Enjoyed watching your improvements Mick. Good point regulating each oil feed individually, it'll save alot of waste and mess.Those annoying little locking levers are sometimes known as flags. Cheers Tony
One add on that I am fitting to my bench top mill is a gas strut for the Z axis.........it takes the weight off the drive screw to give a positive up force, and in my case, enables the head to be wound up easily.........on your mill you could drive the head up and down with a stepper motor......most of my milling is done using the Z axis drive and for finer drilling I use the quill........all quills have a positive up force so the head should too, otherwise you are relying on gravity to keep the head down on the screw threads of the Z axis drive......milling down into a pocket or deep slot with the head could be deadly if you have backlash in the Z axis screw without compensation on the head.
Thanks for this video! I have the same US General tool chest and plan on buying the leveling casters. The wood top is a great idea. Plan on buying the same mill. This video is a keeper! Thanks, again.
@@formu1fan I'm sorry, I don't. I seem to recall that two of the bolts fit and I had to drill for the other two. According to the info on Amazon where I ordered them the bolt holes are 2-3/4" apart, square. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083ND294N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I don’t have a milling machine yet, But you make a good case for the PM Mill. I’ll be in contact when I get mine . Or maybe consult you before I write the check. Thanks Kimber
i actually like the halo led. if it was just for looks i could see the negativity, but it adds functionality. that locking lever is awesome. i'll be making one of those for sure because i already hate the factory locks and i haven't even started using my mill yet. vacuum idea is pretty sweet too. i'll probably be adding a coolant pump to mine. just got the one on my band saw hooked up and it makes a world of difference.
I have a pseudo-mist coolant solution that I will be installing very soon. It's supposed to be similar to a mist system but not spraying all of the coolant in the air where you breathe it. I'll be doing a video on it.
@@MicksWorkshop ya, i looked at those too but was discouraged by the mist all in the air and the high pressure air throwing chips everywhere since i don't have an actual "machine shop". also forgot, a power feed will be in the near future as well for my new mill. i'll keep an eye out for your video on your coolant setup. thanks.
Very nice job on all of the upgrades. I did not know that they made Nilock tubing that large. I'll look for some for my 1-1/2 vacuum hose for my G-0704 mill. I use a part of a Dirt Devil vortex vacuum cleaner that I rescued out of a dumpster that hangs on the wall by my mill. I have a similar one on all of my machines because they are small and easy to empty and no bags needed. You forgot to mention that the US General cart is 23" deep instead of the standard 18-19" of most other brands. I have 2 of the 27" wide ones that I use in my shop. Also, you didn't mention anything about your DRO. All in all, a nice setup with ideas that I will be incorporating to my mill upgrades.
Thank you. The loc line vacuum line is available from Amazon. I'll try to remember add a link to it in the description. You are correct on the depth of the cabinet, it wouldn't fit well on a different brand. I didn't go into detail on the DRO because it is the unit that is sold and installed by Precision Matthew's. I do appreciate you pointing these out though, I didn't think about them at the time.
Yeah they make it less frustrating to use. For me the bigger impact was the y-axis lock. I hated getting my hand greasy every time I had to reach under the table.
Very nice ! Mustn’t throw chips on the Porsche. LOL. Even my Volvo S60R would be pretty upset with me. Let’s hear about the 3D printer in the future. Very versatile even just prototyping before putting tool to that precious metal. Love the light on your mill. After having dumped my roll around box forward I am thinking I need outrigger feet to drop down. There is a lot of weight in your drawers. Nice accent updates for the handles. You can’t go wrong with classic brass. I would definitely print the slot covers in a cool something or other color. The price point and flexibility in design makes it easy to try and even fail. My Rockwell has a 7/16 (11mm) tee slots so just enough non-standard to force me to think about it. Wanted to one shot lube my Rockwell Mills. If you think about it drop a link to the one you picked. All the best Dan
Thanks Dan! S60R huh, my father had an 850R, I really liked that car. Yeah, I'm thinking about printing the slot covers in the same blue, that has kind of become my color for things I make. Although the stuff that is painted is a darker blue than stuff that is 3D printed. I actually did a video on the installation of the one shot lube system and there are links to all of the parts in it.
