Put your money in a mill. The milling attachment for lathe is too light duty and you will reget it.
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is a milling attachment worth it?
- Thread starter upTheHill
- Start date
Put your money in a mill. The milling attachment for lathe is too light duty and you will reget it.
I wish people would STOP suggesting a Dremel tool for anything like milling. They are very weak,and have a miserable little plastic tube connecting the motor to the chuck shaft. It always strips out and the chuck stops turning. Mine pooped out a few weeks ago,and not the first time. It was only ever used for small polishing with Cratex type wheels,and no need for failure. These failures are apparently common enough that Lowes carries the little plastic couplers. I'm finding something better,this time,though,to replace it with.
I have a milling attachment that I purchased for my 12" Craftsman lathe, which are selling for about $300.00. I have found it to have limited capabilities because it is limited to the cross feed travel of the lathe and the adjustment for height. Recently I purchased a milling machine and am just now learning how to use it but already the flexibility of the milling machine is far greater then the lathe attachment. I would recommend you save your money and purchase a small milling machine to complement your lathe and forget the milling attachment. Look around there are a lot of small machines for under $1,000.00 out there and even if you have to do extensive repairs and restoration the project is half the fun of getting the machine. You will really learn a lot about the machine and with all of the help that is available on this forum it would be a fun project.
Let me know what you find, George. I have one that gave up almost when it was new. I never bothered to replace it. Good to know Lowe's has a replacement, but like you, want something better.
Tony,I mean I'll take it out and MAKE a new coupling,most likely. I'm tired of these weal little plastic tubes failing. I don't remember how they're attached to the shafts. If splines are pressed into the soft plastic,it could be a problem,unless I can find or make something to press the splines into the new coupling. I've had trouble with couplings failing since the 50's with hand grinders. Meanwhile,I am using a heavier Dumore I found used. Also have an old Fairchild that works fine.
UpTheHill,
I own a milling attachment for a Clausing 12 X 36 lathe. I used it several times for keyways and hex shapes on a 6"grinder modification. It replaces the compound and works well in light machining tasks. About 8 years ago I bought a used Enco mill/drill so the milling atachment isn't used much anymore.
You are the judge about the amount of milling you will do however, I will tell you the scope and type of work you will do changes when you get a mill.
I also have a Craftsman high speed grinder with a mount to go into the compound (it works like a Dremmel Tool) I have some carbide bits with a 1/4 shaft for it. It works good for smaller work. Never having one I tend to agree with George about the use of a Dremmel Tool, it seems like hand held work would be more appropriate.
I agree with those that say get the mill if circumstances warrant.
Have a good day
Ray
I own a milling attachment for a Clausing 12 X 36 lathe. I used it several times for keyways and hex shapes on a 6"grinder modification. It replaces the compound and works well in light machining tasks. About 8 years ago I bought a used Enco mill/drill so the milling atachment isn't used much anymore.
You are the judge about the amount of milling you will do however, I will tell you the scope and type of work you will do changes when you get a mill.
I also have a Craftsman high speed grinder with a mount to go into the compound (it works like a Dremmel Tool) I have some carbide bits with a 1/4 shaft for it. It works good for smaller work. Never having one I tend to agree with George about the use of a Dremmel Tool, it seems like hand held work would be more appropriate.
I agree with those that say get the mill if circumstances warrant.
Have a good day
Ray
Did you see this one in the "For sale section"? http://www.hobby-machinist.com/showthread.php/10139-FS-Bench-master-MV1-Vertical-Mill I'd buy it in a heartbeat if I weren't half way across the country.
-Ron