Looking for someone to do some simple machine work

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Wed Jun 06, 2012 10:08 am

I have some simple machine work that I would like done. I need a slot machined in an existing transmission part. I have used this as an execute to pull the trigger on purchasing a mini-mill from Harbor Freight, but they no longer sell those in the store, so I had to order it online and I don't know if it will be here in time to meet my deadline (would like to get this done this week). I have visited two different machine shops that are automotive in nature and they both said they didn't have the equipment to do it. Why they don't have a vertical milling machine in these shops is unknown to me (I didn't see any). Or maybe they just have their mills setup for other work and don't want to mess with my simple job.

Anyhow, anyone have a recommendation? I would prefer someone that is close to downtown Raleigh so that I could drop/off pickup middle of day during lunch break.

Richard

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Wed Jun 06, 2012 10:36 am

Loop Road auto parts has a machine shop, but I've heard their work can be hit of miss depending on who does it. They are right off of Yergan Rd off of 70. I've been dealing w/ them for years and always treated fairly. Call them as an option.

Donnie Barnes · **Posted:** Wed Jun 06, 2012 10:55 am

Hit up the TechShop forum and see if there is anyone there who is a member and willing to do it for you? Or join, take the class, and cut!

--Donnie

Patrice Bousquet · **Posted:** Wed Jun 06, 2012 12:09 pm

Richard

You are welcome to used mine. I got the 3 in 1 mill/lathe.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Wed Jun 06, 2012 1:31 pm

I needed the spring mount flanges milled off my upper shock mounts, and Hamilton Machine Works off Tryon Rd did a very good job at a reasonable price. I was referred there from T Hoff when their machinery was down for repair. Clearly smaller work than what they usually do, but they worked me in during a lunch break. :thumbsup:

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Thu Jun 07, 2012 9:16 am

Thanks for the comments!

I may give Rodney’s or Steve’s locations a try today depending upon how busy my day is. I like the TechShop forum idea. I did look into TechShop in general, but as I buy more and more stuff, I think a membership for me ends up being less and less of a good idea. As far as I can tell, there are no continuing education (after hours, non-credit) “machine shop basics” classes (similar to what you can find for welding) presently offered at local community colleges. So I still may go through the milling and/or lathe “SBU” classes at RDU Techshop. Patrice, thanks for the offer. But I am generally hesitant at using someone else’s precision tools. Especially as right now I am pretty inexperienced with either a mill or lathe.

My HF Mini-Mill has been shipped and should be here next week. I also bought various starter stuff (collets, holders, end mills, etc.) from LittleMachineShop.com, have been reading up at Mini-Lathe.com and purchased a few well reviewed books from Amazon.com on general machining practices.

Richard

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Looking for someone to do some simple machine work

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