Pen Mill Problem

[Roy99664]

My new pen mill leaves a wavy surface on the face of the blanks. It appears there are 4 high spots. They is quite pronounced and seem to get worse the further I go. The mill is almost new, I don't think I have used it over 10 times since purchased from AS. It worked fine for awhile then the trouble started for no appearent reason. I tried to hone the flat surface like is suggested but it didn't seem to help. Is it just dull already?

 

[Dario]

How are you milling? With a hand drill or drill press?

I would guess hand drill since I had the same problem before...after I used the DP it went away.

BTW, I use the pen vise when milling...just prop up the blank so half of it is above the jaws top, tighten but not too tight (you want the mill center guide to do its work) then mill away.

Hope this helps.

 

[Ron in Drums PA]

It may need to be sharpen. Just because it's new doesn't mean it came sharp

 

[GaryMGg]

Originally posted by Ron in Drums PA
<br />It may need to be sharpen. Just because it's new doesn't mean it came sharp

Perzactly -- I just bought a new 3/4" from [not to be named vendor]. I don't blame the vendor; they're simply the reseller.
It is not sharp and produces waves. I've honed it slightly but as soon as my #1 mill comes back from Paul, this new one will go to him for a real sharp edge. []

Gary

 

[Dario]

I believe the problem is because of lack of control (usually if milling is done with a handheld). The ridges are usually caused by the blade bouncing around. As mentioned, using a DP will usually solve it.

Though you mentioned you sharpened the pen mill...it doesn't rule it out as dull as Ron and Gary pointed.

 

[Paul in OKC]

Originally posted by GaryMGg
<br />

Originally posted by Ron in Drums PA
<br />It may need to be sharpen. Just because it's new doesn't mean it came sharp

Perzactly -- I just bought a new 3/4" from [not to be named vendor]. I don't blame the vendor; they're simply the reseller.
It is not sharp and produces waves. I've honed it slightly but as soon as my #1 mill comes back from Paul, this new one will go to him for a real sharp edge. []

Gary

Went out in the mail yesterday, Gary!

 

[Paul in OKC]

I have had this on occasion. Usually it is from the mill taking too big of a bite for just a bit. I use a cordless drill and hold the blanks in my hand. Toget rid of the bumps, you might try what Dario has said. You may need to snug the blanks that have this on them, and run the mill down slowly just trying to trim off the 'tops' of the bumps first then down until smooth. Depending on the kit, you may or may not have much leeway on the length of the barrels.

 

[Roy99664]

Using the drill press as Dario suggested took the waves out. The mill is sharp and will remove material rapidly. I normally use a variable speed hand held drill and hold the blank in my hand. I have trimmed many blanks with no problems up until now. I only mentioned the vendor so you would know that I bought it from a reputable source and didn't "cheap out". In no way do I hold them responsible.

 

[dbriski]

If you don't want to use your drill press like Dario said, another solution is to put the blank in a vice to hold it firmly and run the drill at high speed but put very light pressure on it. I do this now and it helps a lot to get rid of the waves. It is from the blank not being held firmly and moving when the mill blade hits a more dense part of the blank. Once the Ocillation starts you get waves all around.

 

[PenPal]

My Problem for a long time,this mod to the drill press X and Y axis vice jaws show how I hold
1.The blank vertically to drill.
2.The brass glued,fitted,set in the vice horizontally for milling the ends.
Had a nasty experience milling holding the blank in my hand.

Take care Peter

<br />

 

[Fred]

Paul, Roy, and anyone else ... DANGEREROUS IDEA to hold the blank in your hand and try to mill it.

I have witnessed first hand in the ER as to what happens to human flesh when it comes into contact with a drill bit and a pen mill. [V]

To put it bluntly ... more flesh disappears INSTANTLY than you even care to imagine. Always use a pen vise or some method of holding the blank and you will also get a much better finished milled end.

You will lose way more time if you "mill" your hand than you ever could have saved by holding them in your hand. Also, the sharp end of the bit exiting the tube will drill the hand very nicely. It will take about a month to heal even a bit if it gets very deep ... and that's lost lathe time! Why take a chance?

Stop the hand held thing... it is only a matter of time till that mill gets hungry and gets you good! Then you will understand first hand. [?]

Maybe I ought to post gross, dripping, bloody, gory carnage photographs about now to prove my point?