Index mill, possibly a 40

[Bobbyc01]

Looks very good

 

[tk1971]

Done with the auto downfeed parts. Function verified. Up next is to smooth out any rough surfaces and paint it.

Here are the pics:













View attachment IMG_2930.MOV

 

[tk1971]

Used whatever used 5 year old spray paint I had laying around to paint the downfeed parts. It’s gloppy and not well mixed but it actually fits the looks of the old mill.

As a finishing touch, I made a thumbscrew for the downfeed stop, which was only a screw when I got the mill. The 3/8” shoulder on the thumbscrew engages the downfeed stop mechanism to disengage the downfeed gears.

All that’s left is the disassembly/cleaning/re-assembly of the saddle and table, which will have to happen later.

Here are a few pics:

 

[Bobbyc01]

Good job.
looks like the thread finished is rough. I never threaded with carbide insert , is this common with carbide? I was thinking of buying a carbide insert holder before.

 

[tk1971]

Good job.
looks like the thread finished is rough. I never threaded with carbide insert , is this common with carbide? I was thinking of buying a carbide insert holder before.

There was a chip on the insert that I hadn’t noticed until it was done and I was going a little fast. I’m going for function so I lightly went over it with emory paper snd called it a day. Works well stopping the downfeed and I don’t need a tool to set the position any more.

The same insert was used on the roller going really slow prior to chipping? Beautiful finish there.

 

[Bobbyc01]

Ok good.
I'm sorry if I came off as being a critic, just wondering if that was normal for inserts. Now I know it’s not, I may invest in a threading insert. i have always used high speed ground by hand. Which at best is not perfect.
do you recommend a insert and tool holder.

 

[tk1971]

Ok good.
I'm sorry if I came off as being a critic, just wondering if that was normal for inserts. Now I know it’s not, I may invest in a threading insert. i have always used high speed ground by hand. Which at best is not perfect.
do you recommend a insert and tool holder.

Nah, I like criticism (beginner here) and I didn’t take it as such.

Any of the import threading bars are all the same IMO. I do have to say that the cheap inserts are a gamble. I had 4 out of 10 get dull faster than they should. I suppose good USA made inserts would work on import bars just fine.

For me (a rank amateur) I started with the cheap stuff so I could get a feel for what I wanted to replace with “real” tools. Plus, I wouldn’t feel bad about breaking stuff when figuring out the limitations of my lathe/mill.

 

[CAPercy]

Just picked up one of these model 40’s at a local online auction (Kansas City area). It has the same z collet chuck on b&s #9 taper. I was finally able knock mine loose with the draw bar and a heavy brass hammer. I am glad I didn’t read your ordeal before hand or I might have been much more worried about getting it out. I also have a Rusnok model 80 and quickly came to the conclusion I needed a larger working envelope for some of the things I wanted to do. I had been looking at horizontal mills to put the Rusnok head on when I came access this Index mill. The 1250 pounds is about the biggest thing I can handle and get into my shop. Hope to see a lot more of your posts on the rebuild of this mill. I am new to machining but have been a metalsmith for over 40 years. Started down this road mainly to make tooling for my smithing machinery and quickly fell in love the processes.

 

[wachuko]

Just picked up one of these model 40’s at a local online auction (Kansas City area). It has the same z collet chuck on b&s #9 taper. I was finally able knock mine loose with the draw bar and a heavy brass hammer. I am glad I didn’t read your ordeal before hand or I might have been much more worried about getting it out. I also have a Rusnok model 80 and quickly came to the conclusion I needed a larger working envelope for some of the things I wanted to do. I had been looking at horizontal mills to put the Rusnok head on when I came access this Index mill. The 1250 pounds is about the biggest thing I can handle and get into my shop. Hope to see a lot more of your posts on the rebuild of this mill. I am new to machining but have been a metalsmith for over 40 years. Started down this road mainly to make tooling for my smithing machinery and quickly fell in love the processes.

Welcome to the forum!!!