Workshop 88

[Alexbn921]

Wow. Thats a big machine and in a tiny space. I would love to have one but don't think I would use it enough to justify it. Great score.

 

[FlyOverStateFarmboy]

Dude. Congrats on the new job and sweet score! Good luck getting that puppy home.

 

[bazzateer]

Getting that beast into your space is going to be one hell of a challenge. Don't forget the pics!

 

[Mr. 360]

Thanks for the comments all, I think that might be the first time I've gotten a 'You ****!" I really do have a challenge ahead of myself getting this thing moved. I got it out of it's spot today and got the stuff off it. The plan is to block the whole head onto the table and brace it, remove the 4 bolts and lower the head off (then hoist it onto a skid. Then use the hoist to take the ram off the turret onto a skid, and much the same with the knee, saddle, and worktable. At home I can just reverse this process. (I might leave the knee in place.. it looks like a beast).

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Such is the rig so far, the best free tool that's ever happened to me. I noticed it has all the top end options from it's day; 48" table, auto feed table in x, y, and I think z axes, auto quill feed, and central oiling system. I'm told a previous machinist believed firmly on using only olive oil for tapping and drilling, so it's got a cement hard layer of crud caked to it that will need a clean. I'm thinkin heavy degreaser. More to come, it has to be out in a week or so.

Oh, and I'll get some pics of that table when its all said and done. Likely wont be for a few months still.

 

[captain14]

How much of the crud can you remove before you take it home?

Can you enlighten me on what this machine can do or it's purpose? Never really knew these machines existed until I joined here. I know Kevin54 has one and he has done some jobs around his area.

Spent my HS days in wood shop, not accross the hall in Metal with Mr. Riley.

Thanks in advance.

 

[xtremek]

I'm looking forward to watching this move. And let me reiterate my earlier comment, YOU ****.

 

[Tutt]

Can I suggest a method of moving the mill that won't require disassembly? I have done several this way, and it is the best i have found.

Rent one of these.
https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment/items/1413/platform-lift-trailers/

It can be pulled with a half ton pickup. The machine can be wheeled right on and off with a pallet jack. You only need to lift it enough to put it on a pallet.

The hardest part is getting it off the pallet. I make "rails" out of stacked up wood to roll the machine off the pallet on pipes. With the machine on the rails it can be lowered a little per side with a pry bar until its on the ground.

I can explain more if I was unclear.

 

[Mr. 360]

How much of the crud can you remove before you take it home?

Can you enlighten me on what this machine can do or it's purpose? Never really knew these machines existed until I joined here. I know Kevin54 has one and he has done some jobs around his area.

Spent my HS days in wood shop, not accross the hall in Metal with Mr. Riley.

Thanks in advance.

So far I've blown a lot of the **** out with shop air, however the olive oil cement is taking more coaxing. I've just been spraying it with wd-40 to soften it but will try some varsol on it as it sits outside on gravel now (under a tarp for a week or so).

Actually, a good question is what CAN'T this machine do. It's really as useful as your imagination. since the table can move in the x, y, and z axes, it's first and foremost job is manual milling (things like slots, precise holes, squaring stock, milling stock into shapes, etc). If you head over to 44 Bikes' thread you'll see some great pictures and inspiration of how he works his Bridgeport (credit where it's due, it was his thread that really pushed me to look for a mill, though I used one a lot in university). I plan to use mine for making tooling for around the shop, toys for my daughter, hard to find or unique parts for my Willys pickup and other old tools. with attachments, you can do just about anything (common things like a nice vise, indexing table/chuck, 90 degree attachment, etc)

Plus, lets not forget, you can prettymuch school anybody who comes around thinking they have a better tool collection

I'm looking forward to watching this move. And let me reiterate my earlier comment, YOU ****.

Haha, thanks again. I hope to move it within the next week. It's all dismantled and waiting for a trailer. I just have to build the hoist.