Just subscribed from Texas. I am trying to decide which PM mill to purchase. I'm just a hobbyist wanting to get the first mill. I see from comments you have that you have been getting comments for at least a year. My question is how do you like the PM727v mill so far and do wish you would have bought a different model? The PM727v is the model I am currently considering purchasing. I can't find many reviews on this model on TH-cam. I like all the mods you have done to your mill. Thanks
Hi there! Thanks for subscribing. I really like the 727V. I've seen the PM25 and the PM728VT, they are both significantly smaller. I was surprised that the 728 is smaller. It is, from what I understand, a more precision machine and it comes with the one-shot lube already installed, but for the the size would be limiting. In particular I like the z-axis travel, by the time I get my vise and fixture plate and then a drill chuck there wouldn't be room for a reamer on a smaller mill. So, to make it short, yes I would buy it again. And the PM support is top notch. If you would like to discuss further feel free to email me and we can exchange phone numbers and talk. Mick
I've just found and subscribed to your channel Mick. I like the upgrades to your PM mill. Is the vise that is mounted on it a 5" or 6" ? I have to buy a new vise for my RF 45 clone mill (basically the same as your PM mill) and can't decide if a 6" vise is too big. Regards, Ken
...how about mounting your one-shot oil system HIGHER up? This way there is no drain back - you can see the oil level in the tubes. Check-valves eventually leak....
Nice up grades and well explained. Thanks. I'm new to milling and (like Marc Stewart) I'm considering the PM 25MV vs the PM727V but your video (as well as Matt Grippi's) has me convinced the 727 is a better choice. I'd like your opinion to the same question that I asked Matt: Being as I am a bit tight for space, can I get rid of my rather large drill press once I have the 727 set up?
😊 I did.... I haven't missed it yet in over a year. I do have a backup though because I gave it to a friend. I do like the mill quite a bit and the support from Matt is fantastic. I had a bent gib screw that I didn't discover for almost 9 months, he sent me a new one no questions asked.
@@MicksWorkshop - - appreciate you comment and quick response - I have only heard very good things about PM - a bit more of an issue for me (Canadian) but I strongly believe a few more dollars and a bit of hassle (crossing the border) is well worth it for the service and reputation of PM. Thanks Mick.
It's loc-line vacuum hose and I got it from Amazon. The cutting tool doesn't move, that is what you position it next to. It has several different nozzles as well depending on what you need.
Nice upgrades but I think it was a waste of time to drill and bolt the ash to the tool chest. The tool chest has stout raised corners and so the ash base wouldnt have gone anywhere
I like the video. I am considering a PM-727V or maybe a PM-25MV for myself as a hobby mill. Probably comes down to price at this point. I realize there is more mass with the 727, but yet I am remain undecided on my needs. So I am watching videos on TH-cam and saw your upgrades video. Pretty nice! Question on the roller cabinet you have yours sitting on. Do you ever feel like the mill on top of the cabinet makes it top heavy, like would it tip (or could it tip) the cabinet if you hit a small rock or piece of swarf on the floor or something when moving it? I really like the idea of having storage underneath like you have created with your setup.
It doesn't feel top heavy. I think if you were to try to push it around from the top of the column it might, but that would be really unusual. I think the key is the leveling casters and the thick butcher block top. It was a little bit of a pain to change the casters to the leveling casters because the bolt holes don't all line up, but well worth it. I don't think I would like it without them. Thanks for watching and the kind words. If I can help with any questions or anything don't hesitate to reach out.
@@SteelerStewart Hi Marc, I put links to the top and casters in the description. Obviously I had to cut the top down to fit and I put several coats of polyurethane on it. They make it in various lengths.
Do you think the casters need to be replaced on the cabinet? Do you think it would it make the mill table too high? I was pondering if I could just add leveling feet alongside the existing casters.
