Sieg SX1LP Milling machine

Thanks Rob.

My feed screws seem very dry especially the Z axis which takes quite a load.
You might like to know that I have just found out from Crossfords in Wales that Molyslip HBS is now discontinued, but they can get an alternative but a box of 12

One tin would probably last me ten years!

I did not realise the chuck was retained by a drawbar, thought it was only milling cutters that required the bar due to side thrust, only noticed this when I partly dismantled the machine to make it movable. I'm not as tough as you.

But then again it does not appear to have a slot in the shaft to use a drift to break the taper's grip, so when I looked up top to insert a drawbar to free it I was surprised to see one already there.

While I was waiting for better weather in which to move the mill up the garden and clean it I bought an imperial drawbar and collets to allow me to use imperial end mills inherited from my dad, oh well I have two imperial bars now

Isn't this fun, and I haven't done more than make sure it runs so far, let alone machine anything

However, life would be a little boring if everything was straightforward, Jim

 

Wow you did metric at school.

 

So metric went for a chop.

 

Hi Rob, I did not have any collets already.

I bought the simple more compact MT2 collets to minimise protrusion from the spindle, downside they only accept the designated size of tool bit, but only three standard sizes (metric and imperial) are required or necessary in a Micro-Mill, or Mirco-Mill as the data panel on the m/c says.

To release the chuck I used a copper/hide mallet, has more mass to it than a rubber mallet, but a sharp tap was necessary.

Well I learnt most things in S.I. units in the 1970s and then worked for senior engineers in imperial for some years. Now with an Italian wife I mix and match units to suit the job and conversation.

Regarding grease I have ordered two items from Amazon :-

Comma GR2500G 500g Multi-Purpose Lithium Grease
Hazet 2162M Grease Gun

The miniature grease gun was not the cheapest but looking at the reviews seemed to be the best value for money.

Jim

 

Lithium gets the votes, thanks Bob.

 

An edge finder, just looked that up, what do you consider to be a worthwhile type, although individual needs will come into play here?

Jim

 

Thanks, I'll take a look, I'd rather spend my time doing my specific items rather than making easily available off the shelf items.

Life's too short, regards Jim

 

Hi Rob
Time is a rather more limited asset relative to cash, not that I am loaded, far from it

Twenty+ years ago I too would have made as many tools myself as possible for practice, with very limited budget, but I could not afford a mill then and if I could there was nowhere to install it. I used to do that a lot when learning about digital electronics and micro-controllers, designing and constructing various pieces of test kit, hardware, firmware and software, but I will make specialised jigs as required to aid machining.

Good idea about cutting a rule.

To start off I bought some budget parallels from ArcEuroTrade "Economy Thin Parallels-Set of 4prs 3.1/2"x5/32" - 1/2"to7/8"" Arc part # 100-140-00300 for just under £16.

Regards Jim

 

Hi Rob, they struck me as a cost effective starting point, it would be too easy to buy unnecessarily precise (and costly) parallels.

Can buy thicker ones later if necessary.

Regards Jim