Machinist Question

[Willie Johnson]

I am contemplating building a knock-off wing jig that has the v-notches for holding square tilted leading edges.  What is the best way to cut the 90 degree v-slots?  I have a square column mill.

Thanks,

[Paul Taylor]

Hey we only do Plane questions, that one is too hard for us balsa guys to answer.

I think you should scrap the wing jig idea and mill out an engine case.

Call it a WJ-.40 PT

Just kidding Willie.... wish I had the answer.
Paul 

[Bill Gruby]

 Get an angle vise and set it at 45 drgrees. Clamp as many of the LE holders as you can at one time. Use a 4 fiute cutter and cut them all at once . Piece of cake.  LOL Also please define square column mill for me? Mills come in either vertical or horizontal spindals. The above is for a vertical. If yours has a horizontal Spindle then just get a "V" cutter.

  "Billy G" 

[Willie Johnson]

Thanks, that's what I was thinking.  My mill is actually an Enco 20" square column mill/drill.  It is a clone of the mill/drill sold by Rongfu.  I like it.

Paul - An engine is way beyond my skill level at the moment.  I'm trying to build some some planes so that I can get out there and stop getting dizzy.  I've got a few things in the works.  I finally got motivated and have been in the shop every night this week.  I just need to get in there a little earlier and be more productive.

Thanks,

Willie

[Randy Powell]

Personally, I'd use a 90° four flute chamfer mill, put a group of pieces clamped in a row and run down the row, but that's me. I have a Grizzley Mill myself.   

edited for typo

[Bob Reeves]

Am pretty sure Tom cuts his on a table saw.. Just set the blade at 45 and whack away. I took the easy way out and just bought a set from Tom.

[Keith Spriggs]

Billy-G
There are two types of mill/drills The square column and the round column. The round type allows the head to swing left to right like a drill press. The square column can not swing, The table is fixed on both types as opposed to a knee mill. Think in terms of a beefy drill press with a movable table, not a Bridgeport.

[Bill Gruby]

Billy-G
There are two types of mill/drills The square column and the round column. The round type allows the head to swing left to right like a drill press. The square column can not swing, The table is fixed on both types as opposed to a knee mill. Think in terms of a beefy drill press with a movable table, not a Bridgeport.

 Thank you Keith, I don't know much about Mill/Drills, never owned one. LOL  The original post stated Mill, that's why I asked the question. See everyone learns something new everyday.  LOL

 "Billy G"

[Willie Johnson]

No money or space for a Bridgeport.  I wanted something bigger than a mini-mill.  The head is on a dove-tail so it goes up and down in alignment.  The head also swivels +/- 90 degrees if needed .  Its a nice 700 lb toy that can be used to make other toys and I like playing with my toys.

Thanks,

Willie

[Steve Helmick]

Since the head swivels, I'd set it at 45 degrees and use an end mill to cut the V notch. Don't go off the vernier scale that's probably on the side of the machine...won't be very accurate. You might use a sine bar or combination square in the vise, to sweep in with an indicator in the spindle. The right way is the sine bar, but then you'd also need gauge blocks ("Jo Blocks") or adjustable parallels to use it. The combination square should be pretty accurate, and you probably have one in the shop already.

I'd also suggest cutting the parts in strips as long as your vise jaws, then slice them off and finish up the individual parts.  Steve