Mill / Drill

[PeeWee]

Hi All,
is there any reason that i should not use a mill as a drilling machine as well.  as space is limited and i can not see a problem with the idea,

regards

[MrFluffy]

I went through a stage of wondering this when I had to rebuild my sensitive drill, but for me Id keep the drill press around any day of the week.
My mill is a huge solid thing and I cant feel the feed rate through the wheel like I can on the drill and it tends to just make everything bend to its will. So for finer sensitive stuff where Im likely to break bits the mill is a bit clumsy.
Plus having to fixture something down, pack it so you dont break through and damage the table etc is all a bit of a pain day to day useage wise. Its ok for doing the odd big hole thats liable to need significant holding or torque mind.

Just my opinion, others more experienced may vary

[kwackers]

I do most of my drilling on the mill - helped immensely by the fine adjustments and DRO.
My drilling machine is mainly used for 'blacksmith' type rough and ready drilling.

If I dispensed with the drilling machine I'd just keep some bits of wood for the rough 'n ready stuff on the mill - and probably check that the stop was set to prevent the drills hitting the table before use.

Other than that (and an obvious increase in wear - not that us amateurs need worry) I don't see an issue with it.

[ieezitin]

Nothing really wrong with it in my book, fluffy is right about the feed back of the mill verses the drill press.

If money and or space are the concern then the mill has to stay and the drill press goes, you can’t mill on a drill but you can drill on a mill.

Another advantage im sure your aware of is the X Y feed table, unless you have a stage jig, drilling on the press is always going to be a manual set up.

I use machines that are designed for a certain job and find ways for them to perform another job all the time, its all about adapt and over come routine.

Now I slightly abuse my drill press now and again, as I am sure a lot of us do, I would never risk hurting the mill though. Its too precious.

Hope this helps.           Anthony.

[John Stevenson]

Non at all, Bridgeports make a very good mill / drill.

John S.

[HS93]

what mill is it ?

Peter

[PeeWee]

Cheers for the comments,
Peter, i am looking at the X3 or SX3 from Arc, i am in the process of redesigning the workshop around the tools.

Ian

[HS93]

I think Both are designed to be used as both so no probs I would have thought I have a X1 and thats good for drilling.

Peter

[GordTopps]

I have the SX3 also bought from Arc, can thoroughly recommend it.

Regards
Gordy