Can I suggest a method of moving the mill that won't require disassembly? I have done several this way, and it is the best i have found.

Rent one of these.

It can be pulled with a half ton pickup. The machine can be wheeled right on and off with a pallet jack. You only need to lift it enough to put it on a pallet.

The hardest part is getting it off the pallet. I make "rails" out of stacked up wood to roll the machine off the pallet on pipes. With the machine on the rails it can be lowered a little per side with a pry bar until its on the ground.

I can explain more if I was unclear.

I hear ya loud and clear on all those points. I would have been inclined to do so if it wasnt for 2 reasons. a) I couldnt find such a trailer for rent around here, and b) this thing really needed to come apart for a good cleaning anyways. It is packed with years of chips, grease, and nasty olive oil.

I do plan to use the pipe method to position it once it's off the trailer, and rebuild it from there.

Ok, a few pics.

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I thought it would be smart to block and strap the head to the table. That way I could undo the bolts on the back, and just use the table to slowly bring it out and then hoist it off. It worked fairly well, but I think it will work better for putting it back on. I plan to just make up a quick device to hold the head to the table. Basically a plate that gets bolted down, with a 5/8" or so solid rod welded to it pointing straight up and gusseted. just slip the head onto the rod and clamp it in the collet, then use the table to position it just so and bolt it up.

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There were 5 bolts on the back actually, 1 was hiding in the top.

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Getting the head off was a snap, and I hoisted it down onto a pallet for easy transport

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Next I took the ram off. 4 bolts through into a casting the pinches it to the main body. I didnt take any pics of removing the main work table, as I got so filthy I didnt want to touch my camera. It was the hardest to get off but only because I didnt notice you could adjust the gib to account for wear, and it was a little tight at the end of the travel. Loosened it off and the table slid right off the end (I had to sling the table from the chain hoist so it wouldnt drop as it slid.. worked like a charm).

The plan for home is to laminate about 4 2x10x12's across the cap plates and hang a chain hoist from the middle (borrowed a 1.5ton from work), then shore in a couple posts beside the trailer to effectively cut the span when lifting. I'll just leave the hoist beams in for future lifting. I know I could have used it before.

 

[bazzateer]

I think you need to video the whole procedure Eric.

 

[BBChevro]

It hurts my back just looking at the pictures Eric.

That thing is epic.

 

[bcos]

awesome! congrats on a great opportunity!

 

[Mr. 360]

I think you need to video the whole procedure Eric.

It hurts my back just looking at the pictures Eric.

That thing is epic.

awesome! congrats on a great opportunity!

Thanks guys, trailer is booked for next Tuesday so hopefully no rain...

 

[Mr. 360]

I was able to snap up a bundle of cull wood at the local Home Depot last weekend (the long weekend) and set about my plans for the hoist. I was originally intending on 4 2x10's on side across the cap plates, but when 9 2x10x16's were in the cull bin for less than 4 12 footers, I pounced and figured on using 6 for the beam, and the other 3 for ramps. I had to unbolt the front passenger and back seats to stick the lumber into the footwell, but it all packed in (even the kid's stroller). This is now my record holder for long load. the car is only 13' long and the boards were 16'. It was just a short trip so it was no problem. I sliced them up and mounted them in the rafters. I left a 1/2" gap in the middle for my hoist shackle to drop through (I laser cut a t-shaped piece that dropped though a large steel plate to spread the load on top). I left a couple feet in the mid section free of spacer so the shackle can be slid from end to end.

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Next, the hard part. I won't bore you with the details of renting a car trailer and finding out it was too wide to fit through my door, but I was able to trade down to a 5x9 trailer for half the price. However it meant some of the mill had to go in the truck for payload reasons. It took me 2.5 hours of max 30kmh to get it home, it was soo heavy. If I ever move I'm hiring a machinery mover, the stress nearly killed me. On top of which, it teemed rain last Tuesday in the GTA just during my drive. Some of the hardest rain I'd ever seen. Luckily I saw it coming and made an emergency home depot stop and got it all tarped up. To date, I'm $100 in on this deal for trailer, gas in the truck, and lumber. My work was kind enough to let me borrow the truck.

