Don't know much about machine work, but I'd like to use my Drill Press to mill out stocks and bedding material. Can I use a mill bit? If so, I need recommendations on configuration and source.
Robert
Robert
Gunsmithing Recommendation for Mill Bit
- Thread starter Grand
- Start date
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
don't do it. it is dangerous. the taper holding your chuck to the spindle is not designed for side loads and will eject across the shop.
don't do it. it is dangerous. the taper holding your chuck to the spindle is not designed for side loads and will eject across the shop.
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
A bit goes in a horses mouth.lol The proper name is end mills. As stated earlier, it can be done, but not recommended.
A bit goes in a horses mouth.lol The proper name is end mills. As stated earlier, it can be done, but not recommended.
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
My Jet drill press has a female #2 Morse taper in the spindle.
My Rockwell drill press has a male #33 Jacobs taper on the spindle.
My Rockwell mill has a female R8 taper with draw bar in the spindle.
I have had the chuck and arbor fall out of the #2 Morse taper when just drilling.
I have cleaned all the lube out of the connection and put corn starch or powder sugar in there. I have pounded the chuck and arbor back in with a mallet. I have not resorted to Loc-tite yet.
I do not see any great danger trying to use the drill press as a mill. If the arbor, chuck, and end mill bit fall out, they are not going to make a huge gouge in the work, just a small one.
And I do not see how a spinning top is going to fly across the room.
If you have an X-Y table for your drill press, and put some foam rubber in the vise to hold your stock, then one of each of these mill bits might be a cheap place to start:
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INLMKD&PMPXNO=28767077&PMAKA=TJ320-3825
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INLMKD&PMPXNO=28766758&PMAKA=TJ325-4113
Running the drill press fast is how to cut wood.
I like to put a shop vac next to the cut to catch the chips and dust.
My Jet drill press has a female #2 Morse taper in the spindle.
My Rockwell drill press has a male #33 Jacobs taper on the spindle.
My Rockwell mill has a female R8 taper with draw bar in the spindle.
I have had the chuck and arbor fall out of the #2 Morse taper when just drilling.
I have cleaned all the lube out of the connection and put corn starch or powder sugar in there. I have pounded the chuck and arbor back in with a mallet. I have not resorted to Loc-tite yet.
I do not see any great danger trying to use the drill press as a mill. If the arbor, chuck, and end mill bit fall out, they are not going to make a huge gouge in the work, just a small one.
And I do not see how a spinning top is going to fly across the room.
If you have an X-Y table for your drill press, and put some foam rubber in the vise to hold your stock, then one of each of these mill bits might be a cheap place to start:
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INLMKD&PMPXNO=28767077&PMAKA=TJ320-3825
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INLMKD&PMPXNO=28766758&PMAKA=TJ325-4113
Running the drill press fast is how to cut wood.
I like to put a shop vac next to the cut to catch the chips and dust.
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
You've just got some pretty good advise from 3oo Sniper & Triple 6, experienced machinists.
You'd be wise to heed that advise.
You've just got some pretty good advise from 3oo Sniper & Triple 6, experienced machinists.
You'd be wise to heed that advise.
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
Besides being a bad idea you'll get a horrible cut. A normal drill press has a fairly spindly column and isn't rigid. Especially if it's a desk top drill press. Your cut will walk all over the place and not be anywhere near accurate. You haven't mentioned what kind of drill press you have so I guess it could be the King Kong of drill presses but even so. A mill is heavy for a reason, to stay put, fight vibration and movement. These will all cause sloppy and erratic cuts.
The CNC mill I'm having delivered this weekend is a retrofitted knee mill and it's 3,000 pounds.
Just my 2 cents, which is reduced to 1/2 a cent after taxes.
Besides being a bad idea you'll get a horrible cut. A normal drill press has a fairly spindly column and isn't rigid. Especially if it's a desk top drill press. Your cut will walk all over the place and not be anywhere near accurate. You haven't mentioned what kind of drill press you have so I guess it could be the King Kong of drill presses but even so. A mill is heavy for a reason, to stay put, fight vibration and movement. These will all cause sloppy and erratic cuts.
The CNC mill I'm having delivered this weekend is a retrofitted knee mill and it's 3,000 pounds.
Just my 2 cents, which is reduced to 1/2 a cent after taxes.
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
I've got a good table vise, but my Press is relatively lightweight. Sounds like a bad idea. Thanks for the imput.
I've got a good table vise, but my Press is relatively lightweight. Sounds like a bad idea. Thanks for the imput.
