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Post by cycomoto on Jun 16, 2008 16:45:25 GMT -5
I am considering getting a CNC mill and lathe to make some custom parts. I want to prototype/make things like brake caliper brackets, rearset brackets, etc. I have designed a couple of pieces and had them made but I have never run a metal mill/lathe myself. Am I crazy?
Does anyone have any suggestions on a good, affordable mill?
This is the most creative forum that I hang out on and there seems to be a very broad set of skills here. So I am hoping someone has some good advice. Thanks in advance.
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jeffz
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Posts: 215
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Post by jeffz on Jun 16, 2008 17:43:48 GMT -5
You'd probably be better off finding a cheap 2-axis CNC mill. But if you have never run one, then you are in for a long learning experience. I've actually never run a CNC Lathe before, but have plenty of experience running a manual lathe. For most of the stuff you would be building for a bike, like bushings and stuff, a manual lathe would work fine and be a lot cheaper. Another thing to consider is all the tooling that you will need to buy in order to use your new mill/lathe. A decent lathe chuck can run anywhere from $600-$3000 and up. End mills and cutters for the mill can be anywhere from $5 to $400 plus you have to have the correct collet designed for the mill. I'm sure there are some others on here that can help you out more. As for myself, I have it pretty good, since I work at a tool-making business and get to use the equipment whenever I want.
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Post by stevec5000 on Jun 16, 2008 17:57:31 GMT -5
We aren't qualified to comment on how crazy you are but I don't think you can go wrong buying machine tools. I have a little metal lathe that's handy for making horn and starter buttons, carb drain screws and other things and I have a large floor standing drill press but I'd like to get a milling machine sometime too. It helps if you live near a Northern Tool or Harbor Freight store so you can get all the bits, cutting wheels and other items you are going to need.
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Post by cycomoto on Jun 16, 2008 21:36:25 GMT -5
Talked to a machinest friend today and he suggested that I get a manual mill drill and a contour saw (metal band saw). No need for a CNC machine. He said that I should be able to do 90% of what I want. Add a lathe and I'm up to 95%. The other 5% I should just hire out. So I am in the market for both pieces. I expect that I can get both for $2000-$3000, plus tooling. Anyone out there got any suggestions on brands or specific models? Thanks.
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Post by stevec5000 on Jun 16, 2008 22:28:24 GMT -5
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Post by StewRoss on Jun 17, 2008 2:45:37 GMT -5
I tend to agree with your friend...I am still to get a bandsaw and a bender...once I have them I'll be happy...well mostly anyway...heh, heh...I'd really like a works Honda racer...sigh... SR  |
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jeffz
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Posts: 215
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Post by jeffz on Jun 17, 2008 6:46:39 GMT -5
LeBlond Lathes and Bridgeport mills.
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Post by colinjay on Jun 17, 2008 17:37:28 GMT -5
My only sugestion would be to beware of cheap and Chinese machinery. My drill press was cheap and is chinese, and while good enough for puting holes in bracket and the like has way to much slack in the head bearings too use for presision work.
On my lottery win list, is a descent lathe, a milling machine and the whole grail of a combined TIG/MIG welder. I will be lashing out in the next few weeks and buying a medium sized cheap (read chinese made) bead blasting cabinet and hopefully my compressor will have a high enough free air delivery to power it.
CJ
P.S. many of us look at you, Stew, with green eyes!
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Post by StewRoss on Jun 18, 2008 1:48:04 GMT -5
Heh, heh...I wanted a good mill like that one for many years...I wanted a setup similar to my mentor DB. I bought it to set myself up for when I retire...hopefully I will get to finish all of my projects. SR  |
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sven
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Post by sven on Jun 20, 2008 13:05:03 GMT -5
I am considering getting a CNC mill and lathe to make some custom parts. ... I have never run a metal mill/lathe myself. ... Am I crazy? Do you want an honest answer? ;D |
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Post by andy on Jun 20, 2008 15:25:08 GMT -5
Hi Cycomoto,No your not mad at all...........providing youve got a good sized wallet! I've been proggraming and operated cnc mills for 25 years now and yes there is a big learning curve and cutting metals is a whole lot different to playing with plastics and other composite materials,but the big thing is are you intending to offset your costs by marketing your products? if not forget it because cnc m/c tools can churn out a serious amount of components in allsorts of materials especially aliminium and quite frankly once youve made your own bits where do you go from then on.I'm not sure whats available to you but I would be looking for a decent Bridgeport interact with preferably a Heidenhain controller[extremely user friendly],forget multi toolchangers thats overkill at this stage.Previous comments are spot on regarding the lathe,stick to a small quality centre lathe,again cnc lathes are great if you intend to make 1,000's of the same part.Your spirit is admirable,goodluck and keep us all posted.
Regards,
Andy
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