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At this point, the picture taking broke down. It was hours past when I'd wanted to hit the road, and the weather/drive wore me out. I had both my wife's dad and mine at the shop to help, so a few fresh muscles really kept things moving. the hoist lifted the mill no problem and I simply drove the truck out and set it down. The rest of the bit got shimmied onto a dolly and wheeled into the shop. This pic is as it sits now. It's huge, but I think it will make a worthy lifetime tool, and my children will either love me or hate me for leaving it to them someday

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The plan for now is a good cleaning and reassembly with a new single phase motor. I dont have the time these days for a full on resto, and I'm ok with that. It just saves a fun project for another time, perhaps with a kid to help me out if they want. Lots of pics to follow of the rebuild, stay tuned.

 

[xtremek]

Congrats on getting it home safely. But yet again it must be said that....."YOU ****". Seriously though, I'm guessing I'm not the only one looking forward to what you're going to make with this bad boy.

 

[dcmus]

What a great find. I'm glad for you! And envious

 

[bazzateer]

What no video?

 

[1/2 Cup]

Eric I cant believe you carted lumber like that, we would get locked up and our car impounded for 30 days out here.

That said I like your style.

 

[OJ Bartley]

I was originally intending on 4 2x10's on side across the cap plates, but when 9 2x10x16's were in the cull bin for less than 4 12 footers, I pounced and figured on using 6 for the beam, and the other 3 for ramps.

There's a cull bin?? How did I not know about this? Do you go to the Pickering HD?

I had to unbolt the front passenger and back seats to stick the lumber into the footwell, but it all packed in (even the kid's stroller).

That was brave. The first time I went to pick up a large load and realized I forgot to unpack the stroller at home was a huge . I learned my lesson and also rented (a pickup) over the long weekend to do a lumber and plywood run, but thankfully I missed the rain.

Nice implementation of the sliding hoist, and I'm glad to see you got that amazing machine home to your shop. I'm sure you'll have a ton of fun with it.

 

[oholto]

Really jealous...

 

[HOTFR8]

Eric I cant believe you carted lumber like that, we would get locked up and our car impounded for 30 days out here.

Even a Dog on the back of a ute with out a chain here is an insecure load.
Most places would not let you drive out of the yard if you loaded up like that.

 

[Mr. 360]

Congrats on getting it home safely. But yet again it must be said that....."YOU ****". Seriously though, I'm guessing I'm not the only one looking forward to what you're going to make with this bad boy.

Thanks! Im looking forward to getting it back together. That, along with selling off some stuff that's sitting in my garage (wood bedroom set, house stuff, etc) should clear up some space. I've been thinning my steel pile since I now have access to umpteen amounts at work. I've taken a bunch of my large pieces of 1/4, 3/16, and 1/2 in since I wanted to laser cut stuff from them anyways. I think the marriage of a milling machine and access to a laser will be a nice combo. Just for fun I sliced up this little guy the other day. drew the program in 10 minutes and burned a few samples out of steel

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What a great find. I'm glad for you! And envious

Thanks! we'll have to see how it all goes together in this small space.

What no video?

Trust me, it was after dark and I was burnt out. I fully intended on video of at least the hoisting process but i was in the truck and the guys were manning the mill so, no go. Sometimes it's just a relief to get it overwith fast as possible.

There's a cull bin?? How did I not know about this? Do you go to the Pickering HD?

Nice implementation of the sliding hoist, and I'm glad to see you got that amazing machine home to your shop. I'm sure you'll have a ton of fun with it.

