Need some advice

admin

I am just getting into the drilling/milling scene and am looking for something I can not find.  I am looking for a drill press/ mill with a digital read out, that is capable of drilling through mild to SS steal.  The key is I am in need of a machine that is one phase and capable of being wired 220V. Does a machine like this exist?  The reason I need DRO is I am fabricating an intake and exhaust flange. Is there any other way to get exact without a DRO on this? Thanks for the replies in advance.
Reply:As long as the handles have accurate markings, it is very possible to be "dead nuts" without a DRO. All you have to do is check your backlash when you change directions and adjust the handles accordingly. You didn't state how thick your material will be, but even with a 1/2 horse motor, you should be able to do what you want to, maybe just not as fast. Unless you are tied up for spacce, it is better to get seperate machines. The seperate machines will be able to do bigger projects easier. Take a look at JET and Grizzly machines. They are pretty good for tthe money. If you can find an auction of used machines made in USA, this would be your best bet as they usually come with tooling, or the tooling will be cheap as well.Tony
Reply:My advice when buying a drill press is to get the one with the slowest spindle speed available.  This will give you the most flexibility when drilling.  Larger holes and harder metals require slow spindle speeds or you will destroy bits.  Slow spindle speeds on soft metals with small holes just means it takes a lot longer to punch through.  No big deal if you're patient like me.  The slow drill speeds in soft money will save you mone in drill bits as well.For the digital redout, you're not going to find much in the way of drill presses.  Mills with digital redouts are more common than not, nowadays.  The mill can be used as a cumbersome and difficult to setup drill press that will have a digital redout, if necessary.
Reply:A lot if guys have rigged up DRO for the Z axis ( Spindle ) from a set of digital calipers.  It's cheap and effective.  Mine is made from a set of $ 20 left hand Grizzlys.  All you have to do is fab a bracket to hold the caliper and bracket to attach the sliding tail of the caliper to the yoke on the bottom of the spindle.  The caliper doesn't even have to be a digital.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:bridgeport with a proto-trak systembeen there done that  ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.