New boy says hello

[krv3000]

hi and welcome

[Old Minger]

Just a quick update. I purchased the combi square set and it was a Mitutoyo not a sterrett. It is in great condition and the chap threw in about 50 assorted taps, dies and thread chasers all for $100 so seemed like a good deal and a good place to start.

Thanks to Darren who was kind enough to send me a couple of books on how not to kill yourself while operating a lathe, thanks mate!

One last quick question, (should this be a new post?)

I have been offered a milling machine that is being given away as it is no longer being used. It is from our local University and was used in their maintenance dept. That's all I know at the moment but sounds like I should at least check it out. Is this wise considering I can barely turn a lathe on and off at present!

[Mayhem]

If you can get it - GET IT. Having a mill is not something that you will regret. Letting one slip through your fingers however will cause a lifetime of regret.

Of course, you want to ensure that it runs smoothly and quietly through all the speeds and check to see that the table isn't sloppy. Position the table in the mid point of its travel and grab one end and try to push away/pull toward you. A little movement may just be the gibs in need of adjustment. Also look at the handles. If they have been abused then there will be a good bet that it hasn't been treated well (I have a whole thread on this )

Cost, size, transportation etc are all other things you need to consider. Others will be able to chime in on additional things to look for.

Can you get pictures and more details???

[Old Minger]

I'll be speaking to the guy tomorrow. Anything in particular I should  be asking?

[Mayhem]

make
model
year of manufacture
spindle speeds (step pulley or vari-speed)
spindle taper
table size
axis travel
does it have a quill feed?
does it have any axis feeds?

Some of these are not critical things but would be good to know. Also ask if it comes with any tooling, as this is by far the biggest expense but some stuff you can make yourself. See if you can get any pictures.

[f350ca]

(02-17-2016, 03:05 AM)Old Minger Wrote: I'll be speaking to the guy tomorrow. Anything in particular I should  be asking?

How quick can I load it, is the only thing I'd ask. If its free it has to be better than a drill press and a file.
Oh ya good score on the square, I doubt you'll regret it.

[Roadracer_Al]

I wouldn't ask a lot of questions, but the first question I'd ask is about the power requirements -- if it's 3-Phase, you'd have to get a phase converter in order to run it.

Don't take the car to meet the guy. Take the pickup truck. Don't have a pickup, figure out where you can rent one. Don't let this slip by. Free is the right price.

Do take friends who are conversant with moving machinery. It's not hard work, but it's tricky. More than one otherwise good machine has met it's end by being tipped over while moving it.

Even if it's a tracer mill (a pre-CNC setup for production duplication), and even if it's a completely broken-down useless POS with missing parts... you can still sell parts on eBay and scrap out what doesn't sell, earning a couple hundred bucks.

[Pete O]

Quote:How quick can I load it, is the only thing I'd ask.

Yep, 'how soon can I get it' and 'do you have anything else you want to get rid of'.

[Mayhem]

I missed the "given away" part

In that case - ask if there is any tooling included, say thank you, shake his hand and load it up :)

[wawoodman]

Man, I gotta get a better class of friends...