Bridgeport Mill Training

This page details the training programme/ requirements for the milling machine . Although incredibly rewarding and satisfying to use, the lathe and mill are complex tools and so require a more involved induction process than many of the other machines at the hackspace.

The training is divided into a range of different topics/ modules, which are graded level 1 and level 2. All LHS members will need to start with a level 1 induction, and can then train on additional skills/ topics from the level 2 series as they progress and become more experienced. Those who have prior experience will still need to attend a session on each skill they want to use, but these can be used as more of a quick recap session and a chance to demonstrate the existing skill (this will take less time, so we can cover multiple topics at once and speed things along). Note there are less level 2 skills (and no level 3) for the mill, as the range of operations that are performed on a mill is typically smaller.

This incremental training process helps protect the health and safety of the user but also crucially that of the machines - despite its large size the mill is quite a delicate piece and can be easily damaged by an inexperienced user.

Anyone coming for a training session needs good footwear, eye protection, no baggy clothing or un-restrained hair.

Waiting List

To get a spot on a level 1 training session you will first need to add your name to the waiting list, see Metal Lathe/ Mill Training Waiting List

Then, keep an eye on the 'lhs-induction-requests' channel on the hackspace Discord server for announcements of upcoming sessions.

Level 2 and 3 training sessions should be arranged on a more ad-hoc basis, simply post in the 'milling-machine-metal' discord channel or speak directly to one of the maintainers and we can set something up

Level 1 – Beginner Mill Skills

Level 1 training consists of a single course which is designed to take a complete beginner through all the essential skills needed to produce basic but functional parts on a mill. It will also act as a good refresher/ competency test for those who already have experience from elsewhere. Members must start by watching the recommended videos listed below, to learn as much of the theory in advance – although no substitute for practical experience, machining is a skill where a firm grasp of both is essential and there will not be time to cover both in the induction session. We will start the training session by re-capping the theory and going over the key safety concerns. We will begin the practical part by introducing the drill chuck and how to use the mill for drilling. We will then learn how to mount an endmill in the machine and practice milling. Finally, we will demonstrate how to measure the work and use the DRO to work to dimensions. The course will end with a semi-supervised test part which you will make, putting the skills you have learned into practice.

This course usually requires a fee (which goes into a pot for future LHS purchases). This is usually £40, but can be reduced if this is too much for you to pay – please speak to your trainer in advance – we don’t want this to be a barrier to entry.

Beginner users should watch the following training videos before booking a session:

(Milling Basics)

(Setup)

(First Chips)

(Basic Milling Operations)

(Preparing Stock)

(Laying Out a Part)

(Locating Features - Part 1)

(Locating Features - Part 2)

(Making Tee-Nuts)

(Digital Readouts)

(Basic Workholding and Fixturing)

Note - most of the videos above are from the Blondihacks 'mill skills' video series. This whole series is filled with useful content and we would fully recommend watching the rest, although this is not compulsory for a level 1 training session.

The notes used for Toby's training sessions are available here - File:22010-G001-r02 Mill Training Notes.pdf. Other trainers will do something similar, but might not follow this exact plan

Level 2 - Intermediate Mill Skills

Level 2 training is broken down into a range of small manageable topics – this means we can really focus on covering the subject in detail. Sessions are less formal then level 1, and should be arranged as and when the new skill is needed, ideally with a part or project in mind so we can tailor the session accordingly. Beginner users can ask for a level 2 session once they have completed at least 20 hours of unsupervised practical mill use following a level 1 induction (if you can’t think of enough projects to keep you going for 20 hours, speak to a maintainer – we may well have some hackspace maintenance projects in mind that need parts making!). If you already have experience from elsewhere, particularly in the topic you want to cover, then this could be brought forward. Note there is usually no cost for these sessions, apart from tools and/ or materials. Just like level 1, you will need to take the time to learn the theory of the operation before you arrive for a session as this will significantly reduce the training burden. Where relevant, recommended youtube videos are linked to below.

Boring Head

Learn to use a the boring head for precise hole finishing, including large or unusual hole sizes

Dividing Head

Learn to use the dividing head for precise positioning of features around the diameter of a part, for example cutting gears or splines

Other topics

If you’d like to try out any technique not covered by these training notes then please get in touch with the maintainers – we generally love to try out new ideas so we’ll do what we can to make it happen, but please bear in mind safety of our members and preventing damage to our machines have to take priority.

Authorised Members

• 2022-09-14 / Mateusz / HS35026 / L1 Beginner / TM
• 2022-09-05 / Dave / HS33388 / L1 Beginner - TM
• 2022-07-11 / Liyang / HS35016 / L1 Beginner - TM
• 2022-06-12 / Alex / HS32517 / L1 Beginner - TM
• 2022-05-04 / Dragos / HS32771 / L1 Beginner - TM
• 2022-04-27 / John / HS02259/ L1 Beginner - TM
• 2022.04.05 / Aidas / HS30336 / L1 Beginner - TM
• 2022.03.17 / Petr / HS33204 / L1 Beginner - TM
• 2022.03.10 / Dan / HS10468 / L1 Beginner - TM
• 2021.09.15 / Chris / HS32763 / L1 Beginner - DF