VA_XTC_Shooter
Silver $$ Contributor
I have the opportunity to pick up a Burke No. 4 horizontal mill. I already have a vertical mill so I am asking, do any of you use a horizontal mill for smithing? Is it worthwhile?
Come in handy for what?I have one dont use it much but it does come in handy. If you have room and the price is right go for it
Machining the ends of longer or taller parts is the most practical reason I can think of . Roughing or hogging blanks as most horizontal mills are more ridged than vertical knee mills is another. Gravity helps evacuate chips from deep pockets. Gang milling if the machine has an arbor. Gear cutting is more practical, There’s a few, could be more only you can decide if it fits your work load.Come in handy for what?
I have ideas how I could use it, but I'm on the fence. I'd like to hear of your uses, that may be something I didn't think of that sways me one way or the other.
Thanks
I used to run the late model Dial Type Cincinnati's when apprenticing, never fluted a barrel but cut a few gears, bearing housings, and other such job work. I don't miss it a lick.A very large cincinatti is what we used for many years to flute barrels. Thats the only thing it was used for. It was rigid and heavy enough it fluted good in one pass where a horizontal attachment on a bridgeport just gets you by on light work. No way id move one in just for that.