MINITECH
CNC Mini-Mill User's Guide
quite fragile, the largest diameter cutter possible for the job requirements should be
employed. Be certain that the RPM is appropriate before attempting to remove any material.
An end mill can be instantly damaged if a cut is attempted at excessive RPM.
There are no firm rules other than common sense in determining the depth of cut. Commence
with very light cuts, and increase depth of cut until satisfactory cuts are achieved.
Note that end mills should not be used for drilling; however, they may be employed to enlarge
an existing hole.
Collet Set
The main purpose of the collet set is to hold end mills securely. The spindle nose has an
internal Morse No. 1 taper, which closes the collet as the Draw bolt is tightened. Morse tapers
are approximately 5/8" per foot and are self locking. Therefore, to loosen a collet, the draw
bolt must be loosened a few turns, and taped with a hammer to release.
Hold Down Provisions
Some CNC Mini-Mills are supplied with a set of V-block clamps. This secures most materials
to the surface of the mill's table top. The table top supports several 1/4-20 tapped holes
separated at one inch centers for modular placement of parts. For additional hold-downs, it
may be necessary to purchase a small manual vise. This can be fitted with bolts to secure it
to the table.
Mini-Mill Operating Instructions
Minitech machines are among the finest tools that can be purchased for the price, along with
offering the degree of precision found in machines costing several times more, they are
capable of very precise and exacting work when properly employed. In short, we feel that this
is the best possible product in its price range on the market today.
Follow these guidelines prior to operating your Mini-Mill:
1. The Mini-Mill is a small, light duty machine which should not be used for removing large
amounts of material. For efficiency, select a piece of stock that is close to the finished size
as possible.
2. Stresses on any mill are high when cutting most materials. These stresses cause most
machines to be constantly adjusted for gib tightness and backlash. The Mini-Mill does not
have these adjustments to make, because of its dual linear shaft design. It also supports a
© 2012 Minitech Machinery Corp. 15
