Hobbies And Interests
Cabinet and Drawer Pulls
Pulls can be as simple as a cylinder or somewhat complex. Cylindrical shapes can be cut from cylindrical stock, then drilled and tapped to create threads, and none of that requires machine work. However, adding a finger recess to make the pull more functional requires a mill. So do most profiles of traditional pulls. Displaying them in your kitchen is also a fun way to show off your work.
Custom Hinges
Hinge pins are fairly simple. Most store-bought hinge pins for doors, start as round stock, then the head of the pin is press- or drop-forged. The cylinders on hinge plates are bent in circles to accept the pins. You can make custom hinges by starting with larger-diameter stock for the pin, then milling the profile, rather than forging the head. The hinge-plate can be entirely milled, or the cylinders can be milled, then fastened to the flat hinge-plate.
Vice Clamps
Workshop accessories are among the most practical projects. While a variety of clamps are readily available, vice clamps are uncommon, but you can make them easily with a mill. They are similar in concept to a bench dog, which secures work material as it gets tighter. Their profile is an upside down, capital L. They have a hole or slot in the top where a machine bolt passes through. A workbench can have a variety -- and possibly a grid -- of corresponding holes. The vice-clamp assembly can then be placed over one of the holes and through-bolted to a nut. As it is tightened, it can hold a variety of work to the table like powerful fingertips.
Latches and Door Knobs
These projects can be a bit more complex. A simple chain-latch, is appropriate for a beginner. Increasingly complex cupboard latches and a full door knob assembly can be made with a mill. Standard door knobs require some kind of spring-device so the latch will return; this will need to be provided separately. But the rest can be completely made on the mill.