How to Mill a Part That is Too Thin to Mill

[TomG]

Here' a little technique that I use to mill parts to a thickness that is too thin for traditional methods. It works great for the occasional shim, spacer or flat spring.

Tom

[EdK]

Nice video Tom. That climb milling scares the hell out of me though. I don't think I'd want to try that with my bench mill.

Ed

[oldgoaly]

Tom,
You need a buddy with a sheet metal shop! small stuff like that is generally in the scrap bin!

[TomG]

Don't be afraid Ed, just snug the table locks down and your underwear will live to see another day.

OG, what do you do if you need a shim that's .022 or .038" thick? you won't find that in anyone's scrap bin.

Tom

[EdK]

(07-21-2013, 06:45 PM)TomG Wrote: Don't be afraid Ed, just snug the table locks down and your underwear will live to see another day.

...

Tom

Did you hand feed or use the power feed? I don't have power feed, yet.

Ed

[TomG]

It was hand fed Ed, just because the cut was so short.

Tom

[oldgoaly]

Tom,
long time ago I got a variety of shim stock from enco, back when it was American made, plus from a swap met there are a few rolls of brass shim stock. In aluminum I have is 3003 .063, .050, .040, there may be a pc of .030 left. something in between? how about galvaneal (no longer galvanized) .060 to .015 16 to 28 gauge. Guess I'm just a scrounger!

[TomG]

You are missing the point of the whole exercise. What if I needed a piece of unobtanium, .019" thick? It wouldn't be available anywhere so I would have to make it and this is how I would make it. I scrounge as well, but scrounging isn't always an option.

Tom

[EdK]

I'm going to give that a shot Tom. You and Ken are pushing me beyond my comfort zone and I thank you both for that. I guess it's time to grow some balls.

Ed

[tekfab]

Thanks Tom, excellent video thats one to keep in the old memory box !

Mike