01-02-2015, 10:39 PM
I'm not here to trash anyone's machine selection as I'm all too aware of price being a major factor. A couple of issues with the bench mills is rigidity of the spindle and/or spindle bearings which can produce results quite similar to an out of tram situation. The other is having to use shims to tram the mill instead of having built in adjustments.
Tom has some excellent information on his site and here on the forum. However I tend to make the nose radius bigger on a flycutter just to increase longevity of the cutting tool. Just different strokes.
Ed, as to machine selection I recommend checking out Lost Creek Machine http://www.lostcreekmachine.com/ in Ottawa, IL just East of Chicago. Matt is a straight shooter and I bought my Logan 14X30 from him. Going up next week to pick up a Harig 6X12 surface grinder (a 2 day trip for me). He sells mostly used equipment, but does rep new lathes and mills. I have absolutely no business connection with him other than being a very satisfied customer. Depending on where you are in MN he could be within a decent driving distance.
Tom has some excellent information on his site and here on the forum. However I tend to make the nose radius bigger on a flycutter just to increase longevity of the cutting tool. Just different strokes.
Ed, as to machine selection I recommend checking out Lost Creek Machine http://www.lostcreekmachine.com/ in Ottawa, IL just East of Chicago. Matt is a straight shooter and I bought my Logan 14X30 from him. Going up next week to pick up a Harig 6X12 surface grinder (a 2 day trip for me). He sells mostly used equipment, but does rep new lathes and mills. I have absolutely no business connection with him other than being a very satisfied customer. Depending on where you are in MN he could be within a decent driving distance.