Where to learn to use equipment? (mill & lathe)

[davesrb]

Ok, I 'm taking a break from cleaning out Dad's gun room. I'm having to convert a closet to a secure storage area. So, Dad say's since his Parkinson's keeps him from using his equipment any more, can I move the stuff to my shop where it can get some use? Well, the wood working stuff great and I know how to use it.
The mother load is the Milling machine, freaking large lathe, the mig welder, plasma cutter,floor mount belt sanders and drill press. These things are huge and heavy! Anyone want to come help me move this stuff?

So other than taking a class at the local vo-tech, which I do not have the time to do, how do I learn to use the milling machine? And he lathe for that matter, since it has way more options than my little table top model? Can anyone recommend a good video training course?

The lathe is a 12x48 Clausing 6300 series, 1963 model and the milling machine is a large Bridgeport 9x48 Varidrive 2, power feed X axis.

Davesrb

[Scott V2]

+1

[shlomo]

Is your dad able to sit with you and give you a tutorial? Might be an enjoyable time for both of you if he is up to it.

Otherwise, for basics on the lathe, I'd recommend "How to Run a Lathe", by O'Brien. You can find it online for under ten bucks. If you have the manual for the Clausing, it will give particulars on shifting speeds and feeds, and lubrication info (important).

The Bridgeport is above my pay grade. Somebody else will have to chime in on that.

Enjoy.

[mountainman]

strat out with aluminium workpieces. When it comes to the lathe get a sense of how close teh crosslide can get to teh chuck without banging it up and then my only other tip is whenever you have a set up in teh lathe and especially when you are working close to the chuck place teh cutter where you plan on doing your work and turn the chuck by hand verifying that noting will be in anythings way. This will save your steady rest follow rest tool post tailstock chuck, spindle etc. I haven't had any such problems with the mill but on the lathe my first one got pretty banged up.

[mountainman]

Also forgot to mention keep in mind low overhang on teh tool that means chuck it as far into the collet tool post or whatever the operation calls for etc etc. In terms of workpiece that means position the workpiece with as little possible sticking out of the vice or chuck etc etc. On teh other hand keep in mind that when repositioning teh work for different operations you are loosing precision so try to machine in as little set up changes while keeping the first two factors in mind. Bottom line, you need practice and plenty of it. Even with what you learn in a class, you won't be a machininst without practice.

[tac-40]

Anyone want to come help me move this stuff?

Sure. I'll drive down and help you move it. I know a great little place to keep it nice and comfy right in my work shop.

Ditto and getting some practice stock and practice, practice, practice. Just make sure that you follow all safety instruction to the letter. We sure don't want to have to change your screen name to Stubby or Patches.

[julysol]

Once you get going on the lathe, you'll probably get it so you can turn off long strings of metal off your work. Watch out for that stuff, it can get hold and spin with the work and take your hand or fingers right off. That stuff is so freak'n sharp!! If you have to clear it out while working, its best to stop your machine to do so. You probably won't see that unless you're turning a barrel or something big.
A good machinist forum is practicalmachinist. Lots of help over there. They also have machine specific sub forums if you have questions on your specific machine's functions.

But your best deal is your dad. buy him a nice cumfy stool and have him show you the ropes. Once you get the basics, you can pretty much figure out how to do more difficult things as you go. Theres quite a few decent books out there to show trick set ups and how to shape and set up your cutting tools, etc. Ebay and amazon will become your friend. Your dad may already have a few good books on his shelf someplace.

I had a couple old machinists showed me the bare basics from one of my jobs some years ago. Basically they just showed me what all the levers and switches do, the rest was up to me. Its not that hard once you get going.

Just toss some scrap pieces in the machines and start whiddeling away. Watch your feed and spindle speeds so you don't break your bits. Its better to go "too slow" than too fast. And do'nt forget to keep you tools cool with oil or coolant.

OH and another thing. TAKE CARE OF YOUR MACHINES!!! Keep them cleaned, oiled and tuned. These things can last several human life times if properly maintained. Make or buy covers for them to keep dust off them. I get so much metal dust and yard dust in my garage its insane. That stuff will get on the ways and other areas and wear them down that much faster. Chip build up on your lathe can get up in the gears and chip teeth. Not good. So don't be affraid to tear into it once in a while to clean it all out. I found a ton of junk up in my gear box of my lathe when I first got it. Which had broken on of the gears. These machines aren't cheap and any hobbiest should consider him/herself extremely lucky to have them.
I used to be an industrial machine mechanic, and I got'a tell ya, people just don't take care of their tools like they used to in the good ol days. Sad shame.

[davesrb]

Thanks for the replies everybody. I wish Dad could help. Parkinson's and the med.'s he is on play Hell with his memory. On a good day he will be a great help, he know's so much about so many things. But on a bad day he just gets so frustrated with not being able to remember things and words. Plus his balance is so bad, he falls over unless he is in a secure chair or using his walker, Hell he even falls with his walker 'cause he can't feel that he's leaning backwards!
Lucky for me my older brother is taking a few days off to come visit and help me move. Bro is a great machinist, worked in industrial setting as a machinist, then an engineer, now a controls/ robotics engineer. He also worked as a gunsmith for several years. I'll get him to give me a good intro to the machines before he heads out.
I'll give you guys an update with some pictures of the old machines when we get them here Monday and Tuesday. I hope you guy's don't get tired off all the questions I'm going to have!!

