[TowerTalk] Long shank U-Bolts

[john at kk9a.com]

I agree that a milling machine would be a useful machine to have for ham
radio fabricating.  One thing that you neglected to mention is that they are
three phase and you would need a phase converter to run at a residence.

John KK9A

To:	Doug Renwick <ve5ra at sasktel.net>, towertalk at contesting.com
Subject:	Re: [TowerTalk] Long shank U-Bolts
From:	"Roger (K8RI) on TT" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk at tm.net>
Date:	Sat, 03 Jan 2015 03:05:36 -0500

On 1/1/2015 8:56 PM, Doug Renwick wrote:

If he has access to a milling machine or knows a machinist, saddle clamps
are easy to make, particularly if you can find some relatively small pieces
of 1" plate and you can make the flat long enough for bolt holes instead of
notches that require a backing plate.

I realize not everyone has a mill, but they are relatively cheap on the used
market. About 40 years ago, the company I worked for purchased 2 of the same
model used that I have, but theirs were strictly mechanical feeds except the
quill. They only had about 5 speeds available by changing the belt locations
on the pulleys. They paid about $7900 each. I paid less than $3000 IIRC.
There isn't a better drill press made. The mill is RIGID and makes drilling
"round" holes in precise locations with far less risk of bits hanging and
flying parts. They also make drilling holes on a circle relatively easy.
They also give you a reason to refresh that high school Trig.

A keyless chuck, a set of collets, a few end mills, a vise, and a little
instruction are about all you need. Used mills with power feeds and digital
readouts on the X, Y, and sometimes ZS axis for around $3000 while strictly
mechanical with quil feed can be found between 1 and 2 thousand dollars. can
be found.

A local high school had inexpensive classes on using Lathes, mills, shapers,
surface grinders and welding. It would be a good investment for the
mechanically inclined even if you don't have any machine tools. You can
learn a lot of possibilities. "Beware" of Fly Cutters! The first time you
see one in operation you will know why I say that. Speaking of Fly Cutters.
They let you cut large holes with smooth edges, but cutting holes in thin
materials with one takes special techniques and precautions.
Roger (K8RI)