Milling Integral Bolsters

[Andybrock]

I’m considering making integral bolsters out of 416 SS for slip joints. I’ve got a small Sieg 2.7 mini mill and was wondering if it’s machine enough for the job?
All the videos I see of people milling integrals seem to use full size Bridgeport mills, is that for a reason?
Also what kind of set up do you use to hold and get the bolsters equal? I see Jantz sell a tool for the job but it’s very expensive.

 

[HSC ///]

Are you going to harden the material?

it’s enough machine provided you have a rigid setup and take light enough cuts.

the reason I use a Bridgeport is because that’s the mill I purchased at a good price

Your challenge is keeping the liners straight after relieving all that material from the blank

 

[Andybrock]

Are you going to harden the material?

it’s enough machine provided you have a rigid setup and take light enough cuts.

the reason I use a Bridgeport is because that’s the mill I purchased at a good price

Your challenge is keeping the liners straight after relieving all that material from the blank

Just been researching and hardening seems the way to go. I like soldering bolsters brass and NS aren’t a problem, but as I’m in the UK the only easily available SS is 300 grades which are an absolute pain to solder to.
I’ve managed to source 416 flat bar over here which would enable me to get away from soldering SS if I could mill it successfully. Thank you for the input, beautiful knives by the way!