If you think that horizontal milling machines are quite complex devices, then you are mistaken.
Description
These units are one of the simple and uncomplicated electrical tools. If we compare with other devices, then in this case, the equipment is fixed on the shaft of the electric motor, so the device is spared from belts, gearbox and gear. The power plant of the unit can have high power, which can be compared with the parameters inherent to stationary machines, however, the developers focus on the speed of the tool, and the presence of a direct transmission allows the mill to be accelerated to high revolutions. Most often, horizontal milling machines are equipped with auxiliary devices that are designed for productive sampling and precise feed, this includes clamps, templates, stops and guides.
Core abilities
Horizontal milling machines can be used not only for wood processing, but also for working with plastic, plexiglass, non-ferrous metals and composites. Subject to this tool will be artificial stone and other materials. Depending on the purpose, as well as a number of design features, several types of tools can be distinguished, namely: stationary, rod, edging and specialized, which are detachable. The latter are intended for drywall, tie-ins, tile processing. However, the most common and versatile are submersible movable boom milling devices. In this case, the head of the device moves up and down along the guide rods rigidly connected to the support sole.
Key Specifications
If you are interested in horizontal milling machines, it is important to pay special attention to the electrical component. The head part is an engine with handles, as well as a collet clamp. Power consumption may indicate device performance. If there are more watts under the case, then the device is equipped with a larger cutter, which allows for fast feed and deep passage without overheating of the windings. But high power can cause an increase in the weight of the unit and its size. Among other things, impressive torque may not exist correctly in tandem with delicate snap-ins. On this basis, the horizontal milling machine can belong to one of the classes. If we are talking about lightweight devices, then their power does not exceed 700 watts, for medium models this parameter varies from 700 to 1500 watts, but for professional versions that are heavy, the power can turn out to be more than 1500 watts. A number of manufacturers do not use technologies that would involve the manufacture of light tools in the manufacturing process. They offer for sale appliances with a power equivalent to 2.3 kilowatts. The cutting depth of such devices can be 70 centimeters, and the weight reaches 6, 1 kilogram. Among the other characteristics of such devices, an impressive number of revolutions per minute can be distinguished, which can be 22,000, while the size of the collet will be 12 millimeters. If we make a comparison, then the desktop horizontal milling machine, whose power is 900 watts, weighs half as much, and the processing depth is reduced to 57 millimeters.
Recommendations for choosing a model depending on the spindle speed
This indicator manufacturers keep in the range from 20 to 30 thousand revolutions per minute. If we are talking about edging machines, then this figure can be equal to 35,000 rpm. When choosing a device, it is important to consider that with an impressive tooling diameter, the unit will be able to produce a high speed, which depends on the power. A small frequency may be necessary for the master, if necessary, to process metal or plastic, which eliminates overheating of the working area.
How to choose a tool depending on speed
When specialists or home craftsmen choose a cantilever horizontal milling machine, they always pay attention to speed. The higher this indicator, the more even it will be possible to make the processing edge and the easier it will be to work with fairly hard materials. If you need high accuracy, and the material is viscous, then it makes sense to use a lower frequency. For these reasons, many machines allow you to preset the speed for certain conditions and materials, the latter of which have different densities. Most often, frequency adjustments are made by moving a stepwise or continuously adjusting wheel. The choice of speed will fall on the shoulders of the master, however, the developers make tips by indicating the numbers on the milling machines or in the passports.
Mechanical selection
A horizontal CNC milling machine may have a sole with different characteristics. The supporting platform is made of aluminum alloys or stamped metal. The last option relates to budget models. The described element is the most important component of the device. A molded sole is a sign of a high-class device, because it is characterized by a clear geometric shape and excellent fit to the surface. On the basic support there are eyes for fixing the guiding devices, this also applies to the turret, where the vertical rods are fixed. In the process of choosing a tool, you should pay attention to the fact that a high-quality device has a lower surface of the support platform covered with a cover, this element is made of lacquered wood or plastic.
Recommendations of specialists for choice
The device of a horizontal milling machine is described in the article, you can familiarize yourself with it if you read the passport. When choosing a device of the type described, one should not put power at the forefront, this is especially true for the case when manual use is more relevant. To perform regular work, high power already seems like a clear plus. According to experts, it is important to have speed control and the nature of its implementation. The switch should be located in such a place that the master does not move it accidentally. The slider or wheel should move in steps or rather tightly.
Additional selection recommendations
It is necessary to analyze what the real depth of immersion of the cutter is, this indicator depends on the characteristics of the collet clamp. An excellent option would be the case when the collet reaches the bottom of the support sole. If she stands for the basic design, it's even better.
This characteristic will affect the functionality of the device, however, looking at the passport, you will see only the head stroke, and not the overhang of the sole.
It is important to determine the diameter of the cutter, which will be used in a particular device, it is necessary to compare the geometry with the diameter of the opening in the reference area with the holes located in the compass ruler and the copy ring.