Milling Machine - Retrofit X-Axis Powerfeed. Worth it?

[HoosierBuddy]

Hello all,

A little more than a year ago, I posted a question here about adding DRO to my old U.S. Burke "Millrite" MVN milling machine. I got a lot of "DO IT!" feedback on that question, so I took the plunge and I have to say I've never regretted it.

Now the next question - What do you guys think about adding an X-Axis power feed. Most of my machining (70% or so) is done on the X-Axis, and I have to say that sometimes, like let's say milling slots on a decorative aluminum cover, I get really sick of cranking that thing.

Any thoughts on the utility of adding power feed to just one axis on a manual milling machine?

Also...does anyone have any experience with specific types, brands or vendors on powerfeeds? Just doing a search, it looks like "Servo" is the big name-brand manufacturer...but looks to be roughly $600 vs. $400 for other options. If anyone has had any experience with any of these, let me know.

Thanks guys!

Phil

 

[tdkkart]

I put a $159 Harbor freight powerfeed on my MVN close to 20 years ago, works great, no issues.

DO IT!!!

Quick search came up with this one:
http://www.shars.com/products/view/20354/APX135_Milling_Machine_Power_Feed_X_Traverse_135_Lbs

 

[CobraRed]

Another DO IT!! from me. The two manual mills at my last job didn't have joggers for years until we got a new mill. Didn't even think we'd use the feature a lot, but geez is it nice to have. And it gets used all the time.

Even on my small personal projects I would appreciate the power-feed. It in no way sacrifices precision if you're attentive and have a good cutter. Just make sure your end mills are sharp and the feed speed agrees with the material.

Heat treated 17-4PH and other potentially difficult materials I would still do by hand, especially when there wasn't a coolant stream on it.

 

[rsanter]

I added the power feed to my Bridgeport. It's well worth doing

Bob

 

[APEowner]

Oh yeah, you want one. Not only does it save wear and tear on you it makes it so much easier (and way less boring) to get consistent finishes. In addition you can be doing other stuff while passes for stuff like squaring stock are being done.

 

[DocsMachine]

Ditto. My Grizzly clone of a Bridgeport came with a decent (import) power feed, and while I don't use it all the time, it's very handy when I do.

Doc.

 

[zkling]

Very handy to have. Even just for jogging the table around. You can build one pretty easily.

 

[Caman]

Way worth it. Especially since it will give the most consistent finish, but it just makes work easier. I hate using a Bridgeport without one.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

Hello all,

A little more than a year ago, I posted a question here about adding DRO to my old U.S. Burke "Millrite" MVN milling machine. I got a lot of "DO IT!" feedback on that question, so I took the plunge and I have to say I've never regretted it.

Now the next question - What do you guys think about adding an X-Axis power feed. Most of my machining (70% or so) is done on the X-Axis, and I have to say that sometimes, like let's say milling slots on a decorative aluminum cover, I get really sick of cranking that thing.

Any thoughts on the utility of adding power feed to just one axis on a manual milling machine?

Also...does anyone have any experience with specific types, brands or vendors on powerfeeds? Just doing a search, it looks like "Servo" is the big name-brand manufacturer...but looks to be roughly $600 vs. $400 for other options. If anyone has had any experience with any of these, let me know.

Thanks guys!

Phil

I would love to add DRO to the x y axis to my Burke millrite but $600 is more then I paid the whole mill. thinking about absolute DRO http://www.ebay.com/itm/141572607675?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Buying an old milling machine is almost as bad as buying an old car. Eventually you figure out that the cheapest thing about the mill is the original purchase price. This is about where I'm at on mine, I think:

1. Gas to go pick mine up 5 hours away = $250
2. Milling Machine $800
3. Other unrelated tools I did not intend to buy, but couldn't pass up while visiting seller = $300
4. Rotary Table $200
5. Electrician to rewire motor and replace cord to match my shop = $150
6. Various end mills, Collets, and milling head = $500
7. 3 axis DRO $600

That being said...it's been well worth it. I really use the machine more than I thought I would. The digital readout not only makes the machine more precise (or at least helps me to cut with more precision) it allows me to do things that would be impossible without a DRO, like program to using the different macros to fake in radii, etc...which would be pretty much impossible without the DRO.

Phil

 

[CobraRed]

Once you have a quality mill, you end up using it for everything without noticing it until you no longer own or work around one, then everything in the world seems more difficult.

 

[tdkkart]

Back when I bought my MillRite I got it for the bargain price of $75, +$50 to have it hauled home. $300 for a VFD, and then my first order from Enco was $750 for collets, vise, end mills, drill chuck etc.