Buidling lower on milling machine question

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Buidling lower on milling machine question

Posted: 1/25/2009 3:26:27 AM EDT

Hi,
I was interested in machining my own lower from a casting and was wondering if anyone has tried doing this on a horizontal milling machine instead of a vertical? Any suggestions?

Posted: 1/25/2009 5:15:21 AM EDT

[#1]

As long as you have the tooling it could be done, but, it would be easier for me on a vertical. What kind of mill?

Posted: 1/25/2009 8:05:04 AM EDT

[#2]

Can't be done with a horizontal mill. There is no way you can cut the mag well or FCG pocket with a horiz. mill.

Posted: 1/25/2009 8:35:12 AM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
Hi,
I was interested in machining my own lower from a casting and was wondering if anyone has tried doing this on a horizontal milling machine instead of a vertical? Any suggestions?

I think you mean a FORGING, not a casting.

And you do want a vertical mill, not a horizontal, for the reasons outlined above.

CJ

Posted: 1/25/2009 12:48:25 PM EDT

[#4]

+1
For basic drilling and cutting operations, it could be done, but I can't see how you would get to the more advanced operations on a horizontal rig. Especially the mag and FCG wells. We use a Bridgeport vert and she's great. HOWEVER, don't let us stop you from trying to come up with some unique tooling or something. Just seems like it would be hard on a horz. machine. If you figure something out, by all means post it! Helping each other is what these forums are all about!

Posted: 1/25/2009 2:29:52 PM EDT

[#5]

If you were insanely creative, you could probably figure out a way to do the whole thing on a LATHE.

Chuck up the end mills in the lathe chuck and make the fixture to mount on the cross slide.

It'd be sort of like a vertical mill on its side.

CJ

Posted: 1/25/2009 2:56:20 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Can't be done with a horizontal mill. There is no way you can cut the mag well or FCG pocket with a horiz. mill.

Not exactly true... if you had something like an atlas benchtop or a barker, you could use an angle plate and vertical endmills after taking the overarm support off. It could be done but much easier on a vertical.

Posted: 1/25/2009 10:51:49 PM EDT

[#7]

Sound suspicessly like a horizontal milling machine. the main problem on horz mill is you can't see what your doing.

Quoted:
If you were insanely creative, you could probably figure out a way to do the whole thing on a LATHE.

Chuck up the end mills in the lathe chuck and make the fixture to mount on the cross slide.

It'd be sort of like a vertical mill on its side.

CJ

Posted: 1/26/2009 3:17:33 AM EDT

[#8]

Thanks for all the input!
The machine I have is a horizontal milling machine - an old Vernon/Sheldon machine.
I see your points about not being able to see the work on the mag well. I'm sure it is possible though it would take time for the setup and all.

For those of you who have used a vertical mill - did any of you machine it without a DRO?
I know with a DRO it makes life much easier- I have access also to a vertical MM without a DRO that's why I'm asking.

Posted: 1/26/2009 5:45:58 AM EDT

[#9]

Yes, I did my first ones without benefit of any DROs on the mill. Just relying on setting the handwheel dials, and the scribed layout lines on the lower.

I just got a new full-sized mill (Bridgeport copy, very solid, very rigid, with ball screws) and I need to acquire some Acu-Rite scales for it so I can use my VRO 300 DRO with it.
The VRO 300 can be programmed to guide the machine operator through the entire
process of milling the part.

The VRO 300 by itself was almost 2000 dollars originally. I got it for free.

Posted: 1/27/2009 3:54:30 AM EDT

[#10]

Hi Cj,

Thanks for the info. I have no access to a DRO though i'm sure it would make things alot easier!
Accu-Rite DRO-What a find for your milling machine! And free on top of that!
I'll be attempting it on a manual machine- I'll take your and others advice to take my time and carefully check measurements.

Posted: 1/27/2009 4:51:57 AM EDT

[#11]

It could be done on a horizontal. I've done lots of drilling on a MT2 horizontal; just need the right tooling and setup.

Posted: 1/27/2009 5:17:56 AM EDT

[#12]

Originally Posted By Hail Mary:
It could be done on a horizontal. I've done lots of drilling on a MT2 horizontal; just need the right tooling and setup.

This.

Its just a question of skillz and spending the money on proper tooling.

Verticals have only begun to catch on in the last 50 years or so.

Posted: 1/27/2009 6:51:19 AM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:
Hi Cj,

Thanks for the info. I have no access to a DRO though i'm sure it would make things alot easier!
Accu-Rite DRO-What a find for your milling machine! And free on top of that!
I'll be attempting it on a manual machine- I'll take your and others advice to take my time and carefully check measurements.

It gets better.

The DRO I'm going to use is the VRO 300M, which allows you to pre-program the part data into it and then to make the part, you simply have to follow
the directions the thing gives the operator. It's sort of manual CNC. The computer
gives directions and you crank the handles. Do it right and you've got your part.

I've got some Acu-Rite DRO200Ms for sale, incidentally. No scales, but they do work.

CJ

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Buidling lower on milling machine question

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