Davesrb

Oh, and since I told my Brother I was contemplating a m1911 build, he's bringing me all his jig's, and tools from when he used to build/ customize 1911's! Save me some $$$$.

[TheOtherChris]

For really basic instruction, there is a whole series of MIT TechTV videos that goes over the components and basic operation of a lathe and vertical mill.

Spend some time watching those and you will have a better understanding of what you're looking at on the machine.

While you're at it, check out homegunsmith.com
There is an incredible knowledge base over there with respect to machining firearms.

Be safe and have fun.

[davesrb]

TheOtherChris,
Thanks for the link! I guess I need to do a thorough search for information like this. One of my friends had the AGI gunsmithing course and Machinist courses. He said they were great, but he passed them on to a friend a couple of years ago when he realized he didn't like working on all guns, just his guns! Wish he still had them for me to borrow.

Davesrb

[stimpsonjcat]

Blessings for you and your father...I hope you have more good days.

[Slow]

most of what i learnedwhas from the old man i bought the lathe from. cover mostly the basics.

i got a couple of books i use for reference when memory get faded.

i suggest theses book will help

Machine shop practice, Volume 1

Machine shop practice, Volume 2

one cover lathes and the other mill drill operations


found this, looks like the whole book online

http://books.google.com/books?id=7ea...age&q=&f=false

[Slo cat]

After I got my Bridgeport, I bought an AGI 12 tape VHS set on Machine Shop - Milling. This is one of their excellent instructional tapes (some are not so good). I am on my third run thru of these, as there is so much to remember.

This set is a little pricy, but you can sometimes find a used set on eBay. That's where I got mine.

Best Regards,
Slo cat

[longhair51]

Very good advise given by these folks. I would add: PLEASE don't ever forget that these machines won't even slow down when they take parts off of your body. Be careful all of the time.

Delrin is a good material to practice with. It machines a lot like metal, but you wont ruin any cutters

[davesrb]

Thanks for all the replies. Sorry I haven't been here to respond, but it has been a 2 day job so far moving this stuff. The bridgeport was the biggest, heaviest piece, although the lathe isn't a light weight either! Thank God we were able to get a fork lift in at Dad's shop to load up. We ended up using my Kubota with the front end loader and straps to unload on my end. Had to remove the head of the milling machine and the power down feed to get it moved. The surface grinder was a bitch too! We are getting everything in and set up this evening and tomorrow (we hope!) I've got to put in the 3 phase motor and panel box and get it hooked up this weekend so I can use the mill and lathe, then I should actually get to start learning!
I'll update you guys when I have it all in.

Slo cat: So you think the AGI video's are worth the $? How much did your set run you, If you don't mind saying?

Davesrb

[Slo cat]

Originally posted by davesrb
Slo cat: So you think the AGI video's are worth the $? How much did your set run you, If you don't mind saying?
Davesrb

Davesrb,
I do think the AGI Milling video set is excellent. It covers the operating controls of the Bridgeport mill very well. Basic tooling for the mill is covered. Then it takes you step by step through most all of the types of operations the mill can handle. Theory is covered as well. Their video instructor is top notch, communicates well as is easy to listen to. Seeing the operations performed is so much better than reading books and manuals. GP's videos are an example of the efficacy of this principle.

This set is pricy, and you can save if you can find one second hand. I had a search set up on eBay with emails sent when one appeared. I got mine several years ago and don't remember what I paid, but it was probably around $375. An alternative to this would be a community college course in machine shop. I tried this first, but no such courses were offered in the Denver area.

[bykerhd]

A couple of local high schools in my relatively small area offer "Adult Education" courses for such things as welding, machine shop, etc.
Supposed to be quite good. I don't know how they would stack up to a full-on Technical school or College, but you might check around locally to see what is available and how expensive they are. I have plans along those lines for after I put in my retirement papers in a few years. I hope.

[davesrb]

Well most of it's made it home. I still have lots of organizing to do. Here is most of it..
Linky

Davesrb

[randy762ak]

GO to the Vo-tec school. It will be the best time you ever spent -!
I learned so much when I went . and the teachers have a wealth of knowledge.
You also get to find out where the school buys there supplies and they are the best shoppers around as they always are short of cash .
Stop by the school shop and get the names of the shop books they use -I bought 2 books they use in class and read every word.

Once you learn how its done practice will make perfict . If you have the skill you can do most any job by calling on your experiance.
A lathe and a mill are the great start - next a surface grinder and cut off band saw..

[moses]

+1 on what randy762ak wrote.

I would really recommend going to a local Community college and taking basic mill and lathe.

Well worth the 2 or 3 nights a week for a few months.