Big Tools!

[EpicentrE]

For the next versions of Void and Zenith, a certain amount of milling is going to be needed. My attempts with my pillar drill and my unimat have failed miserably, so I've decided to splash out and get something that will do the job properly. I currently plan on buying this: http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... e=1&jump=0 the Axminster Micro Mill.

Firstly, if anyone has had any experience with this machine, let me know your opinions on it. Second, I'd like some advice on the best way to attach the workpeice to the bed, Axminster have a clamping set and some vices, which can be found here: http://www.axminster.co.uk/category.asp?cat_id=208138 . Which would be best for holding small, ant-sized peices (mostly 4mm polycarb)? The clamping set or one of the vices?

Thanks in Advance

[peterwaller]

Thats the Mill I have and its more than upto antweight work.
I use a vice on mine but its not perfect. When you are milling polycarb down to a thin section it does tend to bend under the pressure of the vice but with such small parts it would be difficult to use clamps.

[Andrew_Hibberd]

I have not used that mill, however if you left a little thicker material around the outside the piece then you can cut it off after milling.

[EpicentrE]

Thanks for the advice Pete, I should be ordering it over the next week or so.

This thread isn't just for me BTW, might aswell use it for all big tools requests/questions.

[Simon Windisch]

Big tools are good for me Scott, and I don't think this forum is so hung up on new topics any more.

Simon

[Lincoln]

I've just got an Axminster Micro Mill (like the one Scott started this thread with) - Birthday present - taking this antweight building too seriously now!

What I'm looking for is recommendations of the best plastics to work with for machining and where to buy them at sensible prices - which usually means in small enough quantities - there's no need for a 1m sheet for building an Ant.

Christopher
(Kenton is not allowed near it - the instructions had a useful bit spelling out that children should be kept away!)

[Simon Windisch]

I buy a lot of stuff from ebay seller ukroy, who is actually Ringwood Precision Engineering http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Ringwood-Precision-Engineering
Aluminium is just about machinable with my Axminster micro lathe, although you have to keep it thin to keep it light. Bright mild steel is impossible to cut, PTFE is easy to cut, but quite heavy. Delrin seems to be the best material, IMHO.

Nathan is only allowed to play with the lathe if it's unplugged, and I make sure I'm there as well. He has his own GR8 construction tool for machining balsa.

Simon