Milling

Milling is machining things using a rotating tool. Typically this is done using a milling machine but with a bit of ingenuity it also be done in the lathe.

Getting Started with a Milling Machine

A wooden crate from Arc Eurotrade

Andy sets about unpacking and setting up a small bench top vertical milling machine.

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Milling Machine

Milling Machine

Thanks to my kind fans, site sponsors and paid project work, I’ve managed to save up for a milling machine which was delivered earlier this month.

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Engineering Courses for model makers

Engineering Courses for model makers

For people interested in starting up in model engineering they often buy some equipment and some books and just learn by trial and error. However a beginners training course can really help you get past the first few hurdles and

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Axminster Cross Vice – Unboxing and review

Axminster Cross Vice - Unboxing and review

Thanks to an Axminster Gift token I’ve treated myself to a small cross-vice. I plan to use it for drilling holes accurately and for light milling. A drill press should not really be used for milling as sideways pressure will

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Vernon’s Vertical Slide

Vernon's Vertical Slide

Blokey shed metal worker Vernon recently bought an Australian made Nuttall lathe and decided to fabricate a vertical slide for it so he could do milling operations in the lathe. He’s kindly shared how he went about the process of

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Nano Machines

Nano Machines

Thanks to the forums at Home Model Engine Machinist I’ve found out about these tiny metal working tools from SIEG. The SIEG NANO series of engineering tools currently consists of three models, the lathe, the mill and the pillar drill.

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Collet Chuck

Collet Chuck

Previously when milling in the lathe I’ve just put the milling cutter in the jaws of the 3 jaw chuck. This is not idea as it may slip and could damage the chuck jaws if it does so. A better

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Knurling tool – Slot cutting

Knurling tool - Slot cutting

The next step that was taken on the knurling tool arms was to tidy up the slots in the ends. This was done with a 5mm end mill mounted in the lathe chuck. Ideally this would be mounted in a

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