So help me god - Mill cleanup & Beginner advice

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DustinY

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So, this post is probably going to feel like it's all over the place - but bonus season was upon us, i was bidding on a mill, and i won. I've been wanting a mill for quite some time to aid in furthering my knifemaking, and managed to snag one at auction. It's a Webb Champ knee mill, has a couple power feeds, and looks to be an early model (based off my communication with Webb thus far). I'll get more details - but it could either be a perfect fit, or a massive project. Knowing that - i know that i'm going to need a couple things to check it over, and make sure that it's able to be put to use.

I'm going to snag a Noga mag base with fine adjust on the top, and a Mitutoyo dial test indicator, and something to tram it with (SST looks like they have a decent model for cheap ish?)

With that though, i was hoping i could get some information or advice on cleaning it up (product to use and not use), oil for the ways , things to look over (i'll check spindle runout but other than that, i'm a lost dude), a decent vise (i know kurt, it's hard to know what's worth spending the oogles of money on and what isnt), collets, rotary table, and tooling (end mills, etc).

I know that's a lot, and i plan to search through the forum here to determine some of this stuff out on my own, but if you have advice for ANY product, or something that will help me down the road while i go on this journey, let me know. I get it Monday, i'll follow up with pictures, and first impressions.

Regardless if it turns out to be a bust, i'm excited to have a project and learn.
 
Hi Dustin,

Congratulations on the new machine!
That is always an exciting time.

I had never heard of the brand, so I had to look them up.
https://www.webbmachinery.com/champ-mills/
The Webb Champ is mentioned a few times in threads here, but no great detail that I saw.

What model is yours?
What table size and spindle taper?

Since you already have had some back and forth with the company, I'd suggest asking them about lubrication products, schedule and locations.
With any luck they have a manual still available.

-brino
 
brino said:
Hi Dustin,

Congratulations on the new machine!
That is always an exciting time.

I had never heard of the brand, so I had to look them up.
https://www.webbmachinery.com/champ-mills/
The Webb Champ is mentioned a few times in threads here, but no great detail that I saw.

What model is yours?
What table size and spindle taper?

Since you already have had some back and forth with the company, I'd suggest asking them about lubrication products, schedule and locations.
With any luck they have a manual still available.

-brino
Click to expand...

BRINO! Yeah, i read some threads here before pulling the trigger, people seem to agree it's just a Taiwan based B.P clone. The company said based off pictures or the name plate that they'll be able to identify & produce a manual. I guess i will find all that information there, i'm not to sure about the specifics of the machine, but Monday i will provide all that information here :)
 
Congratulations on your new mill!
 
DustinY said:
I'm going to snag a Noga mag base with fine adjust on the top,
Click to expand...
Before you buy that top adjust model, consider this: in trying to adjust at the top you are likely to wiggle to indicator and change the reading. With the bottom adjust you won't have that problem. The bottom adjust is on the mag base and very sturdy and easy to use. I've got one & really like it. I also have a Mitutoyo dial test indicator, works fine.
I have a PM1440 lathe and the recommended lube for everything on it is Mobil DTE Oil, Heavy Medium. That includes the ways, and all gear boxes. I use the same oil for everything on the Jet mill. I bought a 5 gallon pail @ the Mobil distributor. They didn't have it in stock but got it in a couple of days. Cost $84 four years ago.
 
Larry$ said:
Before you buy that top adjust model, consider this: in trying to adjust at the top you are likely to wiggle to indicator and change the reading. With the bottom adjust you won't have that problem. The bottom adjust is on the mag base and very sturdy and easy to use. I've got one & really like it. I also have a Mitutoyo dial test indicator, works fine.
I have a PM1440 lathe and the recommended lube for everything on it is Mobil DTE Oil, Heavy Medium. That includes the ways, and all gear boxes. I use the same oil for everything on the Jet mill. I bought a 5 gallon pail @ the Mobil distributor. They didn't have it in stock but got it in a couple of days. Cost $84 four years ago.
Click to expand...

the fine adjust on the base was the one I meant!! Excellent point, is .001” fine enough for the dial?
 
@DustinY

I bought .001”, .0005” and .0001” dial indicators, and I like the .0005” the best. I find the .001” to be a little too coarse, and I would never finish zeroing if I used the .0001”. You can get your stuff dialed in really well with a .0005” without the discouraging frustration of a .0001”.

I also like .0005” for a DTI.
 
Last edited:
erikmannie said:
@DustinY

I bought .001”, .0005” and .0001” dial indicators, and I like the .0005” the best. I find the .001” to be a little too coarse, and I would never finish zeroing if I used the .0001”. You can get your stuff dialed in really well with a .0005” without the discouraging frustration of a .0001”.

I also like .0005” for a DTI.
Click to expand...

DTI? I’ll get the .0005” thank you :)
 
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