drilling/milling slots

[Scott Roush]

i'm gonna slot out a bunch steel bars for tomahawks and was wondering if there is a good bit for a drill press that would help with cleaning out the webbing after drilling.  i hot slit the last one i worked on.... but my left hand is wounded so i thought it might help to just pre-drill some slots. i also need to practice for making guards...

i suppose a dremel might be a better tool perhaps...

[kbaknife]

Scott, the drill press guides and bearings are not designed for lateral stresses, only vertical. You would risk ruining any work you had already been successful in accomplishing.
When I do my hatchets out of 1" square stock, I drill two 9/16" holes, almost touching, file out the web with a large round file, and then drift the hole into an oval with a drift.
You've hung out in the knife world for a while now and it's obvious the trials and failures of knife making haven't scared you off, but rather have inspired you to plow on forward!
That's cool as heck and nice to see.
Since you're going to be around for a while, I can pass this on:
Besides a variable speed 2 X 72 grinder, the two other purchases I made early on that have made all sorts of things possible, were a small lathe and a variable speed bench top mill.
It's unbelievable how many makers have the same or similar mill.
If mine broke down, I would either replace it or get it repaired THAT DAY!!
It is the rare day, indeed, that I don't have a use for it.
Until a maker can get one of those, it's pretty much small rotary tools, or files.
It will soon pay for itself and take your knife making to the next level in short order.
I envy those who can do without.
 
This is the one I got.
 http://grizzly.com/products/Mini-Milling-Machine/G8689

[Scott Roush]

i greatly appreciate it the nice words...  that mill will go close to the top of my list.  at the top is the 2x72 variable followed by a small bandsaw to help with handles.. and now... a mill.  but my shop is getting close and is definitely one of my 'happy spots'.

[Ray Hammond]

Karl,

I wonder about the slowed down economy possibly offering some options for used equipment that might be a little "overkill" but would do the job at maybe a little less or even money, but typically would come with a lot of accessories etc already included?

[Wampus]

Harbor Freight sells the same milling machine only painted red for about the same price.  Might save some shipping cost if there's a retail store near you.  I got mine from ToolsNow at one of their truck sales at the local VFW.  All made in the same Chinese factory.

This site has lots of good info on the Chinese mini-mills:   http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_mill/Versions/versions.htm

[Scott Roush]

just found out a HF is only an hour away. i will have to find the link but i found a website put together by some construction worker that evaluated a lot of HF tools and whether or not they were junk or a good buy...

[Wampus]

Not sure if there are any restrictions on this coupon, but all I can see is that it's not good for Campbell Hausfield products.

 http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html/MagazineLanders/3-general/images/20_c.jpg

[kbaknife]

Originally posted by Ray Hammond:
Karl,

I wonder about the slowed down economy possibly offering some options for used equipment that might be a little "overkill" but would do the job at maybe a little less or even money, but typically would come with a lot of accessories etc already included?

No such thing as "overkill" in knife making, Ray!!
Get the biggest you can afford and will fit in the door!
My next mill from Grizzly will be about 1600 Dollars.
 http://grizzly.com/products/Mill-Drill-w-Variable-Speed-Power-Feed/G1007.

However, your comments hold a LOT of merit, because I have seen many full-sized used Bridgeports go for less! I've seen them go for only a grand and have that much or more wrapped up in just tooling! It's almost like buying the tooling and getting the mill for free.
It pays to shop around.

[kbaknife]

And, Scott, now that I think of it, you're not all that far from Duluth, where there has been just a TON of industry over the years.
There's probably a hundred Bridgeports in Duluth just collecting dust right about now.
Might pay to search some sales around there.

[Tim Fishell]

Definatly look into used stuff.  We have sold used Bridgeport mills out of our shop for between the $500-$1000 mark lots of times.  When we sell old mills they usually go with a full set of collets as well as a full set of t-nuts and toe clamps.  

One thing to rememeber though is most industrial machines have 3 phase motors on them and most houses & garages are set up for only single phase.  Coverters are easy to find though or you can swap out the motors which may be easier and cheaper.

[Ragnarok Forge]

I am presently working without a mill in my shop and it is at the top of my list. I use the drilling and file method for slotting bar stock and then drift the stock.  

Keep your eye on Craig's List and your local city papers adds online.  I bought a used 2 X 72 belt sander with a 3 hp electric motor and an insane / overbuilt base frame for $400.  They kept lowering the price over a couple of months. I am looking at a large mill for $850.  The problem is convincing the wife I have enough room left to put it in my shop ( read garage ).  

I got an industrial drill press for free by researching and asking around, a large band saw in trade for a tomahawk, and built my own forge and anvil.  Right now I have less than $2,000 in my shop.  

How well to the small mills hold up?  Do they wear out quickly?

[kbaknife]

Originally posted by Ragnarok Forge:

How well to the small mills hold up?  Do they wear out quickly?

Don't expect them to remove large quantities of material in one pass. Using small mills and taking my time, my mill has been in constant use for almost 7 years.