[john_t_h]

Hi Everyone,

I have been pondering over getting myself a Mill and Lathe to start a new hobby that fits in with my RC Model hobby.

The other day I visited Frans, from Syil Australia, and now I'm well and truly convinced. (I'm glad I looked into CNC as I originally thought it look too hard)

So it looks like I am going to get a C6 Lathe and a X4 Mill (just waiting to Frans to get one in so I can have a look at it).

In preparation, I am trying to put together a list of must have tooling and nice to have tooling. As these machines will be my first, I'm not sure on what I should be getting.

What do I really need?

As a start I had a browse through the Little Machine Shop website and made this list of "stuff" that I think I need for the X4 Mill.

2873 Dial Indicator, 1" x 0.0005"
1236 Dial Indicator, 1' X 0.001
2875 Dial Test Indicator, 0-4-0 x 0.0001"
2874 Digital Caliper 6" Stainless
1248 Micrometer Set, 0-3"
1699 Vise, 3" Precision Milling, Heavy
2872 R8 Collets (set of 23)
1660 Drill Chuck 1/2" Keyless
1676 Arbor, Drill Chuck R8 to 33JT
1244 End Mill Set, 20 pieces 2&4 Flute
1893 Thin Parallels 3" Long 10 pairs
1144 Clamping Kit 7/16" T-Slot
1233 Blocks, 1-2-3
1240 Edge and Center Finder
1603 Wiggler Center Finder Set
1231 Fly Cutter Set
1153 Tool Bit 3/16" M2
1155 Tool Bit 1/4" M2
1152 Tool Bit 5/16" M2
1952 Indexable End Mill, R8
2277 Insert, TPG 322 Carbide
1266 Boring Head 2"
1626 Boring Head Shank R8
1247 Boring Bar Set, carbide 1/2" Shank
3067 Reamers, 29 Piece Chucking HSS
1230 Center Dills, Set of 5 (No 1-5)
2549 Machinist Square Set
3028 Universal Bevel, PEC
2060 Coaxial Centering Indicator
3103 Angle Gage Set
2878 Radius Gage Set

Any advice would be appreciated.

[metalworkz]

Hello John,
I see a lot of tools in your list, but I am wondering if you already have a CAD/CAM software package? If not I would think that will be an important addition to the list expecially if the machines you are planning on obtaining are the CNC variety. You can find Dolphin CAD/CAM USA listings for both milling and the lathe on the eBay USA site at very reasonable prices. As for the other tools I would try to buy only the needed tools initially and add to the arsenal as the need arises. A minimal set of measuring tools like 0-6" calipers, micrometer set, dial indicator and test indicator, 1-2-3 blocks, wiggler & edge finder would probably be a good start. For the machines a good R8 collet set, borring bars, a good vise, clamping set, end mill set for mill, tool bits in a couple sizes for the lathe, and some center drills. Myself I have to many times work around or make the tools myself but if you have the resources buying them is the way to go. I wish you the best of luck with your new found hobby, and I have a Syil America SX3 mill myself so I feel you have made a good choice by buying from Frans at Syil Australia. What kind of RC models are you making? We are making RC car parts among other things. Keep us informed on your progress!
Best regards,

[john_t_h]

Hi Wes,

I'm already testing out some software now. Frans recommended BobCAD and Mach 3 so I'm testing that, plus I'm also giving Alibre a go for some CAD work.

I'm mainly have RC boats like in the photo, but I also have a Baja 5b which I've manage to break most parts on.