Can you "surface grind" with a milling machine?

[Chris Crawford]

I would like to get a surface grinder or a milling machine to aid in making folders. (I would really like both.) Anyway, I believe I would be able to do more with a milling machine, but would I be able to work pieces of metal down flat like I could with a surface grinder?

Also, what milling machine would anyone suggest that's in the $500 range?

Thanks -chris

 

[tmickley]

I've been pondering the exact same thing myself. I guess I'll go with a mini-mill, either Harbor or Grizzly and then talk myself into the Harbor surface grinder. I've barely got room for the mini-mill and the surface grinder would be impossible to get down into my small basement shop. But there's always hope, maybe I'll move to get more room.
Here's a link you might be interested in on comparing mini-mills:
mini-mills

 

[rfrink]

I was asked the same thing last week or so in an email. A gentleman contacted me about a disk to mount in his mini-mill. The idea is to use PSA abrasive pads on a small disk sanding attachment. We kicked a few ideas around and I made a small 4" disk tool but have not tried it out yet.

A few thoughts to kick around: Rather than using a flat disk, I think a recessed center is needed to reduce the amount of abrasive contact..to reduce heat generated and HP requirements. What about a lead-in angle? Think one is needed? I guess the best thing is for me to get off by butt and try the darn thing out...then make changes as needed.

(sigh!)...so much to do...so little time....

Take care,
Rob

 

[Mike Hull]

Yes, you can surface grind with a mill. Get a depressed center grinding wheel from MSC, and the correct arbor. The wheel will run in the horizontal position.
The wheels are available in a variety of grits, I would recommend a 60, and a 120 grit.
As to the mill recommmendation, I dont have a lot of experience with that type of milling machine, but I can tell you, as far as anyone can figure, all of those mills are made by the same one or two companys in Taiwan. They basically just put different decals for the different stores. I would go with Harbor Freight, as they will pay the freight on a $50.00 or more purchase. No small thing anymore.
You can get the spare parts(should you need them) from any number of sources. Hope this helps.

 

[Andrew McLurkin]

Chris, on a mill you can use a fly cutter or a larger diameter end mill to bring materials down to thickness. For thin stock you can superglue the piece down to larger flat ground stock and mill it down from there. Once you get it close to dimension you can clean it up with sandpaper on a flat surface.

If you have the room in your shop look for a good used full size mill.
If you're like me and have limited space I would recommend the TAIG mill over the Grizzly. The TAIG is just a much better built machine with closer tolerences. You are probably need to spend a little over $500 all said and done, unless you find an exceptionally good deal on a used machine.