Milling machine for..... ????

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Yes, the title is strange and that is because my mind is mess up with all the reading online about milling machines.

I will start a project that is half kit, half scratch. I am a kit builder, for now.

With this project on mind, I updated my scroll saw (mine was too old and has seen bad times) and got a new Micro Mark table saw (not the mini).

I do not have a vertical driller.

I was thinking in investing $388 in a Proxxon milling MF70 + $150 in accessories. That can also be used to drill precise vertical holes (that is ~$150 value on a standard table drill)

Beside cutting notches, I would kindly appreciate if those that have a milling machine can tell me for what they used it.

I will not upgrade to CNC never.

So I am asking to help me to justify, to myself, expending ~$500 for..... "What are those basic jobs that you did using a milling machine ? "

Sorry if this is a too basic question, but I need to understand the use of standard manual milling in our hobby.

Thank you all !!
Daniel
 
Smelly, I just read your thread. Can you provide me some examples of the jobs done with your Sherline Miller.

Thank you
Daniel
i have not yet purchased the sherline mill, I do not have need for it yet. I am still undecided about how much I will need it for doing wood work.I think we could easly get buy with the proxon . It is half the price of a sherline.
 
Hi Daniel, I too am considering a Proxxon MF70 - but I think I might save $100 and get the drill press stand ($85) X-Y table ($75) and the IBS/E rotary tool ($110) - I think for my uses (milling notches, accurate drill press, light milling duty in wood) this would do just fine, the biggest negative I have heard is that rotary tools are not accurate enough and they will flex and wear out when side loads from milling are applied but the IBS/E has a cast Aluminum Head support and ball bearing supported Spindle shaft just like the mf-70 so that is not an issue (advertised runout is .001”) it also has the same power (100watts) as the MF-70 and comes with a collet set but would still need the cutters ($30) Plus you get the advantage of having a top quality rotary tool! Would still need a good milling vise the ms-4 is $22 or I might spring for a Wilton angle drill press vise (if it will fit) ($75)

As far as jobs I would use a mill for - as stated notches for keel and frame floor notches as well as deck beams, carlings, knees (mostly if scratch building) accurate hatch and mast partners and corner joints, you could use it to mill out a rabbet and reduce the bearding line area on any model, gammoning slots, Mill nice profiles into railings and moldings, mill a billet of wood into the gun carriage profile and then slice off the side pieces with a table saw, mill spars with the octagon profile drill holes in masts and spars, lots of other uses and if you buy a rotary table there are even more jobs, milling arcs, ships wheels, capstan, Plus.....
 
Hi Daniel, I too am considering a Proxxon MF70 - but I think I might save $100 and get the drill press stand ($85) X-Y table ($75) and the IBS/E rotary tool ($110) - I think for my uses (milling notches, accurate drill press, light milling duty in wood) this would do just fine, the biggest negative I have heard is that rotary tools are not accurate enough and they will flex and wear out when side loads from milling are applied but the IBS/E has a cast Aluminum Head support and ball bearing supported Spindle shaft just like the mf-70 so that is not an issue (advertised runout is .001”) it also has the same power (100watts) as the MF-70 and comes with a collet set but would still need the cutters ($30) Plus you get the advantage of having a top quality rotary tool! Would still need a good milling vise the ms-4 is $22 or I might spring for a Wilton angle drill press vise (if it will fit) ($75)

As far as jobs I would use a mill for - as stated notches for keel and frame floor notches as well as deck beams, carlings, knees (mostly if scratch building) accurate hatch and mast partners and corner joints, you could use it to mill out a rabbet and reduce the bearding line area on any model, gammoning slots, Mill nice profiles into railings and moldings, mill a billet of wood into the gun carriage profile and then slice off the side pieces with a table saw, mill spars with the octagon profile drill holes in masts and spars, lots of other uses and if you buy a rotary table there are even more jobs, milling arcs, ships wheels, capstan, Plus.....

Thank you for such a detailed answer !!!

I found all the components you detailed in Amazon and saved them.

I am trying to locate this proxxon rotary tool:


Universal milling system UF/E

But I can only find European dealers. I just wrote an email to proxxon asking if it is on sale in USA.

Thank you again !!
Daniel
 
Thank you for such a detailed answer !!!

I found all the components you detailed in Amazon and saved them.

I am trying to locate this proxxon rotary tool:


Universal milling system UF/E

But I can only find European dealers. I just wrote an email to proxxon asking if it is on sale in USA.

Thank you again !!
Daniel
this unit needs 230 v... its cost with the nessary assesories would be $ 1000. plus. I think the proxon drill stand MB 200, table kt 70, and rotary tool IBS/E and the mf 70 . would be a good option for doing everything Stargazer said . Tool cost for those items would be $574 at amazon.ca
you still need the cutting tools. The micro mill MF 70 is $523 So what would be the better buy... knowing that the micro mill has problems.
 
this unit needs 230 v... its cost with the nessary assesories would be $ 1000. plus. I think the proxon drill stand MB 200, table kt 70, and rotary tool IBS/E and the mf 70 . would be a good option for doing everything Stargazer said . Tool cost for those items would be $574 at amazon.ca
you still need the cutting tools. The micro mill MF 70 is $523 So what would be the better buy... knowing that the micro mill has problems.

Thank you for your comments

What problems have the Micro Mill ?

Take a look to the vertical stand reviews. I think that is the weakest point for that setup.

Yes, the new milling tool i posted the link is the European model and is designed for their voltage .

The milling stand suggested by proxxon I can't find it in USA. Amazon brings it from UK. It is too expensive.

Bottom line, after all my searches during the last hour I belive that the Milling will be a good choice. But yet, that isn't my final decision.
 
harmonic frequency problems at certain speeds introduces vibrations, also plastic guide holding the spindle theaded shaft, nice litte machine, but at that price proxxon should have done better. At a very little cost.
 
the stand does have some issues, but easly fixed, check out youtube videos for this.....

Thank you !!!

After reading carefully stargazer posting with the list of potential uses. Looking reviews of the setup suggested by stargazer and a long phone call with a friend that has been using lathes and milling machines all his life we arrived to the conclusion that due to (a) the level of use in my hobby by myself (b) quality of materials based on company description, pictures and online reviews, and (c) price. The Proxxon MF70 was the best option.

The only weak part of the setup suggested by stargrazer is the drill stand that will not have the precision and quality that has stand of the MF70.


Because the difference in price was around $100, as pointed by stargazer, we (my friend and myself) decided that the MF70 was a better option for years to come.

Thank you Stargazer for taking the time writting a very detailed posting !!!! . And Smelly for adding to the discussion.

Best
Daniel
 
yes well after checking out a few other links , and sleeping on it , I am agreed that from the number of times i will need a milling machine, and I have no intension to mill metal. The level of use does not justify a bigger, better, mill such as a shurline. I have order a proxxon mf70 should arrive this friday.
 
yes well after checking out a few other links , and sleeping on it , I am agreed that from the number of times i will need a milling machine, and I have no intension to mill metal. The level of use does not justify a bigger, better, mill such as a shurline. I have order a proxxon mf70 should arrive this friday.

Good decision!! I read your thread a few weeks ago. Congrats !! Mine is arriving tomorrow.

My friend that has many sizes of lathes and also a Sherline milling and lathe too, at the end of our talk he said: " For you buying a Sherline will be like buying a truck to travel from point A to B, when a car is more than enough " :)

Cheers
Daniel
 
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