Equipment/WarcoMill

Class Red equipment: Do not use without specific training.
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Equipment / Warco Mill

Warco Mill

Summary

(This machine has been purchased but not yet installed.)

The Warco mill can be used to machine objects from a wide range of materials. Training is required before members use the equipment because it is easy for users to damage themselves and the tool. The machine has a table 660 x 152mm that can move 37 cm in the X direction, 15 cm in the Y and 34 in the Z direction.

Owners

• Roger Smith
• Robert Copcutt

Health and Safety

• Power supply to be disconnected when changing tools.
• All cutting tools to be kept in their holders until they are required.
• Waste material/offcuts to be kept clear of work area.
• Equipment will be checked for defects before each use to minimise the risk of possible electrical faults or fire.
• Carbon Dioxide extinguisher to be available for any electrical fires
• Eye protection to be worn when using the equipment.

Training

Training and induction will start with a tour of the tool introducing all its parts. The following points will be covered.

• Keep hands well away from the spinning tools.
• Make sure there is no loose clothing or hair that can be caught in rotating parts.
• Take care to mount the work securely.
• Swarf has sharp edges so clean it away with a brush.

Tips & Tricks

A climbing cut can put extra strain on the cutting tool. It produces a better finish so climbing cuts are good for light finishing cuts that leave a smooth finish. Use a conventional milling cut to get the part to approximately the final size.

When drilling, start with a centre drill to make sure that the hole starts exactly centre. It is usually OK to drill to a depth of 3 to 4 diameters in a single pass. After that withdraw the drill ever diameter of cutting depth to clear the swarf. Use cutting fluid beyond a depth of about 2 diameters. Be aware that halving the diameter of a drill reduces its strength 8 fold. Much much less pressure is needed to drill small diameter holes. Use just enough pressure to create long curly chips.

Maintenance

• Clean away all swarf at the end of a work session.