Thanks OJ. Far as I know most if not all HD's have a cull pile. They're usually tucked way to the side of the contractor entrance. The catch is they bundle like wood's together and you have to by the whole bundle, but the savings are pretty good. I got these for about $5 a board, as opposed to $22 ea for the better stuff. It's usually a bit twisted, but for rough stuff like this it was fine. 5 of the 9 pieces were dead straight so I got lucky. I was at the Ajax one and had my pick of 2x4's all the way to 2x10's, there was a huge pile that day. You could have built a substantial shed (framing only) for under $200 from that pile.

Really jealous...

Thanks! I'll take that as a compliment

Eric I cant believe you carted lumber like that, we would get locked up and our car impounded for 30 days out here.

That said I like your style.

Even a Dog on the back of a ute with out a chain here is an insecure load.
Most places would not let you drive out of the yard if you loaded up like that.

Haha, what can I say.. .Oh Canada. However I'm sure if I had been spotted by a cop they may have had a thing or two to say. Nobody around me seemed to care, much less take notice (believe me, I was watching). Anytime I carry something long now I think of you Aussies

 

[OJ Bartley]

The only rule or guideline I'm aware of here is that I think you're supposed to have a visible flag on oversize loads, but I've never looked it up.

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[Mr. 360]

The only rule or guideline I'm aware of here is that I think you're supposed to have a visible flag on oversize loads, but I've never looked it up.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4

True. I didnt have a flag with me, but the ends of the boards were painted orange...

 

[Grumblebum]

You certainly come across some interesting finds! Myself I find that you always try harder to put such things to good use when you save them from the trash or scrap pile.

Keen to see how that milling monster turns out, it looks the business.

Cheers Grumblebum.

 

[Mr. 360]

You certainly come across some interesting finds! Myself I find that you always try harder to put such things to good use when you save them from the trash or scrap pile.

Keen to see how that milling monster turns out, it looks the business.

Cheers Grumblebum.

Thanks! I do find I've been blowing the cobwebs whenever I get a minute out in the shop. Been so busy lately that I haven't managed much time out there. However I did get a couple hours a week or so ago, and purged my steel pile. I took the nice flat plates to work for cutting, and ditched most of the angle iron, sheet steel, and small bits of tube and stuff (rather, just hucked it in the back of the willys til I get a full load to take to the metal guy).

I also popped the ram back up on the mill, as I can clean it better there and it gets it off the floor. Also hoisted the rig and slid some tarps under her for a good cleaning with varsol etc.

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For lifting the worktable back in place, I popped out a hoisting attachment for the bed itself, which will use the small plates in the slots, with bolts coming up through the larger plate. the shackle part fits into a slot so it all comes apart, much like the hoisting shackle for the chain hoist.

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While I was at it, I played around with some 18 Gauge and burned out a small rack for holding spray cans (still a prototype). With a few tweaks to the program I might use a few in my shop and maybe use them around the shop at work at the milling stations or whatnot. I think I might be having more fun than a guy should be allowed at this job. Making cool stuff, scoring ridiculously awesome tools, and a 5000 sqft shop to myself (they rent a separate shop for the laser alone).

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[rmalkow2]

Nice simple look to the spray can holder. And it could easily be in different lengths. Glad you got some time in the workshop.

 

[Mr. 360]

Nice simple look to the spray can holder. And it could easily be in different lengths. Glad you got some time in the workshop.

Thanks, I've made some tweaks to the design since then. Added a small notch for the 'straw,' changed the tabs on one design to hook into pegboard.. little things. Been making lots of little things here and there.

 

[Papastruck]

I'd like to set aside for a moment my seething jealousy at your ability to score free, useful **** at the drop of a hat and thank you for documenting all this. Really inspiring and useful. I've been subscribed for over a year now, and this thread is akways a good shot in the arm.

 

[LOTW]

How did I miss the new addition? Looks great! We have an xlo at work and it has been a good reliable machine for many years. I'd recommend a vfd to convert your mill rather than a new motor.

 

[AldeanFan]

I've spent m lunch breaks over the past week reading through this thread and WOW!

Great work is all I can say about everything you've posted!

