Squaring a mini mill by the seat of my pants

happycat

happycat

Joined
Jun 21, 1999
Messages
752
Well, I'm finally getting some time to play with my new toy, and finding out that it aint very close to square. Any suggestions on how to remedy this situation. I was thinking of clamping some 3/16 drill rod in the chuck and holding a square up next to it......Probably not the most accurate solution but its what I've got.
A friend mentioned using a dial indicator, but haven't got one and not sure how to use it. Do I need one? And if so, is there a certain type I need or will any dial inidcator work?

Any advice appreciated,
Tnanks,
Ed
 
Ed,

You will have to explain what isn't square. Is it head to table? Head to vise? Vise to table?

Meanwhile, have a look at this website:

http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_mill/Main/mini-mill.htm

Also, if your mill is not a Grizzly then go to the Grizzly website and locate there verison of your mill. Typically, their owner's manuals for these Asian machines are much better than anyone else's. They are available in pdf format for easy downloading.

Above and beyond that, I recommend... STRONGLY recommend tearing the whole machine apart and deburring all the edges, cleaning the whole thing up with some kerosene or mineral spirits, and reassembling with some very good lubricants. You will thank yourself later, because your accuracy and your feel will be way better. These things are considered by many to be "kits", and require some work to make them work right.
 
Thanks for that link Jeff. Lots of info there. I think the thing that isn't totally square is the head to the vise. I loosened the big nut which holds the column verticle and lined up the aeros on the scale, but think I need to fine tune a bit. I'll download the grizzly manual as well. The one I got was a bit sketchy.
Thanks again.
Ed
 
I don't know J. Here I been thinking its MY machine thats off, maybe it was that piece we milled on YOUR machine thats the problem :D
Thanks for the brass rod idea. I think thatl help once I find it.
Ed
 
Yes, you need an indicator if you want to do anything resembling precision machining. The test indicator is one of the most basic tools for setting up and using either a mill or a lathe.

Here's a link to the cheapest way out. While I wouldn't count on it to give a lifetime of precision service, it would get you started:

http://order.harborfreight.com/EasyAsk/harborfreight/results.jsp

Here's a couple more pics of different indicator holders. The Indicol type (second one down) is very handy as it can mount on the spindle even with a cutting tool mounted and can help indicate a part, or your vice and even find center on a bored hole. The magnetic base models (third one down)are also useful and in time you'll probably find a need for both types. Copy and paste the link into your browser.

http://www.otelo.org/htdocs/pdf/0727cat.pdf

For the basics you should at least have a magnetic base and a test indicator. Enco usually has basic sets of chinese ones on sale cheap, but their site seems to be down at the moment.

A mill's a good start, now you needc some stuff so you can really use it!
 
Thanks John & Howie. This whole milling machine concept is a great exercise in patience for me. I'm struggling with my immediate gratification fixation. I don't want to LEARN how to use it,....I just want to slot guards!! I don't want to LEARN how to slot guards....I just want to do it, and get it perfect the first time,.....and I want all of this to happen last week!! And I don't want to have to spend any more money on tools to do it.... :grumpy: :p

Don't want much do I?? :D
I'm sure this is probably "building character" or some such annoying rot.... :D :D
Ed
 
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