How to Mill a Pocket on the Vertical Milling Machine

[TomG]

Here's a video showing how to mill a square or rectangular pocket in a part on the vertical mill.

Tom

[Mayhem]

Thanks Tom. I was going to ask if there was a reason the part wasn't centred in the vice and then I figured that it was to enable you to locate the bottom edge.

[Highpower]

Another great video Tom.

I have a question to ask. You were working on a rather thin piece of stock there, but I was wondering if you always use a climb milling approach when cutting a pocket like that? What about with thicker material and cutting a deep pocket?

I was just thinking about the guys that may own a round column mill-drill or similar machine, and how that might affect them? Your thoughts?

Willie

[TomG]

(06-23-2012, 10:28 PM)Mayhem Wrote: Thanks Tom. I was going to ask if there was a reason the part wasn't centred in the vice and then I figured that it was to enable you to locate the bottom edge.

Hey Darren,

Yup. Either some jaw or some part needs to be showing to pick up with the edge finder.

Tom

[Mayhem]

Thanks Tom - If the part was smaller, would you find the front (Y) edge and then relocate closer to the centre of the vise and then then locate the side (X)? Or would this introduce error (assuming the vise is dialled in)?

[TomG]

(06-23-2012, 10:53 PM)Mayhem Wrote: Thanks Tom - If the part was smaller, would you find the front (Y) edge and then relocate closer to the centre of the vise and then then locate the side (X)? Or would this introduce error (assuming the vise is dialled in)?

I like to center small parts if possible because the vise will grip them more evenly and there's less chance of them moving. If they can't be centered for some reason, I use a jack screw or a spacer between the other ends of the jaws for support. Moving the part around would be fine, but it seems like an extra step to me.

Tom

[TOM REED]

Keep the video's coming I for one have never used a mill before and have lots to learn before doing too muuch on my RF45 clone. tom

[doubleboost]

Hi
Tom
Another great video
Thanks for taking the time to post it
Keep them coming
John

[TomG]

Thanks guys.

That's it for the videos for now, at least until I get some more inspiration. I was thinking of doing one on hand sharpening twist drills.

Tom

[Mayhem]

(06-24-2012, 08:36 AM)TomG Wrote: ...That's it for the videos for now, at least until I get some more inspiration...

What? Are we not inspiring enough?