Estate Sale Score, Or Throwing Money Down The Drain? Who Knows!

Well the wife and I went to an estate sale the last couple of weekends. And yes it was at the same home each time. We actually went 3 times. To say this guy was a hoarder is an understatement. It was insane how much stuff was there. So my score out of this was Rong Fu RF-30. It has been sitting out in a barn. It is rough looking but it runs. It is missing some handles. But for the price well I could not pass it by. It was only $80. No tooling or attachments. So what would be the best way to start to gather what I need to make this useful. I have no machine background whatsoever. I figured this would be a somewhat inexpensive way to get my feet wet. And yea I know this thread is useless without pics

 

Sorry no speak that language.............

 

That looks like an awesome starter mill. You scored on that big time!
End mills can be purchased from Ebay or MSC or similar. Used end mills are not something I would suggest. Collets can be purchased in sets or just the sizes you need. If the spindle is R8 you have a huge variety of options. You can also use a regular chuck for drills with the correct adapters. For the low price you paid, it will not be expensive to get started making things. Start by just slotting metal.
Have fun making chips.

 

or you can 20x your purchase and sell on Amazon...

Rong Fu RF-30 Drilling Milling Machine T63362: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

I'd be hard pressed also not to have bought that. Have fun learning.

 

Ah come on Tarry dont be so modest, you are versed in all languages when it comes to machines.

 

Hey Jim , that is a good buy and at that price , a good place for you to learn........Don't know much about that Machine but most of the Drill / Mill conversions will mill parts but mostly stuff on the lighter side.........I assume there must be a tool holder or collet chuck available somewhere for those and keep your eye out for a Milling vise and hold down set..................Just make sure the parts your going to mill are clamped down tightly and the correct spindle speed is used for the size of the end mill your cutting with..........Bigger cutting tools equals slower spindle speed pretty much like a drill...............Once you experience it's capabilities and enjoy the process perhaps a full size machine might find it's way into your new shop...........Having said that make sure when your wiring that shop you install a dedicated 240 volt 40 amp circuit where it can reside.

 

^^^ note to future self ^^^

 

sure would be nice to actually mount it on a concrete slab ,,,,just say'n

 

Hey if u got the time! I certainly would love to have some concrete to mount it too

 

Well here is a pic of the little toy

 

We have one at work.

It's not the greatest...
But I would buy it for 80 bucks.
Good score!

 

I have one that looks pretty much the same. Branded "Enco". You can get Enco manuals on line. I bet parts are interchangeable. Enco sells Rong Fu also.
Get a variable frequency drive from Dealers Industrial Equipment to avoid changing belts all the time.
Need a good sturdy bench. Now spend a thousand on tooling and you will be set. And it's a very good drill press.