climb milling on the bridgeport , thoughts

[trying-it]

Been a professional machinist 40 yrs or more myself and a job shop owner since 1984. I agree with nmgross 100%. Climb milling does have its advantages, but should only be considered for use by professionals.

[John B]

I seem to remember from my apprenticeship (pre cnc) that you needed a milling machine that had a backlash eliminator fitted if you were going to climb mill on it

[SoldierSpud]

I am a machinist in the Army and have about 2 and a half years of experience. If you are going to climb mill, I would say go 5 to 10 thousanths at the most. It leaves a very nice finish. Slow and steady. if you stop in the middle of the cut it will leave a notch.

[mtncrawler]

About 6yrs straight on a BP and 4 others mixed experience and have to agree with NM and others. Heavier cuts - conventional, but I always finished, when necessary,with climb milling.

Just be careful - I'd even work the table clamps slightly with sloppy ways...

[rigger]

For climb milling many older conventional mills had a
"split-nut" IIRC.

By actuating a mechanical lever the halfs of the nut
were moved apart, thereby taking up the slack. I
don't remember what the problems were (if any)
caused by uneven lead screw wear.

Dennis

[John B]

That's a backlash eliminator.

The point to removing any sloppiness due to wear on nut or thread is to help prevent the cutter taking control and dragging the workpiece under the cutter, as it tries to 'Climb' and pull itself along the workpiece