What is the most X-axis travel that you can get on this mill? PM says 15" but can it be pushed to 18" or 20"? I'm working on some other bench top machine tools and I need to cut dovetails into cast iron mill tables. Thanks!
I would never plumb all the oil lines into 1 manifold, what happens is the oil goes to the points with the lowest pressure drop and bugger all to the high pressure drop points. What i mean is if 1 line burst ALL the oil would go to the hole and none to any other point. Each oil pint must be independently fed
Given that a) the oil isn't under pressure, only enough to overcome gravity, b) it's a manually pumped system, nothing automatic, and c) I can see every oil line and any leaks present, I can just stop pumping if I see a leak.
Hi Jakub, I machined some press in adapters that the banjo fittings thread into. Details on all of the parts are in the video I made about adding the one shot lube system. I would recommend that you take a look at it. If you have any questions I would be happy to help you out.
Enjoyed watching your improvements Mick. Good point regulating each oil feed individually, it'll save alot of waste and mess.Those annoying little locking levers are sometimes known as flags. Cheers Tony
One add on that I am fitting to my bench top mill is a gas strut for the Z axis.........it takes the weight off the drive screw to give a positive up force, and in my case, enables the head to be wound up easily.........on your mill you could drive the head up and down with a stepper motor......most of my milling is done using the Z axis drive and for finer drilling I use the quill........all quills have a positive up force so the head should too, otherwise you are relying on gravity to keep the head down on the screw threads of the Z axis drive......milling down into a pocket or deep slot with the head could be deadly if you have backlash in the Z axis screw without compensation on the head.
I'll look into that. Thanks.
Thanks for this video! I have the same US General tool chest and plan on buying the leveling casters. The wood top is a great idea. Plan on buying the same mill. This video is a keeper! Thanks, again.
I'm glad you found it helpful. Thank you for the kind feedback.
Wonderfully creative improvements.
Thanks!
Good looking setup mick, I own a few harbor freight tool cabinets I love all of them, in my opinion they are very well built and strong.
I’m going to be getting the same Mill/Cabinet set up soon so I’m glad it’s working!
I think the butcher block top and casters are key to it working.
@@MicksWorkshop I planned on a wooden top like that, but those leveling casters are new to me and I’m going to go that route. Thanks.
@@MicksWorkshop Do you remember what the bolt pattern is for the casters? Trying to order them before I get the box
@@formu1fan I'm sorry, I don't. I seem to recall that two of the bolts fit and I had to drill for the other two. According to the info on Amazon where I ordered them the bolt holes are 2-3/4" apart, square.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083ND294N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Yes sir, I did find this very useful. Thank you for sharing!
That's great to hear. Thank you for watching and commenting!
I like that Y axis lock Mick.
Going to have to copy that one mate 😉😉😉
I stole that idea from Lee at Tin Barn Time, and I'm pretty sure he said he stole it from someone else... 😊.
I don’t have a milling machine yet, But you make a good case for the PM Mill.
I’ll be in contact when I get mine . Or maybe consult you before I write the check.
Thanks Kimber
Nice work shop.👌🏻
Thank you.
i actually like the halo led. if it was just for looks i could see the negativity, but it adds functionality. that locking lever is awesome. i'll be making one of those for sure because i already hate the factory locks and i haven't even started using my mill yet. vacuum idea is pretty sweet too. i'll probably be adding a coolant pump to mine. just got the one on my band saw hooked up and it makes a world of difference.
I have a pseudo-mist coolant solution that I will be installing very soon. It's supposed to be similar to a mist system but not spraying all of the coolant in the air where you breathe it. I'll be doing a video on it.
The key is to put it under the bracket for the drop, otherwise the light gets blocked.
@@MicksWorkshop ya, i looked at those too but was discouraged by the mist all in the air and the high pressure air throwing chips everywhere since i don't have an actual "machine shop". also forgot, a power feed will be in the near future as well for my new mill. i'll keep an eye out for your video on your coolant setup. thanks.
