Mill: bigger steppers and carbide bits...

When testing my mill out for the first time went ahead and borrowed my steppers from my 3d printer. They sell for $26 and have 156 oz-in torque. Here is a picture of one on my printer (Kelling, KL23H251-24-8B).



They worked fine for the tests but I quickly realized I needed something bigger. I went ahead and ordered some of these (Kelling, KL23H2100-30-4BM):



They are $59 a piece with 495 oz-in torque. I will be using one for each of me x and y axes and the smaller stepper for my Z axis. What these bigger steppers provide me is more speed and power. I am able to run the mill twice as fast with these steppers without skipping a single step.

I also got some new pure carbide bits in the mail for milling PCBs from Think & Tinker. I have yet to try them out, though I have complete confidence that they are up for the task.



I also ordered some carbide drill bits.



I'm looking forward to giving these a go soon.