Lathe tool holder for mini Mill

[ab56452001]

Hi all. Been searching for a while for ideas on the best way to attach/use lathe Turning cutters to a Mini Mill . Theres a few small jobs id like to do ( All in Aluminium ), it will be while before i will be able to afford a Mini Lathe , cheers.

[Toolmaker51]

There are occasions where I, even in fully equipped shop, needed one more spindle for a turning operation.
Easiest trick is clamping a toolbit in vise and put material in spindle. You'll face and turn using one table axis, the other set to hold centerline. There is a limit to diameters held in a collet, wouldn't recommend using drill chuck. They aren't constructed for side loads.
Second method is more common, boring by means of stationary material and bit in spindle. If you construct a holder that creates swing outside [opposite of boring] it will turn OD's in accordance with bit distance from center of rotation.

That should get you started.
Don't be struck by these revelations. Milling machines haven't been around nearly long as the lathe. Historic research will show you all kinds of work was accomplished that nobody would consider productive now; yet completely sound in practice otherwise.

[Frank S]

One example of what TM 51 was talking about done on a Bridgeport but same concept for any size mill.


click on link
http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/t...345#post113317