Posted: 6/8/2025 1:40:19 AM EDT
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It's New (to me) Mill Day... er... Night...?? I just got home from a silly amount of driving... but I have a mill. It's not as big as I'd like, but the price was right. It came with some nice tooling to get me started on the path too - - R8 Collet Set - Shars 2" Boring Head with R8 Shank + 4 pcs 1/2" Indexable Boring Bar Set - Set of parallels - The vice - 45 deg. 1 1/2" indexable end mill - T-slot clamp set Attached File What pushed it over the top though... listed in another ad was..... Attached File ok - pic not loading - I'll get that fixed. but SO - now the fun starts. And after the fun of clearing space and organizing a place to put it, I'll work with it in manual form a bit before taking it apart and putting the CNC parts in it. 
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Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
I'm not lazy, I just really enjoy doing nothing.
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Originally Posted By Cycolac: Well..we're waiting.gif How much? All In, $2200, 65 gallons of gas, A $50 trailer rental, and 2 quarts of 5w30. Oh, and a $4 spicy chicken wrap + $5 of weird energy drinks. |
Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
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Originally Posted By hollowhandle: Would that be a good mill for gunsmith work? I'm retiring in a few years and am thinking about a mill. My needs could be classed as Advanced Hobbyist, so the small PM-25 is (I hope!) plenty for me. If I wind up wanting more, well, I can sell it cheap and still make a profit. Of course, I'm the guy that started out wanting a $700 Vevor lathe and was recently considering a $200 hobby router, so any advice I may offer is already suspect. 
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Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
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10+ years ago, I bought a LMS 3900 mini-mill thinking one day I'd replace it with a Bridgeport Series 1 or maybe even keep it and convert it to cnc. 5 or so years ago I got a Bridgeport and I still use the mini-mill regularly. If all I ever worked on was larger projects, tractors, heavily equipment or semis, the mini-mill wouldn't see use. But for firearms related projects, a smaller machine is a lot easier to work. As always, the right answer is BOTH ! ETA, a 6" rotary table is probably as big as you'll want to have for that mill. For most work, its too small on the bridgeport, but I've used it. |
A firearm is like a parachute, if you need one but don't have one, you'll probably never need one again. IG @jimstagramguns
Land of the once free & the home of the narrative.
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Originally Posted By AFCarbon15: 10+ years ago, I bought a LMS 3900 mini-mill thinking one day I'd replace it with a Bridgeport Series 1 or maybe even keep it and convert it to cnc. 5 or so years ago I got a Bridgeport and I still use the mini-mill regularly. If all I ever worked on was larger projects, tractors, heavily equipment or semis, the mini-mill wouldn't see use. But for firearms related projects, a smaller machine is a lot easier to work. As always, the right answer is BOTH ! |
If some of you put this much fervor into your community or church, instead of arguing with people voting for the same politician, the world would be a much better place. -Skg_Mre_Lght
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Originally Posted By OG1: I have same setup as OP and I agree. For what I do it is all I need. I thought I needed a large lathe so bought it but really only ever use the small one lol. Sometimes I get big jobs in that warrant it. I don't recall - are your current receiver jigs home made or commercial? I have a friend with a 3d printer, but I'm not sure if the plastic they can handle is strong enough to get clamped down in a vise. (but, I'll openly admit, right now I'm just happy to have it off the trailer and in a dry place) |
Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Land of the once free & the home of the narrative.
Joined:
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EE: 100% (216)
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Originally Posted By Amish_Bill: OG1 - once I get it squared up and the CNC kit installed, I look forward to trying out the recipe you shared a while back. : - ) I don't recall - are your current receiver jigs home made or commercial? I have a friend with a 3d printer, but I'm not sure if the plastic they can handle is strong enough to get clamped down in a vise. (but, I'll openly admit, right now I'm just happy to have it off the trailer and in a dry place) |
If some of you put this much fervor into your community or church, instead of arguing with people voting for the same politician, the world would be a much better place. -Skg_Mre_Lght
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email on the way ... now I've gotta get off my butt and order the spinny-cutty-sticks so I can go at it with more than FB Hopes and Prayers. |
Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
|
Originally Posted By Amish_Bill: email on the way ... now I've gotta get off my butt and order the spinny-cutty-sticks so I can go at it with more than FB Hopes and Prayers. Don't laugh at me but these have worked well thus far on my PM-833TV:  
I have a couple of sets of US made HSS and carbide end mills but haven't had a reason to use them yet as the above are working fine on aluminum anyway. |
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Originally Posted By Firestarter123: Don't laugh at me but these have worked well thus far on my PM-833TV: www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZZYJU2U I have a couple of sets of US made HSS and carbide end mills but haven't had a reason to use them yet as the above are working fine on aluminum anyway. |
Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
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These were $13.99 a couple of months ago when I bought them. Amazon Carbide |
A firearm is like a parachute, if you need one but don't have one, you'll probably never need one again. IG @jimstagramguns
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Partial update - I setup the control box and motors on a table to test. I was really hoping one of the previous owners had upgraded to Mill Pro, but it's still at Mill Free. : - ( It was interesting... I got the Acorn Mill software talking to it, but the estop wasn't working. It turns out there were 4 different wiring errors on the controller. Wrong contacts on the estop, estop wired to the wrong terminals, a missing power line, and the limit switch wiring setup wrong. It now will pretend to be carving something as the steppers sing, and the e-stop works. I don't have limit switches to wire up, so those will be tested later. Next... reinforce the stand I want to use and get the mill installed.... |
Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
|
Originally Posted By Cycolac: Well..we're waiting.gif ... Originally Posted By Firestarter123: Don't laugh at me but these have worked well thus far on my PM-833TV: ... Originally Posted By Amish_Bill: I will neither confirm nor deny the existence of that exact set in my Amazon cart. In more somber news, the cost of this has just gone up in a most distressing manner. I'm thinking of declaring a Day or Mourning and taking tomorrow off. It is truly the end of an era. RIP Winter FlipFlop. Attached File Fear not fellow mourners, for it's sacrifice was not in vain. Attached File Attached File It's still on wheels, but space has been made and it's where it will go. |
Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Land of the once free & the home of the narrative.
