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- Feb 8, 2014
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- 11,144
If you want to throw an engine block up on the table the you are going to need a riser block for the turret. The riser block goes between the turret and the column to raise the entire ram up. It is possible to build one if one is not available, they are not real common. Sometimes I could use an extra 6 inches (of spindle height). I have done a lot of head, manifold, piston work on a BP size machine, and normally wished I had a larger machine. I'm not sure how you would use a boring bar attached to the mill, but I have only used a VanNorman 777 for automotive, and always bolted it to the block. I have used a small Kwik-Way for motorcycles and power equipment engines, but that was a stand alone boring machine.
For what you are doing I think I would be looking for a 10x54 table machine, it's about 1/3 larger than a BP. This will get you into a machine that weighs around 3500 lbs, and will handle 500 lbs on the table. All of them have a dovetail ram, and many have the eye on the back as an accessory head mount.
Don't be afraid of a made in Taiwan import machine, there are a lot of good ones out there.
Something like this is what I have in mind, pretty much like mine. This particular one is an Enco, but they are pretty much all the same.
If you plan on doing a lot custom head work, a CNC might be an option. Great for pocketing combustion chambers. But....if you get a get a CNC, get one that can also be used manually. They exist, I own one, and I have seen a few for sale.
Here's one. Note that it has hand wheels as well as servos. 10x50 table. Same frame as above.
For what you are doing I think I would be looking for a 10x54 table machine, it's about 1/3 larger than a BP. This will get you into a machine that weighs around 3500 lbs, and will handle 500 lbs on the table. All of them have a dovetail ram, and many have the eye on the back as an accessory head mount.
Don't be afraid of a made in Taiwan import machine, there are a lot of good ones out there.
Something like this is what I have in mind, pretty much like mine. This particular one is an Enco, but they are pretty much all the same.
If you plan on doing a lot custom head work, a CNC might be an option. Great for pocketing combustion chambers. But....if you get a get a CNC, get one that can also be used manually. They exist, I own one, and I have seen a few for sale.
Here's one. Note that it has hand wheels as well as servos. 10x50 table. Same frame as above.
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