Milling Half Cylinders into Stock.

[Jwest7788]

See:
http://www.hteck.ca/metalworkings/clamp/milling-clamp.html

There aren't any instructions, which is fine. Note the mini version at the bottom half of the page.

Any special technique for milling out the semi-circle sections for the bar stock to reside? Or just slowly feed the appropriate end mill in perpendicular the stock?

 

[Alexander]

It would be easier on the machine if you stick the bar stock out the side of the vice. Use a center cutting endmill and plunge about half of it into the part. First lock the quill and then move the table up. You need a rigid setup for this operation because only half of the endmill is in the cut. If you don't have a knee mill I would try using a ballnose endmill and mill across the part in a few cuts. That's just what I would try. There are many ways to achieve that feature.

 

[Jwest7788]

Thanks @Alexander that makes sense. Will try my hand and report back shortly.

 

[Alexander]

Please take a picture of it setup on your mill. I'd love to learn more about the machining capabilities of your mini mill.

 

[kylemp]

A 5C collet block would probably be best, especially if you are doing multiples. If not, you need to clamp them and come down at it and use the side flutes to cut.. just make sure you allow for a finishing pass and if you can you should probably be climb milling. Be careful about the stick out though as I imagine that you will end up with a lot of deflection without a tailstock set up.

 

[Jwest7788]

I'm planning on moving forward with this project tonight. @Janger was kind enough to show me his shop and help me cut up some steel to manageable sizes over the weekend. Now I have appropriately sized peices to work with.

Will be sure to take lots of pics of the setup and success/failure (haha)

JW

 

[jbrownslms]

I have used ball nose burrs from a die grinder with the same efect as a ball nose end mill, just slower feed, less depth of cut and faster rpm.

 

[Alexander]

I would like to see the ball bur in action on a milling machine. That is a neat idea. Might be pretty handy on a CNC Mill for rounding off edges.

 

[Jwest7788]

I would like to see the ball bur in action on a milling machine. That is a neat idea. Might be pretty handy on a CNC Mill for rounding off edges.

Agreed, it's not something I would have considered. I did read the other day about using wood router bits in a milling machine / lathe to some success (They commonly have carbide cutting edges from what I hear)

 

[jbrownslms]

It worky well for me, wasnt ideal but it got the job done!

 

[Jwest7788]

First plunge cut went well. My oversize milling vise did a good job of work holding.

Will post full project pics in a bit here.

JW