Horizontal Mill

[VA_XTC_Shooter]

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?

 

[WSnyder]

I picked up something very similar to the Burke, a Barker AM for cheap in a package deal years ago. Cleaned it up, got it in shape and never made or did anything with it. I do everything I need to do in the vertical. If I need to slit a screw or the like I just use a collet holder in the vise and slit it with the vertical. I also have a 90º head for the vertical and I've used it once I think.

 

[CNC-Dude]

A horizontal mill is not something that you would use very often even outside of gunsmithing. They are good for certain tasks, but a vertical mill can often be fitted with a 90 degree head to do the same thing, making the need for the horizontal much narrower. If the price is right and it comes with all the arbors and tooling, go for it!

 

[Fuj]

I had a Brown and Sharp 2A I used mainly as a rougher for
burnout plates. It was picked up at scrap price just for that
purpose.

 

[std7mag]

We run both a vertical and horizontal mill 20 hours a day.
But unless your a large manufacturing plant, something like a Bridgeport will serve all your milling needs.

 

[paperpuncher]

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

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I agree with others that they have limited practicality.

 

[VA_XTC_Shooter]

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

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

 

[paperpuncher]

Recently used it like a horiz boring mill to drill and bore some block I used it to scallop some 1903 hand guards for a1 sniper clones I have fluted and octagoned barrels Made a couple different action wrenches ect

 

[paperpuncher]

Oh I forgot the splined pto shaft for my buddy’s farm all cub

 

[butchlambert]

The one he is speaking of has limited travel. Enough to flute a pistol barrel. I did a lot of work on a Cincinnati in the old days, but my 2 Bridgeports do everything I need. I have a horizontal attachment, but don't use it.

 

[VA_XTC_Shooter]

Thanks for the input. I decided to pass.
Anyone near northern VA interested in it, an 8x36 enco mill, or mini machines let me know. A lot of tooling comes with the machines

 

[Dusty Stevens]

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.

 

[bill hounshell]

M on

 

[Herzo]

Horizontal mills are generally substantially more rigid than vertical mills and thus are useful in removing lots of material in a hurry. Not typically the case in a gunsmithing operation. The vertical mill has much finer controls and thus is much better adapted to precision work.

 

[59FLH]

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

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.

 

[59FLH]

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.

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.