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
After reading some of the above posts, I thought I was going to have to go out in the shop and make a video while milling some material out of a stock with a drill press, and post it on youtube.
Then I got lazy and just did a search.
Here is a youtube of some guy using a drill press to mill out wood:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQEwYOZnFME
Here is some other guy milling Aluminum with his drill press:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBx5FPVExjA
What does it all mean?
I am 59 years old and have been hearing about what milling can and cannot be done on a drill press for my entire life.
It seems, from reading this forum, like some of the mill on a drill press folklore is beginning to get lost.
After reading some of the above posts, I thought I was going to have to go out in the shop and make a video while milling some material out of a stock with a drill press, and post it on youtube.
Then I got lazy and just did a search.
Here is a youtube of some guy using a drill press to mill out wood:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQEwYOZnFME
Here is some other guy milling Aluminum with his drill press:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBx5FPVExjA
What does it all mean?
I am 59 years old and have been hearing about what milling can and cannot be done on a drill press for my entire life.
It seems, from reading this forum, like some of the mill on a drill press folklore is beginning to get lost.
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
Another thing to bring up, is the radial and thrust bearing load difference.
Drill press's generally have a primary thrust bearing, whereas mills generally have a more robust spindle which has both radial and thrust bearings. To take up the load.
Do what works for you, give'r, don't let us hold you back. Float your boat, even. Just because something may 'work' doesnt' exactly mean that it/you should.
Here's another adage: Always use a firearm's safety, but NEVER trust it. Any idea why?
Another thing to bring up, is the radial and thrust bearing load difference.
Drill press's generally have a primary thrust bearing, whereas mills generally have a more robust spindle which has both radial and thrust bearings. To take up the load.
Do what works for you, give'r, don't let us hold you back. Float your boat, even. Just because something may 'work' doesnt' exactly mean that it/you should.
Here's another adage: Always use a firearm's safety, but NEVER trust it. Any idea why?
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
What does it all mean?
I am 59 years old and have been hearing about what milling can and cannot be done on a drill press for my entire life.
It seems, from reading this forum, like some of the mill on a drill press folklore is beginning to get lost.
</div></div>
i know someone that drove drunk every single day of his twenties and got away with it. that doesn't mean it is a good thing to do or safe.
i've seen enough pictures of drill chucks put through walls from people trying to mill with a drill press that i won't consider it and would seriously advise other people don't either.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
What does it all mean?
I am 59 years old and have been hearing about what milling can and cannot be done on a drill press for my entire life.
It seems, from reading this forum, like some of the mill on a drill press folklore is beginning to get lost.
</div></div>
i know someone that drove drunk every single day of his twenties and got away with it. that doesn't mean it is a good thing to do or safe.
i've seen enough pictures of drill chucks put through walls from people trying to mill with a drill press that i won't consider it and would seriously advise other people don't either.
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">After reading some of the above posts, I thought I was going to have to go out in the shop and make a video while milling some material out of a stock with a drill press, and post it on youtube.
Then I got lazy and just did a search.
Here is a youtube of some guy using a drill press to mill out wood:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQEwYOZnFME
Here is some other guy milling Aluminum with his drill press:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBx5FPVExjA
What does it all mean?
I am 59 years old and have been hearing about what milling can and cannot be done on a drill press for my entire life.
It seems, from reading this forum, like some of the mill on a drill press folklore is beginning to get lost.
</div></div>
I agree, unless you are doing a precision cut (hogging out a stock may be tight but it's not precision work) a drill press can be used.
As far as side loads go on a drill press, just go easy on them. Yes, a mill has bearings that take up side load. But, those are meant to keep the tool in perfect alignment at high speeds. So, just go slow, turn the press up to it's highest speed.
If you were going to do this on a full time basis, I would look into a mill.
The reason a router doesn't work so well is the stocks are not always square or easy to get down into all parts.
Also, if you will note, in the youtube video, the guy was using a very good vice on his press table. That will keep the work from skipping around yet still allow you to move the part to get the cuts you need.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">After reading some of the above posts, I thought I was going to have to go out in the shop and make a video while milling some material out of a stock with a drill press, and post it on youtube.
Then I got lazy and just did a search.
Here is a youtube of some guy using a drill press to mill out wood:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQEwYOZnFME
Here is some other guy milling Aluminum with his drill press:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBx5FPVExjA
What does it all mean?
I am 59 years old and have been hearing about what milling can and cannot be done on a drill press for my entire life.
It seems, from reading this forum, like some of the mill on a drill press folklore is beginning to get lost.