I think you must be somehow related to my friend Jeff, he has a '90 Wagoneer and a '63 Willys Wagon.

If your ever in Niagara I'll have to get the two of you together.

 

[JustinS]

Eric, hope your November has been going well. Any new updates?

 

[1/2 Cup]

Eric, hope your November has been going well. Any new updates?

As above.

 

[Mr. 360]

I'd like to set aside for a moment my seething jealousy at your ability to score free, useful **** at the drop of a hat and thank you for documenting all this. Really inspiring and useful. I've been subscribed for over a year now, and this thread is akways a good shot in the arm.

Thanks a ton! You know, I still think there's free stuff to be had everywhere, just have to keep a lookout and be patient. I looked for years for a mill, but I'm glad I held off until this deal came along. It's a beefier mill than I'd have ever bought myself. I did also score a free whitney Jensen kick press from work. I haven't moved it but it works great (it may just go into storage in my folks' barn until I have a bigger shop someday).

How did I miss the new addition? Looks great! We have an xlo at work and it has been a good reliable machine for many years. I'd recommend a vfd to convert your mill rather than a new motor.

Good call on the vfd. I was told that the original pancake 3ph motor was bunned, but I have a feeling that ma not be the case. Once I get it apart a little ill check it. A vfd would allow me to run other 3ph tools that will inevitably follow me home.

I've spent m lunch breaks over the past week reading through this thread and WOW!

Great work is all I can say about everything you've posted!

I think you must be somehow related to my friend Jeff, he has a '90 Wagoneer and a '63 Willys Wagon.

If your ever in Niagara I'll have to get the two of you together.

Guy's got good taste. I looked for a wagon for a while, but all I could find were the pickups (getting a complete stock running driving rig for $600 sealed the deal too

Eric, hope your November has been going well. Any new updates?

As above.

You know, between a baby and my new job, I've amassed a total of about 3 hours in the shop in the last 8 months. I'm guessing that's the way it goes, not that I'm complaining (she's a little bundle of joy).

For a while I had some of my old furniture shoved in the garage. I just found takers for it so this week i should get some space back. I'm hoping to get the mill back together before I forget how it came apart. Then Finish my cupboard doors. The stove has to go back in too. Lots to do! Maybe I can get some pics up soon too.

 

[JustinS]

Keep at it, my daughter is 8 days old so I know about the loss of time now!

 

[Paul_VR6]

Keep at it, my daughter is 8 days old so I know about the loss of time now!

It gets way, way worse. At least now you have the whole night up to keep up with the internet.

 

[AldeanFan]

If you can get the kids on a regular sleep schedule your life will be infinitely better and you can find some garage time. My 2 year old naps from 2 to 3:30 and is in bed before 8 and asleep by 9 nearly every night. I can be in the garage by 8:30 most nights. I can cook, clean and do laundry while she's awake and playing but she needs to be asleep for me to get any garage time. Put some effort in to getting in to a sleep routine early and it will pay big dividends. We've got another baby on the way and hopefully we'll get another good sleeper.

I also have a play yard, like a plastic fence for penning in infants. Our daughter loved to play in it on the grass while I washed and waxed the cars.

Once I get the garage cleaned up I'll toddler proof it so I can have our 2 year old "help" me in the garage. That's something I am really looking forward to.

 

[Hingebird]

You are correct it gets tougher, especially when you add another sibling to the mix --it is more than double the work.

 

[The Original Fisho]

Congrats on the new kid. I just turned 30 and have 3 boys, 8 5 and 3. They love hanging out in the garage, especially my middle one. He already knows which drawers the tools go back into he sweeps up like nobody's business

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[OJ Bartley]

Haha, Fisho, mine is a sweeper too at 2 1/2. We just had our 2nd a couple of weeks ago so I'm back on no garage time but it's all worth it.

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[The Original Fisho]

Congrats OJ on the second one. It's funny I can get him to clean the shop with no issues but his room I'd always a fight

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