- Joined
- Jun 8, 2016
- Messages
- 603
I've been watching for quiet a while for a deal on a mill. This week the stars aligned for me. I made a deal on some machinery and in it was an unbadged (although identical to HF model) RF30 mill/drill. It is missing the manufacturers plate on the belt cover, it has sticky residue where it was but no plate.
It looks to be decent shape, but needs a good cleaning. It appears to have dried sludge/oil/dirt on the ways and column. I am wondering about taking it apart and cleaning it thoroughly, is there a best procedure for this? Some of the paint is flaking and I am considering repainting since I may have it torn down anyway.
I know this type of mill has issues that center around the round column. I also know that it's not a Bridgeport or other brand knee mill. But I also realize it can to decent work within it's limits and that any mill is better than no mill to start with. I need to make a stand for it.
I'm a beginner to machineing, so I look at it as a starter machine until something better comes along. I couldn't pass up the price at $250.
So, best way to tear down and clean? thoughts on painting? suggestions for upgrades.
It looks to be decent shape, but needs a good cleaning. It appears to have dried sludge/oil/dirt on the ways and column. I am wondering about taking it apart and cleaning it thoroughly, is there a best procedure for this? Some of the paint is flaking and I am considering repainting since I may have it torn down anyway.
I know this type of mill has issues that center around the round column. I also know that it's not a Bridgeport or other brand knee mill. But I also realize it can to decent work within it's limits and that any mill is better than no mill to start with. I need to make a stand for it.
I'm a beginner to machineing, so I look at it as a starter machine until something better comes along. I couldn't pass up the price at $250.
So, best way to tear down and clean? thoughts on painting? suggestions for upgrades.