A small improvement for the mini mill

The original Blondihacks video:

My machining play list:

The machines both wiggle around a bit because they are on rolling tool chests, but they are securely mounted and rigid.

[rainermoser]

Well done, Sir!
I did basically the same after I broke the "Kipp" style handle at one of the first attempts using the mill ( in my case, a G0704 syle mill).I haven't the time to build such beautiful brass knobs at that time, I used cheap plasic thumb screws I had laying around, and they still do the job. If someone has a mill, but not a lathe - or the possibility to knurl knobs - check out at a local hardware store. Even a piece of M6 threaded rod with glued on wing nut might do the job. But in addition, I added some low power springs which serve to prevent any movement due to sorts of vibration, the knobs do not come more loose or tighten themselve...

[jakubkopec]

I have replaced those dumb levers with screws and it was great upgrade. Even if I add thumb wheel later, hex socket will remain there so I can still use wrench in case of jam.

[ActiveAtom]

Nice to have discovered your videos, we subscribed and look forward to being here with you along the way. The brass insert is great (nice to see you taking the time to do this upgrade) as a vintage machine tool rebuilder we always replace them as they are tired or usually missing if they even came with the machine in the first place that brass part that eliminates steel to steel deformation that we usually have to stone off during the works here. Lance.

[elsdp-]

Thank you for sharing. Great idea, I have the same mill as you, and yes I have purchased a lot of parts from Little Machine, a great place for us small machine guys. I do have a larger mill but find myself using the small mill for little parts. Enjoyed your videos👍👀

[Pushyhog]

your helping save my hfmini bought at yard sale. The belt at top seemd to b weak point, gotta look in that area for fix and more power thru. I did “artisan makes” channel A/C motor mod to my hf mini lathe.

[dw]

Very nice! Inspired by your videos - and a few others - I purchased the Harbor Freight unit. I've made a few 3D printed parts for it - including easy-grip handles for the table-locks. I still need to buy end-mills and holders for it. I noticed you use the ER25 collets - and I wonder why you chose those over the R8 Collets? If you would consider making a video on why you choose those types of parts for your mill - that would be awesome! Very sincere thanks!

[johnrussell]

Hey Guy, At 1:00 Couldn't you make a longer screw, (or a shoulder screw), that holds the long handle attached to the splined screw, and put a spring between the screw head and the body of the lever lock handle? Now you can pull the body away from the splined screw in the table and reposition it to a new angle to continue tightening or loosening the clamping screw and keep that 'extra leverage' that the long handle provides. . .Just a thought

[stanburdick]

the bad part about those levers is the damn lock thats strips out so then you cant lock the axis. I seen they had the those arms at the LMS so I orderd some and the damn threads were the wrong size! had to send'em back and waiting for a response which LMS is terrible for communicating! 3days since I sent and no response

[gvet]

No brass in my stock so have to go for aluminum. Press in a steel machine screw but may add Loctite since aluminum is softer. Gib should have a dimple so steel on steel will not affect sliding besides that sude if gib does not move.

[tgirard]

Hey guy, I'm sure you have this somewhere but I haven't been able to find it as of yet. Can you point me in the direction of where you purchase that knurling tool? I hate the one I have and would really like to upgrade.

[rickpoteet]

Sir do you sells these and the fine adjustment roller