- Joined
- Dec 20, 2012
- Messages
- 9,422
Jon, if you want the mill then get the mill. A worn drill press or a radial arm saw will not get your lathe tool holders made. You already have a screwless vise (which is more accurate than most mill vises anyway) and end mills. Assuming your tool post is the Quick Change type then you need:
Bottom line: Go give your brother a call and save as you are able until you can get the tools you need. Hone your eBay-Fu skills and be patient ... it will come.
- an accurately trammed mill - need a decent DI or DTI and a way to hold it and a good enough reference to align the head in Z; a plain old machinist's square will do. 1-2-3 blocks or a flat disc brake rotor will help you tram the rest.
- You need parallels - cheap Chinese sets can be bought for stupid low prices.
- You need a dovetail cutter to match the angle on your tool holders. You probably already have the end mills you need to hog out the waste in the middle.
- You need some dowel pins or drill blanks to measure and check your dovetail cuts. I'm assuming you already have a dial or digital caliper.
- You need a way to square the work before you begin cutting on your project. End mills will do this, albeit slowly. A flycutter is cheap to buy or make, while face mills cost more to buy.
Bottom line: Go give your brother a call and save as you are able until you can get the tools you need. Hone your eBay-Fu skills and be patient ... it will come.