Need some milling machine info

There was a time when there were no DRO's and things were made just as precise as with one. If you start at an edge, and go to the center of 1 hole, and keep your dials turning in the same direction (clockwise), don't zero out the dial every time you punch a hole, and don't crank the dial in reverse without taking out the backlash if you pass your number, you can save yourself some money and be part of the old school that were taught that way.
 
This is Part 1 of a 2 part series. There's lots of good info especially on using different tools to setup work. Of course there's plenty of other sources too. On the advise of many here, be patient with your tool buying. It will take a while to determine what you need and what you don't. Of course if you've just kicked one addiction and looking for another outlet to spend $$$$ you found the right home. Spree away. :D

 
Last edited:
You should use (insert Old School/dinosaur mechanism here) so you can appreciate something more modern. Sheesh...really? Where does this stuff come from?

So I should write a novel using stone tablets and chisels so I can truly appreciate a pencil and paper? Or I should go ride a horse so I can appreciate my car? Nonsense. I stopped using a slide rule in school a very long time ago and having once used one does not make me appreciate my computer or calculator more.

I can appreciate that these and other old school mechanisms are cherished by some. But not me. I like my modern tools and methods. If the Old Ways are so great, why aren't modern machine shops using these methods and tools? Rhetorical question.

For example, except for a special profile tool once, I have zero use for HSS tools. Nada. Zilch. There are folks here that would disagree, and that's OK. For them. But not me. And don't preach to me about how in your opinion I should learn how to use them. Anyway, (bill getting off his soapbox...) :)

Dro's are useful from a productivity standpoint if nothing else. But nothing is perfect. I can (and have) screwed up parts with and without a DRO. Now for those who for whatever reason don't have access to one, then of course other methods need to be learned and used. Just don't try to tell me how much better they are. I know better.
 
wrmiller said:
You should use (insert Old School/dinosaur mechanism here) so you can appreciate something more modern. Sheesh...really? Where does this stuff come from?
Click to expand...

It comes from the fact that if one doesn't fully understand the machine, they can never master it. Don't get me wrong, I love my DRO and wouldn't want to be without it but so far, I have spent most of my machine time turning dials so I really know and appreciate how much time and hassle the DRO saves me and if it should ever fail, I won't be stuck trying to figure out how to operate the machine without it.
Another example, I do a fair amount of backwoods camping, while I do have a GPS I also carry and know how to navigate by map and compass, I'm not gonna die with the batteries. And when I get home after a long camping trip, I really do find new appreciation for things like electricity, hot and cold running water, refrigeration etc.
It's always smart to have a plan B.
 
wrmiller said:
Well Sir, that's one opinion. :)
Click to expand...
Maybe so but it's a good one. How do you know your DRO is accurate? How many times do you check your DRO?

You have used the dials and know how to use them and for this reason you put your trust in the DRO. If you were never allowed to use the dials and only knew DRO methods you would be lost? Perception is what you know today or knew when you used the slide rule, but education changed this. Some opinions are misguided perceptions based on lack of education. Education is the force that constantly changes perceptions and opinions.

A piece of swarf on the dial isn't going to change the accuracy of x or y but the same isn't true if the swarf is on the scale of your DRO.
 
Hey KillSwitch!
Trading a Harley for a Mill & Lathe???? it must be one heck of a lathe & mill combo!
I, for one, would like to see some pictures :grin:
as far as some reading materials...
Machinery's Handbook (the machinist's bible)
Audel's Machinists Handbook
American Machinists Handbook (Colvin & Stanley)
Starrett's Book for Student Machinists
South Bend Lathes' -How to Run A Lathe
Machine Shop Theory and Practice- Ford Motor Co.

if you like machine shop videos,

https://www.youtube.com/user/THATLAZYMACHINIST
Marc is a very good instructor, i enjoy his videos very much.

Joe Pieczynski is very knowledgeable- i enjoy his channel very much.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpp6lgdc_XO_FZYJppaFa5w

Randy Richards is very good too, and he's a real genuine good man to boot!
https://www.youtube.com/user/Catfish6945/videos


i hope you have fun exploring the new world that has just opened to you :grin:
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top