MINITECH
CNC Mini-Mill User's Guide
zero-backlash lead screw nut that does not need adjusting.
3. End mills must be true and be sharp. Holding end mills in a drill chuck is a poor practice.
Use collets instead.
4. For accurate setup, you should have and know how to use a dial indicator. The trueness of
the spindle can be more accurately attained, which results in more accurate work.
5. Often, more time is spent on designing part programs and setup, than on actual machine
time.
6. Always plan on having a start reference point from which to begin the job.
7. A good rule to follow is: if the tool chatters, reduce the spindle speed and increase the feed
rate.
8. It takes a long time to accumulate the knowledge, tools and fixtures required for many
different types of applications. Try not to become discouraged by starting with a job that is
too complex or by using materials that are extremely difficult to machine.
9. Test your part programs and work in prototyping material first. This will reduce the cost of
materials and allow you to practice machining. You can even test your programs without
cutting anything, just let the machine go through the motions - cutting air.
© 2012 Minitech Machinery Corp. 16
