Is it possible to use miling bits in my drill press?

hydrogen18 · 03-16-2003, 07:32 AM

I have a 1/3 HP drill press, if I buy a x-y-z vise can I use it as a mini mill? has anyone else tried this? also, what kind of milling bits should I use if I were to try this, like how many flutes?

Volenti · 03-16-2003, 08:19 AM

certainlly

you can even get away with normal wood router bits for perspex.

though I wouldn't recommend it for any serious copper milling, you'll destroy the bearings in the press.

hydrogen18 · 03-16-2003, 12:20 PM

i will? crap...how much can a drill press take b4 the bearings break?

Lt.Dan · 03-16-2003, 01:07 PM

Drill Presses are designed with only down-force in mind. They are not designed to have much side force on them. The drive mechanism generally runs too fast to cut metal. It's really not a good idea to use a drill press as a mill.

hydrogen18 · 03-16-2003, 06:14 PM

any other opinions appreciated...

LiquidRulez · 03-16-2003, 11:07 PM

I milled quite a few Cu blocks on a $99 Craftman drill press befroe I got a mill and converted it and had no problems with using end mills from 1/8th"-1/2" to mill them with.

I say go for it.
But if youre like me youll end up getting hooked and buying a mill anyway..........so save yourself some time and just by a used mill or a new mini mill for around $399(about 600-650 with rotary table and a few end mills to get you started)

Youll love having a mill.

Nothing beats doing it right!!

03-16-2003, 07:32 AM	#1
hydrogen18 Cooling Savant Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: USA Posts: 248	Is it possible to use miling bits in my drill press? I have a 1/3 HP drill press, if I buy a x-y-z vise can I use it as a mini mill? has anyone else tried this? also, what kind of milling bits should I use if I were to try this, like how many flutes?

03-16-2003, 08:19 AM	#2
Volenti Cooling Savant Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: in a nice cool spot Posts: 427	certainlly you can even get away with normal wood router bits for perspex. though I wouldn't recommend it for any serious copper milling, you'll destroy the bearings in the press. __________________ feel free to icq/msn me, I'm always willing to toss around ideas.

03-16-2003, 12:20 PM	#3
hydrogen18 Cooling Savant Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: USA Posts: 248	i will? crap...how much can a drill press take b4 the bearings break?

03-16-2003, 01:07 PM	#4
Lt.Dan Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Northern CA Posts: 14	Drill Presses are designed with only down-force in mind. They are not designed to have much side force on them. The drive mechanism generally runs too fast to cut metal. It's really not a good idea to use a drill press as a mill.

03-16-2003, 06:14 PM	#5
hydrogen18 Cooling Savant Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: USA Posts: 248	any other opinions appreciated...

03-16-2003, 11:07 PM	#6
LiquidRulez Cooling Savant Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: In Hell Posts: 322	I milled quite a few Cu blocks on a $99 Craftman drill press befroe I got a mill and converted it and had no problems with using end mills from 1/8th"-1/2" to mill them with. I say go for it. But if youre like me youll end up getting hooked and buying a mill anyway..........so save yourself some time and just by a used mill or a new mini mill for around $399(about 600-650 with rotary table and a few end mills to get you started) Youll love having a mill. Nothing beats doing it right!!

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