Joined:
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Originally Posted By Amish_Bill: ... and I have absolutely no idea how I wound up with two of those sets in an Amazon box. No, literally - I have no idea how I fat-fingered it to get two. In more somber news, the cost of this has just gone up in a most distressing manner. I'm thinking of declaring a Day or Mourning and taking tomorrow off. It is truly the end of an era. RIP Winter FlipFlop. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/1410/Winter_FlipFlop_Down_700_jpg-3570773.JPG Fear not fellow mourners, for it's sacrifice was not in vain. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/1410/PM-25_Placing_on_Stand_700_jpg-3570776.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/1410/PM-25_in_place_700_jpg-3570777.JPG It's still on wheels, but space has been made and it's where it will go. |
If some of you put this much fervor into your community or church, instead of arguing with people voting for the same politician, the world would be a much better place. -Skg_Mre_Lght
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In mildly, but not devastating news, I've discovered the steppers that came with this are open loop. As I've read, that means the controller can tell the motor to move a step, but has no way to know if the motor actually moved. I'm still going to do the CNC upgrade sometime after I set it up as a manual, but once I do, will keep my eyes open for hints of skipped steps. I'm already shopping for closed loop steppers... It looks like I can get a Nema 34 9nm for Z, two Nema 23 4nm for X and Y, drivers and power supplies from SteppersOnline somewhere between $300-$500. I have the case, Acorn board and ballscrews though, so even if I wind up buying these new parts, I'm still way, way ahead.
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Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Land of the once free & the home of the narrative.
Joined:
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| I used open loop for a long time. They are just as good.....until they are not lol. I upgraded to closed loop after using a heavy 6 inch vise, 4 inch Kurt and a 4th axis and the weight was too much and several times missed steps and ruined parts. When it was solo vise I never had a problem |
If some of you put this much fervor into your community or church, instead of arguing with people voting for the same politician, the world would be a much better place. -Skg_Mre_Lght
|
I don't think I'll be adding that much weight for a while. Maybe I can get away with what I have longer than expected. What strength steppers did you have / did you get? I've got a 3-pack of 3Nm Nema 23 w/ drivers and 36v power supply, and a 12Nm Nema 34 with 60v power supply and driver in my cart at StepperOnline for $411 shipped. It might be a bit overkill, but I've heard there's no kill like overkill, so... ; - ) The more I see myself replacing in my existing controller box, the more I see all the new components being bolted to the wall so I can enjoy all the blinken-liten as it works. |
Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Land of the once free & the home of the narrative.
Joined:
Jan 2012
Posts:
28695
EE: 100% (216)
AL, USA
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Originally Posted By Amish_Bill: I don't think I'll be adding that much weight for a while. Maybe I can get away with what I have longer than expected. What strength steppers did you have / did you get? I've got a 3-pack of 3Nm Nema 23 w/ drivers and 36v power supply, and a 12Nm Nema 34 with 60v power supply and driver in my cart at StepperOnline for $411 shipped. It might be a bit overkill, but I've heard there's no kill like overkill, so... ; - ) The more I see myself replacing in my existing controller box, the more I see all the new components being bolted to the wall so I can enjoy all the blinken-liten as it works. and two of these for X/Y: |
If some of you put this much fervor into your community or church, instead of arguing with people voting for the same politician, the world would be a much better place. -Skg_Mre_Lght
|
Originally Posted By Amish_Bill: In mildly, but not devastating news, I've discovered the steppers that came with this are open loop. As I've read, that means the controller can tell the motor to move a step, but has no way to know if the motor actually moved. I'm still going to do the CNC upgrade sometime after I set it up as a manual, but once I do, will keep my eyes open for hints of skipped steps. I'm already shopping for closed loop steppers... It looks like I can get a Nema 34 9nm for Z, two Nema 23 4nm for X and Y, drivers and power supplies from SteppersOnline somewhere between $300-$500. I have the case, Acorn board and ballscrews though, so even if I wind up buying these new parts, I'm still way, way ahead. You can add an inexpensive digital readout unit to confirm the movement or accuracy of your controller. |
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Originally Posted By OG1: I went with one of these for Z : www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7QH7K1T and two of these for X/Y: www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6943QBM Originally Posted By OG1: I went with one of these for Z : www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7QH7K1T and two of these for X/Y: www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6943QBM Originally Posted By TinSpinner: You can add an inexpensive digital readout unit to confirm the movement or accuracy of your controller. |
Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman