how many of you use a mill for making guards

marekz

marekz

Joined
Jun 16, 2008
Messages
1,699
1.-how many of you use a mill for making guards.if so what kind of mill do you have. 2.-How vital is a mill for making folders. 3.- how many of you think i ask too many stupid questions--marekz
 
I have 2 milling machines. The bench top one is mostly dedicated as a good drill press now since I bought a used grizzley knee type. Its just a small one as floor models can be huge but it works good and was only $1700. I personally cant do without either of them. I use them both for folders too.
 
Almost all people making folders use a milling machine thats why I havent started .I dont think your asked as many stupid questions as me LMAO kellyw
 
I have a little HF type mill/drill machine. The bad news is that it is the model that uses the Jacobs chuck, so it gives a whole new meaning to "tool chatter" I would love to have something like a Bridgeport, but I have neither the money, the space or the 3 phase power. A power hammer is at the top of the shopping list when I hit the Lotto, with a real mill and a surface grinder coming in second and third.:D
 
Aren't you going to ask, what type, brand and model of mill? Come on, lets make this interesting!
 
I make folders, automatics, without using my mill. I seldom even use my drill press.
So you don't need a mill to make folders-unless you want to make folders with milled parts.
 
jdm61 said:
I have a little HF type mill/drill machine. The bad news is that it is the model that uses the Jacobs chuck, so it gives a whole new meaning to "tool chatter" I would love to have something like a Bridgeport, but I have neither the money, the space or the 3 phase power. A power hammer is at the top of the shopping list when I hit the Lotto, with a real mill and a surface grinder coming in second and third.:D
Click to expand...

What kind?

I'd bet that you chould remove the chuck and use a collet or holder
 
I've got a Smithy 3 in 1, it's the midas model. The one thing I'd do differant is that I'd go for the Granite model, it's a little bigger, but mostly it's got power feeds, the midas is all manual.

I use mine more for slotting guards than anything and it real makes life easier there. For folders about all I use it for is a drill press. It's easier to get 90 deg. holes and such than with any other drill press I've got or used. I have used it in the past for a surface grinder, but have a real one now. It's nice to have and realy makes life easier on some task but it isn't nesissary, I made a few folders before ever buying it. The most important thing for folders is to be able to drill straight holes, eigther a good drill press or mill will fit the bill.

The lathe has turned more pins out for tractors than anything knife related. If I could find a basic machine shop course, and the time to take it, I'd probably use it for more aplications.
 
jdm61 said:
I have a little HF type mill/drill machine. The bad news is that it is the model that uses the Jacobs chuck, so it gives a whole new meaning to "tool chatter" I would love to have something like a Bridgeport, but I have neither the money, the space or the 3 phase power. A power hammer is at the top of the shopping list when I hit the Lotto, with a real mill and a surface grinder coming in second and third.:D
Click to expand...

Probably a 2MT collet set up you can get a set of them and a draw bar for about $50 and it makes a world of difference!
Oh get them here
 
I use my Grizzly 1005 to slot just about every gaurd I make. I really helps with making them symetrical as well

-Page
 
Another thing they are good for is making sure things are square and flat. If you cut of a piece of nice wood for a handle, you can put it in the mill vise, Put in something like a 3/4 inch flat end mill, crank up the rpms and with a couple passes you know the the end is dead flat and will match the guard perfect. Can be used for perfect dovetails also. I love my mill.
 
i am back on my " SHOULD I GET A SHERLINE " bit-marekz BUT I DONT /WONT DO FOLDERS FOR A LONG WHILE. But can use it for slots now and folders later-marekz
 
I use the Sherline for slotting guards.

I make a bunch of folders but no need for a mill there.

I do use the mill for one step on autos but don't make many now.

Just buy the most mill you can afford. Buy quality!
 
I use a 6 x 26 knee mill sold by many companies under different names. Small foot print, single phase, R8 collets

I make slipjoints and it would be not as much fun, but possible without it.

IMGP0611-1.jpg
 
Am I the only one who doesn't have any mill... I do guards sometimes, but when the only thing available is some files to make a slot it isn't too much fun, that's why I do more full tangs with bolsters...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top