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How to Build a Workbench Milling Machine

Milling machines come in many shapes and sizes, and are used to precisely finish metal parts. Despite the fact that milling machines often consist of many complicated parts and mechanisms, their principle of operation is simple: Tools similar to drill bits spin at high speeds to smooth and shape pieces of metal held in place. While some metals require powerful mills, a drill press can be modified to work as a milling machine for lighter metals. This can be done by attaching a two-axis vice to its table, along with ensuring that the chuck and quill can stay in place.

Things You'll Need

Cross vice, two-axis
Ruler with level
Drill press with depth stop and belt transmission
Metal clamps
End mill
Metal work piece

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the length of each axis of a cross vice with a ruler, and determine their center points by dividing each length by two. Position the axes so that they both intersect at their centers, and are directly on top of each other. Measure and record the height of the vise.
- 2
  Set the cross vice aside, and place a drill press on your work surface. Ensure that the table is parallel to the ground, with a level. Turn the quill feed so that the quill descends to its lowest point, and raise the table so that the height difference between the quill and the table is the same as the height of the vice from Step 1. Ensure that the table is firmly positioned in place.
- 3
  Release the quill feed, and attach the cross vice to the very center of the drill press table, with metal clamps. Make sure the clamps are tight and the vice is firmly secured to the table, to ensure it doesn̵7;t shift position during operation.
- 4
  Remove the top half of the transmission box on the drill press. Position the belts so that the quill spins at its lowest rpm. This will give the drill press the torque it needs to work with most metals.
- 5
  Loosen the chuck, and put in an end mill so that the sharp edge faces down. Place a metal work piece inside the vice, and make sure it̵7;s firmly secured in place. Turn on the drill press, and lower the quill so that the end mill reaches the desired depth. Lock the quill in place with the depth stop, and use the vice to change the position of the work piece until its surface is completely finished.

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