Very nice job on all of the upgrades. I did not know that they made Nilock tubing that large. I'll look for some for my 1-1/2 vacuum hose for my G-0704 mill. I use a part of a Dirt Devil vortex vacuum cleaner that I rescued out of a dumpster that hangs on the wall by my mill. I have a similar one on all of my machines because they are small and easy to empty and no bags needed. You forgot to mention that the US General cart is 23" deep instead of the standard 18-19" of most other brands. I have 2 of the 27" wide ones that I use in my shop. Also, you didn't mention anything about your DRO. All in all, a nice setup with ideas that I will be incorporating to my mill upgrades.
Thank you. The loc line vacuum line is available from Amazon. I'll try to remember add a link to it in the description. You are correct on the depth of the cabinet, it wouldn't fit well on a different brand. I didn't go into detail on the DRO because it is the unit that is sold and installed by Precision Matthew's. I do appreciate you pointing these out though, I didn't think about them at the time.
One more thing, thanks for subscribing! You're my 200th subscriber!
I just added links to the Loc-Line vacuum tubing and adapters in the description.
I like the brass knobs for the x-axis lock. The stock levers always seem to hit my vise when I'm loosening or tightening them.
Yeah they make it less frustrating to use. For me the bigger impact was the y-axis lock. I hated getting my hand greasy every time I had to reach under the table.
@@MicksWorkshop I really like that upgrade. I will definitely do the same should I end up buying this.
Very nice ! Mustn’t throw chips on the Porsche. LOL. Even my Volvo S60R would be pretty upset with me.
Let’s hear about the 3D printer in the future. Very versatile even just prototyping before putting tool to that precious metal.
Love the light on your mill.
After having dumped my roll around box forward I am thinking I need outrigger feet to drop down. There is a lot of weight in your drawers.
Nice accent updates for the handles. You can’t go wrong with classic brass.
I would definitely print the slot covers in a cool something or other color. The price point and flexibility in design makes it easy to try and even fail. My Rockwell has a 7/16 (11mm) tee slots so just enough non-standard to force me to think about it.
Wanted to one shot lube my Rockwell Mills. If you think about it drop a link to the one you picked.
All the best
Dan
Thanks Dan! S60R huh, my father had an 850R, I really liked that car.
Yeah, I'm thinking about printing the slot covers in the same blue, that has kind of become my color for things I make. Although the stuff that is painted is a darker blue than stuff that is 3D printed.
I actually did a video on the installation of the one shot lube system and there are links to all of the parts in it.
You can use 3/8 air hose for table slot covers. Seems to work well. I have a PM940 that I converted to CNC.
Thanks for the info, I'll give it a try.
Nice tip!
Just subscribed from Texas. I am trying to decide which PM mill to purchase. I'm just a hobbyist wanting to get the first mill. I see from comments you have that you have been getting comments for at least a year. My question is how do you like the PM727v mill so far and do wish you would have bought a different model? The PM727v is the model I am currently considering purchasing. I can't find many reviews on this model on TH-cam. I like all the mods you have done to your mill. Thanks
Hi there! Thanks for subscribing. I really like the 727V. I've seen the PM25 and the PM728VT, they are both significantly smaller. I was surprised that the 728 is smaller. It is, from what I understand, a more precision machine and it comes with the one-shot lube already installed, but for the the size would be limiting. In particular I like the z-axis travel, by the time I get my vise and fixture plate and then a drill chuck there wouldn't be room for a reamer on a smaller mill. So, to make it short, yes I would buy it again. And the PM support is top notch. If you would like to discuss further feel free to email me and we can exchange phone numbers and talk.
Mick
awesome job mate
Damn dude this thing is tricked out. I like it. Thanks for sharing
😊 I just added a couple more things...
I've just found and subscribed to your channel Mick. I like the upgrades to your PM mill. Is the vise that is mounted on it a 5" or 6" ? I have to buy a new vise for my RF 45 clone mill (basically the same as your PM mill) and can't decide if a 6" vise is too big. Regards, Ken
It's a 5 inch. I've been thinking about getting a 6 inch, I'm not sure if it would be too big. Thanks for subscribing!
...how about mounting your one-shot oil system HIGHER up? This way there is no drain back - you can see the oil level in the tubes. Check-valves eventually leak....
