Ad Hoc packages or IndividualPieces?

DanF

DanF

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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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I've been looking for tooling and accessories for my new mini mill, and have seen the "value packages" of differing content in a wide range of pricings, but am unsure if I really need everything in those packages to start. The packages always quote a savings for, 'if bought seperately'. I get that. My question (since, at this point I don't KNOW what I really need), is, how much of the stuff in the packages is just fluff?
I'm looking at slotting bolsters, guards, and flattening the ricasso to start.
I know I need a good vise, clamping kit, collets, end mills, and 123 blocks.
What am I missing?
Thanks,
 
Collets are good, and necessary, but getting as much tooling as is practical in your mill's size (R8 probably) is even better. For other tooling, get the largest shank diameter available for your mill and its holders/collets.
A good slide vise is mandatory.
A clamping set is also mandatory.
Get carbide tooling once you are proficient , but at first, get HSS tooling while you learn. It can ruin your day to chip up a $30 carbide end mill the first time you use it.
 
Things that don't come as a Package deal are generally more important...Dial Test Indicator(not just a dial indicator there is a difference) This is a requirement to ensure that your Mill Vise is Square to the Quill along it's entire travel of the table. May be one of the more expensive items BUT it's a MUST. You also use this "Test" indicator to "TRAM" the Mill as well as machining operations.

Most items from respectable machine vendors try to put a package together with essentials...many of the items you listed along with a set of drill bits maybe a boring head(not necessary) Drill chuck to fit R8 spindle/quill is handy but think of safety items you may already have gloves, safety glasses are generally added so they can sleep at night. Shop around there are plenty of packages out there and call to see if they can substitute items even if there is a small up charge for something you really need.
 
IMG_20180110_091925.jpg IMG_20180110_091759.jpg
Well, my stuff came yesterday and I have been reading older threads and other online sources to figure this out.
I bought a vise with a swiveling base just in case I had future need for that feature, but, I removed the base because it's just not needed at my level of inexperience. I will mostly be doing guard and bolster slots and flattening the ricasso's as I mentioned before.
Was somewhat disappointed as everything plastic had been smashed all to pieces. No biggie, I can make replacements from wood.
 
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Yeah that is a disappointment with import parts coming in broken packaging. Looks like you can start some projects but if those are the only end mills you have you may need to order some a bit smaller for guard slots depending on blade thickness you intend to use. I cut the majority of my slots with 0.125 end mills and work out from there and leave a little material to finish by hand with files.
If you intend to flatten your material prior to cutting profiles you should invest in a "Fly Cutter" and cheap carbide turning bits. The fly cutter will save you money on not using end mills and will make the task quick with one or 2 passes to get it close and 2 passes to give a clean finish and you can use the fly cutter to clean up a worn Platen.
 
Thanks for the suggestions Busto, I've been watching some YouTube vids on the flycutters, and I did get two .125 end mills also.
Also still need to order a good dial test indicator setup for tramming before I use.
 
I suggest the belt drive conversion for that mill. I have one and it really improves the mill. The gears in the mill are plastic and will break.

Also to make your life easier for changing tooling, get a small air wrench and a socket to tighten and loosen the draw bar. It makes changing tooling much faster. I have mine suspended above the mill on a bungy cord and just pull it down to use.

Make sure you have parallels for that vise and some r8 collets
 
Parallels and collets we're included in the set also. That's a neat trick with the air wrench, thanks for that! Belt conversion kit is now on the to buy list.
 
Okay, got the dial test indicator set and flycutters ordered yesterday. It's official now, I've spent more on tooling and accessories than the mini mill cost me.
Ordered the drive belt conversion kit today.

Thanks,

Edited to take out the dumbass question I asked, should have read first.
 
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DanF said:
Okay, got the dial test indicator set and flycutters ordered yesterday. It's official now, I've spent more on tooling and accessories than the mini mill cost me.
Ordered the drive belt conversion kit today.

Thanks,

Edited to take out the dumbass question I asked, should have read first.
Click to expand...

You're barely scratching the surface on expense for tooling...But it does add up quickly.
 
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