</div></div>
I agree, unless you are doing a precision cut (hogging out a stock may be tight but it's not precision work) a drill press can be used.
As far as side loads go on a drill press, just go easy on them. Yes, a mill has bearings that take up side load. But, those are meant to keep the tool in perfect alignment at high speeds. So, just go slow, turn the press up to it's highest speed.
If you were going to do this on a full time basis, I would look into a mill.
The reason a router doesn't work so well is the stocks are not always square or easy to get down into all parts.
Also, if you will note, in the youtube video, the guy was using a very good vice on his press table. That will keep the work from skipping around yet still allow you to move the part to get the cuts you need.
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
The bearings on a drill press are typically one small ball bearing on top of the spindle and one small bearing on the bottom of the spindle.
The bearings in a mill are typically one medium bearing on top and two large D shaped race ball bearing on the bottom in back to back configuration with either ground to match inner races or custom fit shims to adjust the pre load.
Often some cheapskate will replace the worn out $100 D bearing pair on the bottom of the mill spindle with $3 standard ball bearings. The accuracy and service life are not quite as good, but so much better than the worn out old bearings, that they are acceptable.
Ironically most people think that the radial thrust put on drill press bearings during milling is something the bearings are not designed for. The D bearings are made for more axial thrust. The problems with the drill press bearings start with their size.
The idea that a mill's bearings can side load end mills to cut a pound of steel chips per hour, but a drill press' ball bearings that are 25% of that size cannot take off an ounce of wood chips is not realistic.
Many of the force issues can be lowered with using a smaller diameter cutting tool.
The bearings on a drill press are typically one small ball bearing on top of the spindle and one small bearing on the bottom of the spindle.
The bearings in a mill are typically one medium bearing on top and two large D shaped race ball bearing on the bottom in back to back configuration with either ground to match inner races or custom fit shims to adjust the pre load.
Often some cheapskate will replace the worn out $100 D bearing pair on the bottom of the mill spindle with $3 standard ball bearings. The accuracy and service life are not quite as good, but so much better than the worn out old bearings, that they are acceptable.
Ironically most people think that the radial thrust put on drill press bearings during milling is something the bearings are not designed for. The D bearings are made for more axial thrust. The problems with the drill press bearings start with their size.
The idea that a mill's bearings can side load end mills to cut a pound of steel chips per hour, but a drill press' ball bearings that are 25% of that size cannot take off an ounce of wood chips is not realistic.
Many of the force issues can be lowered with using a smaller diameter cutting tool.
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Grand</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Don't know much about machine work, but I'd like to use my Drill Press to mill out stocks and bedding material. Can I use a mill bit? If so, I need recommendations on configuration and source.
Robert </div></div>
A drill press is not a milling machine. As others have eluded to your setting yourself up for failure that could result in a trip to the ER. (doubt it, but anything is possible)
If forced to do inletting work at home your far, far better off with a Dremel tool. (Understand I HATE saying that)
If you had a massive drill press and a vise with controllable X/Y axis adjustments then MAAAAAYYYYBBBEEE it'd work but I still doubt it.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Grand</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Don't know much about machine work, but I'd like to use my Drill Press to mill out stocks and bedding material. Can I use a mill bit? If so, I need recommendations on configuration and source.
Robert </div></div>
A drill press is not a milling machine. As others have eluded to your setting yourself up for failure that could result in a trip to the ER. (doubt it, but anything is possible)
If forced to do inletting work at home your far, far better off with a Dremel tool. (Understand I HATE saying that)
If you had a massive drill press and a vise with controllable X/Y axis adjustments then MAAAAAYYYYBBBEEE it'd work but I still doubt it.
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
In the end it comes down to this. It's your stuff if you want to try it, go for it. I've done a little myself in a pinch, it usually left a shitty finish, sounded like the drill press was going to fly apart, etc. But like I said earlier, it's your stuff.
In the end it comes down to this. It's your stuff if you want to try it, go for it. I've done a little myself in a pinch, it usually left a shitty finish, sounded like the drill press was going to fly apart, etc. But like I said earlier, it's your stuff.
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
Try doing this with a drill press.
It worked, but I highly recommend against it.
Try doing this with a drill press.
It worked, but I highly recommend against it.
Re: Recommendation for Mill Bit
Years ago I was warned not to side load a tool with a drill press, I tried it anyway. The chuck will likely come flying out of the spindle as it did for my.Potentially a great chicklet smasher
Years ago I was warned not to side load a tool with a drill press, I tried it anyway. The chuck will likely come flying out of the spindle as it did for my.Potentially a great chicklet smasher