I'll have to think about it. Right now I have it where it is because I have a shelf above it.
New subscriber here hello from Australia
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Nice up grades and well explained. Thanks. I'm new to milling and (like Marc Stewart) I'm considering the PM 25MV vs the PM727V but your video (as well as Matt Grippi's) has me convinced the 727 is a better choice. I'd like your opinion to the same question that I asked Matt: Being as I am a bit tight for space, can I get rid of my rather large drill press once I have the 727 set up?
😊 I did.... I haven't missed it yet in over a year. I do have a backup though because I gave it to a friend. I do like the mill quite a bit and the support from Matt is fantastic. I had a bent gib screw that I didn't discover for almost 9 months, he sent me a new one no questions asked.
@@MicksWorkshop - - appreciate you comment and quick response - I have only heard very good things about PM - a bit more of an issue for me (Canadian) but I strongly believe a few more dollars and a bit of hassle (crossing the border) is well worth it for the service and reputation of PM. Thanks Mick.
Where did you get the flexible vacuumed hose from. I like that idea . But how does it work with the table moving and the hose stationery .
It's loc-line vacuum hose and I got it from Amazon. The cutting tool doesn't move, that is what you position it next to. It has several different nozzles as well depending on what you need.
@@MicksWorkshop thank you.
Nice upgrades but I think it was a waste of time to drill and bolt the ash to the tool chest. The tool chest has stout raised corners and so the ash base wouldnt have gone anywhere
I like the video. I am considering a PM-727V or maybe a PM-25MV for myself as a hobby mill. Probably comes down to price at this point. I realize there is more mass with the 727, but yet I am remain undecided on my needs. So I am watching videos on TH-cam and saw your upgrades video. Pretty nice!
Question on the roller cabinet you have yours sitting on. Do you ever feel like the mill on top of the cabinet makes it top heavy, like would it tip (or could it tip) the cabinet if you hit a small rock or piece of swarf on the floor or something when moving it? I really like the idea of having storage underneath like you have created with your setup.
It doesn't feel top heavy. I think if you were to try to push it around from the top of the column it might, but that would be really unusual. I think the key is the leveling casters and the thick butcher block top. It was a little bit of a pain to change the casters to the leveling casters because the bolt holes don't all line up, but well worth it. I don't think I would like it without them.
Thanks for watching and the kind words. If I can help with any questions or anything don't hesitate to reach out.
@@MicksWorkshop Awesome man. May I ask where you purchased that butcher block top and the casters from? Maybe some links???
@@SteelerStewart Hi Marc, I put links to the top and casters in the description. Obviously I had to cut the top down to fit and I put several coats of polyurethane on it. They make it in various lengths.
@@MicksWorkshop You are Awesome Sir. Thank You.
Do you think the casters need to be replaced on the cabinet? Do you think it would it make the mill table too high? I was pondering if I could just add leveling feet alongside the existing casters.
What is the most X-axis travel that you can get on this mill? PM says 15" but can it be pushed to 18" or 20"? I'm working on some other bench top machine tools and I need to cut dovetails into cast iron mill tables. Thanks!
I just tried it. 15" is right. I don't see any way of getting more out of it.
I would never plumb all the oil lines into 1 manifold, what happens is the oil goes to the points with the lowest pressure drop and bugger all to the high pressure drop points. What i mean is if 1 line burst ALL the oil would go to the hole and none to any other point. Each oil pint must be independently fed
Given that a) the oil isn't under pressure, only enough to overcome gravity, b) it's a manually pumped system, nothing automatic, and c) I can see every oil line and any leaks present, I can just stop pumping if I see a leak.
How did you connect oil lines to the mill? Are there any connectors that fit well?
Hi Jakub, I machined some press in adapters that the banjo fittings thread into. Details on all of the parts are in the video I made about adding the one shot lube system. I would recommend that you take a look at it. If you have any questions I would be happy to help you out.
@@MicksWorkshop thank you, I did not see it. Funny thing is I spent a lot of time looking for video like this.