Starter Tooling for Mill

[AllThumbz]

I recently bought a VN #12 milling machine. I was wondering what tooling I should minimally have for this machine, so that I don't spend money on things I may not need.

I would like to cut gears with the machine, so a dividing head or rotary table would help.

Thanks for the advice.

Best,


Nelson

[RobbieKnobbie]

Well, I'd say the first accessory for the mill that you're going to need to cut gears would be a lathe.

It gets complicated after that... but ends somewhere with thread wires.

[saltmine]

One of the first things I bought for my Mill was a set of R-8 collets, and have never regretted it.

A clamping set and/or a good mill vice would be another thing to get.

Don't fall into the same trap as a lot of guys who are starting out and buy a cheapie milling vice. Get a good one, it will pay for itself in no time.

[Toolguy]

I'm assuming a VN#12 is a Van Norman. I don't think they have any that are R8.

[Steve Steven]

You don't say what you have with the machine. If you don't have any, a set of collets (tools4less has a set for $175) is a necessity, then a 1" shank arbor (probably a Van Norman "C" type also known as Hardinge 5V) for your gear cutter, used with the Overarm and support. Hope you have the overarm and support, they are hard to find but you can build them.

Steve

[SGW]

You don't need "a full set of collets." You can start with 3/16, 3/8, and 1/2, and hold virtually all the end mills you'll ever use. If the collet capacity of the machine goes up to 3/4, get 5/8 and 3/4. For any other size, wait until you need it.

You'll need a drill chuck. If you can get one with an integral shank for the machine taper that's nice; otherwise get one with a straight shank the size of your largest collet. Keyless chucks are nice, but you don't need one; a 0-1/2" Jacobs key chuck is perfectly satisfactory, and cheaper.

A hold-down set to match your table T-slots. It's well worth buying a set rather than trying to make-do with random bolts and bits of scrap.

At some point you may want a boring head. If you get one, try to get one with an integral taper shank. In my experience, holding a straight-shank boring head in a collet lacks sufficient rgidity.

[AllThumbz]

VN=Van Norman. Mine is 1942 vintage. Here is the link to the pics of my restoration efforts thus far:

http://picasaweb.google.com/ntimken/VanNorman12#

Salt> The VN takes 5Vs which are VN's version of 5Cs. The seller included a few 5Vs and a chinese vice in decent condition. I had a choice between a very well worn BP vice or the chinese one and chose chinese. It looks like a Phase II.

Steve and SGW> I have a few 5V collets. I have the overarm and support for it. I have an arbor- I think it is 1 inch.

I need to buy a drill chuck. I dont know the taper of the VN cutting head.

I need to buy a hold-down set. Enco has a couple, I think they are 3/8 or 5/8 inch.

I need a boring head.

What about cutters,a dividing head for gears? What about tramming- anything special needed other than a dial indicator and mag. base (Noga)?

Thanks a bunch, guys!


Best,


Nelson

[Stu]

You will need some measuring tools. A 0-1" micrometer, a 6" analog or digital caliper, a dial indicator or test indicator with a mag base and a 6" scale should get you started till you really know what others you will be needing.

Bill