HF Mill question

Compatibility is super critical with that mini mill.

You know about Little machine shop. They have already figured out what works with that machine, go see what they have.
 
3/4, 1/2, and 3/8's are my most commonly used end mill shank size.
 
AVigil said:
Compatibility is super critical with that mini mill.

You know about Little machine shop. They have already figured out what works with that machine, go see what they have.
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I have seen their stuff. I just worry about the quality. Maybe it isn't so critical with collets?
 
The precision of those collets will exceed the precision of the Mini Mill.

I have used that HF mini mill for many years and have made hundreds of parts, it is not those collets that you have to worry about.
 
AVigil said:
The precision of those collets will exceed the precision of the Mini Mill.

I have used that HF mini mill for many years and have made hundreds of parts, it is not those collets that you have to worry about.
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I appreciate that input. I'll get some ordered.
Do you find you can make some decent parts out of steel with that mill?
I am thinking I might want to try a more adjustable and user friendly work rest than the one that came with my Esteem grinder.
The basic rest isn't bad, but I find I don't enjoy using it due to limitations and lack of precision in adjustment.
Could I cut mild steel with my mill to make one?
 
Yes it will perform ok on steel, but you must have a good endmill, and take shallow passes with good coolant and no slop on all axis.

Think about using some aluminum as well in that work rest
 
AVigil said:
Yes it will perform ok on steel, but you must have a good endmill, and take shallow passes with good coolant and no slop on all axis.

Think about using some aluminum as well in that work rest
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Thanks again. What is a good end mill? :)
I don't mind using aluminum where it will work.
 
AVigil said:
It all depends on what you are milling. You will need many so homework has to be done.
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Noted sir. Homework.
Have you upgraded your mill to the belt drive? I like that idea, and will probably do it sooner or later, when the gears break.
Any other upgrades recommended on this mill?
 
As some mill has ben mentioned...

My mill would be ok for folder work ?
Technologiss ZX7045 ( aka ZAY7045 / RF45)
 
I have the HF Mini Mill R8. I have the belt drive and air spring. It was what I could afford and came that way so I have no complaints. I haven't bought a new chuck yet but I don't know what I'm witing for the HF one is garbage.

Like it was said, quality end mills make the difference. Check out eBay for machinists lots be sold because sometimes you can find tempting deals.
 
The cheap Chinese collets will do just fine with that HF mill - AND, I'd suggest perhaps getting a full set by 1/16" size, or at least 1/8" size. They work GREAT for holding drill bits - much less hassle than switching between a drill chuck and collets. a 3/8" collet will hold from 5/16" to a tad over 3/8".
 
i ll 2nd the collets part i use the 1/8 3/16 all the tiem an dnot and then 1/4 but as stated 3/8 and 1/2 are common shank sizes
belt drive was some of th best $ i spent gained wanted speed for the smaller endmills (that should be being used on the min mill) and the noise was cut down alot
on steel think 1/4 carbide 4 flute and shallow passes and you shoud be fine.
as for endmills 1/2 and up maybe for wood AL or copper maybe.
 
Brock47 said:
Noted sir. Homework.
Have you upgraded your mill to the belt drive? I like that idea, and will probably do it sooner or later, when the gears break.
Any other upgrades recommended on this mill?
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Yes I did the belt drive as soon as they hit the stores. I also added DRO which is nice.

One thing you will find out fast is that you need to upgrade all of black levers on all axis. The stock levers will strip on at the worse time.
 
I appreciate all the great advice and will be ordering probably all of these things this month.

I probably don't need a chuck if I have a full sent of collets Daniel, but I think it gives you some flexibility if you don't have the right size collect handy.
It's not really for milling though, from what I understand.
 
Use collets or endmill holders for milling since a chuck isn't designed to handle the side load from milling.
 
don't use the chuck for milling ever.

Use it for the intended purpose for drilling and that is it.

Get a set of R8 collets and you will have the size you need for your end mills
 
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