I have been dabbling around with milling lately. I don't have a mill but I have a 7X10 lathe that I welded a milling vise/drill press vice to an extra tool post. Probably not the greatest thing to tinker with but I just had to see how milling is.At first I borrowed a 1/4" end mill from work and boy oh boy did that thing cut. I had to bring it back the next day so I was out of luck for anymore milling "practice".While waiting to get a couple "real" end mills ( I got 4 flute instead of 2 ) I tried grinding a HSS drill bit to the shape of the end mill I borrowed (2 flute).Can't say it worked as good "and probably" DANGEROUS but for some reason this milling thing is calling me in. Here's a pic of some aluminum I cut with it.I have been wanting to mill out the XS60c (FDPCP) receiver to accept Mrod magazines for as long as I can remember. That just be my very first "mill" job and can't wait.
Thank you guys for the offers,advice and encouragement. My end mills will show up shortly. I am now trying to figure out the 3 axis I need.
You might like to make yourself a couple of flycutters. It would cost you almost nothing, and you can sharpen them yourself. They leave a nice looking surface too.With end mills, it's good practice to use the shortest end mill that will do the job. Same principle as turning in a lathe. Don't want the cutting tool sticking out a mile.Steve