or linear rails. So here comes the question for anyone kind enough to consider answering... 1) Any comments of where I could get item C or at least the start of it? 2) Does anyone know where I could get a larger X-Y T-Slot table? 3) Anyone think I am wasting my time? Eric I think you are underestimating the job. |
I was thinking of cobbling something together; but it has to go down
the basement stairs. Otherwise I would just buy a bridgeport, universal or convert a horizontal mill. Buy a good used clausing 8540 horizontal mill and add a bridgport head. you can make a great combo machine for a decent price. The rockwell knee mill is also the prefect size for a basement workshop. Comes apart for moving. Two people moved mine into the basement is about 4-5 hours. chuck |
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