Milling around with a lightbar idea. (56K Warning)

[Dimzin]

Found myself w/a bit of spare time this evening and started "Milling" about in my garage.
Planning on 8-12 led's w/lenses and polishing the dome shaped holes I'm going to mount the lights in.
Will also be running a 9mm bit through the base (between the existing holes) 4 more times to lighten it up a bit.

Any suggestions (Besides just going and buying one)
-D-

 

[hamz9561]

Nice looking piece so far.

 

[SMaxxin]

This is starting out good!

 

[Racer 1966]

So you literally have a mill in your garage,what kind?

 

[Dimzin]

Not sure of exact model. It needs some lovin, Haven't cleaned it for a couple years
Shines up all nice and purdy like when I get out the Scotchbrite.

I can't tell you the exact model w/out changing the existing setup (Model plate is in the back) but here she is.
-D-

 

[HPI-Killer]

Nice manual mill. Makes me miss CNC Machining class.

 

[Racer 1966]

Cool. I need a mill at home but for now I have to use machines where I work.

 

[Dimzin]

K, I felt bad posting my last pic so here's what it looks like today.

-D-

 

[Racer 1966]

LOL, you didn't have to clean it up for us. Got any other machines?

 

[Dimzin]

Lol, I didn't?
Wish someone would have told me that sooner, now I got rust stained hands.
lol, It really needed some love, I've not been looking after it that well for too long. Always easier to work w/a clean machine/work area anyways.
Gotta get back to de-anodizing my Baja while I wait for the light-bar inspiration to come back.
L8r.
-D-

 

[Rolex]

I've been doing research on mini milling machines for quite a while, now.
I've seen some really nice ones that are under $30,000, but I'm trying not to go too far past $700. Micro Mark is the one that's looking good. That and the Grizzly. Any opinions?

 

[Dimzin]

You're looking @ the R8 Rolex?
If that's correct, I REALLY like the tilting column on that machine.
Mine has a tilting vice that's a real pita to square up.
I'm by no means an expert so I really can't comment otherwise on speed/torque/travel/bearings etc. etc.
Does have some nice accessories though.
Kinda got the machine itch after starting this project, and happened to come across THIS
There goes the 5T again
Still actually only in the pondering stage though.
-D-

(edit)
Uh-Oh.. Grizzly's got some coooool stuff.
COOL STUFF
That looks like it could be some fun.
-D-

 

[Racer 1966]

I've been doing research on mini milling machines for quite a while, now.
I've seen some really nice ones that are under $30,000, but I'm trying not to go too far past $700. Micro Mark is the one that's looking good. That and the Grizzly. Any opinions?

I don't have any experience with Micro Mark but at the shop we have a Grizzly horizontal band saw and a small lathe. The lathe is decent but could use a better chuck but the saw has surprised us. We never figured it would last more than a year or two but it's been in service for 10 years and still works like a champ.

Post up specifics on what you're looking at,I'll give you an opinion

 

[Rolex]

In the Grizzly line, it's THIS ONE.
I have no choice but to stay as small as possible.

Micro Mark is THIS or THIS.

 

[Racer 1966]

Of those 3,my first choice would be the larger Micro Mark machine. It's slightly lower powered than the Grizzly(2/3 vs. 3/4) but I prefer the R8 shank to a Morse Taper. My only concern is I don't see easy access to the drawbar for tightening/loosening the collets. I'm not sure what you intend to cut but the small Micro Mark is weak at less than 1/4 hp. More hp make a better cut,even on small/light cuts.