Rambaudi Milling Machines: Heavy Duty Vertical Mills for Machine Shops

Overview of the Rambaudi Milling Machine

The Rambaudi milling machine is a heavy-duty vertical mill ideal for machine shops and manufacturing facilities. Rambaudi has been producing milling machines in Italy since 1925 and their machines are known for precision, reliability, and durability.

History of the Rambaudi Brand

The Rambaudi company was founded in 1925 by Aristide Rambaudi in Cuneo, Italy. They originally specialized in producing accessories and parts for machine tools. In 1935, Rambaudi began manufacturing their first milling machines and soon gained a reputation for building rugged and precise machines.

By the 1960s, Rambaudi milling machines were being exported worldwide. Some of their most popular models included the V3, RV3, and Super V3 vertical mills which offered rigid construction and versatile milling capabilities.

Key Features of the Rambaudi V3 Milling Machine

The Rambaudi V3 is a heavy-duty vertical milling machine featuring:

• Rigid cast iron construction
• Powerful 5 hp motor
• Precision ground NMTB 40 or 50 spindle
• Large 42" x 12" work table
• Geared head for wide speed ranges
• One-shot lubrication system
• Includes accessories like a vise and arbor supports

These key features make the V3 series one of the most capable and flexible vertical mills on the market. The rigid base and head construction minimize vibration during milling operations. The powerful 5 hp motor provides ample torque and spindle speeds ranging from 60 to 4500 RPM to handle various materials and tasks.

Capabilities of the Rambaudi Vertical Milling Machine

The heavy-duty design of the Rambaudi V3 vertical mill enables it to handle a wide range of milling, drilling, boring, and tapping applications including:

Precision Milling Operations

The precision spindle in combination with the rigid base make this Rambaudi mill suitable for fine milling operations with tight tolerance requirements. The geared head allows optimal spindle speeds for working with various materials from steel alloys to aluminum.

Drilling and Boring Holes

With the appropriate tooling, the V3 can drill holes up to 2" in diameter in materials like cast iron, steel alloys, stainless steel, and aluminum. The rigid column minimizes vibration and deflection.

Working with Large Parts

The sizeable 42" x 12" worktable provides ample support for large workpieces. The table can handle weights up to 3200 lbs allowing for machining extra-large parts.

Tapping Threads and Holes

This Rambaudi vertical mill has the low-end torque necessary for tapping holes and cutting threads via the taps and dies method. This saves the hassle of secondary threading operations.

One-Offs, Short Runs, and Prototypes

Job shops often use heavy-duty Rambaudi mills like the V3 for one-offs, short runs, and prototyping parts before larger production. The versatility enables efficient switching between various operations.

Tips for Operating a Rambaudi Vertical Mill

While Rambaudi mills are simple to operate compared to other machine tools, here are some tips for getting the best results from your machine:

Use Proper Cutting Tools

HSS and carbide end mills designed to handle the spindle speeds and materials for your application will lead to better efficiency and finishes.

Utilize Feeds and Speeds Charts

Consult manufacturer feeds and speeds charts to determine the optimum parameters for your tooling and workpiece materials.

Use Rigid Fixturing

Secure parts with a proper mill vise, angle plates, parallels, or other rigid fixturing to minimize vibration and permit faster feed rates.

Apply Proper Cooling and Lubrication

Use the built-in coolant system or an external fluid to keep cutters sharp and part temperatures in check during material removal.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Follow a routine maintenance program to keep your Rambaudi vertical mill in top working order over decades of service.

Buying a Used Rambaudi Vertical Milling Machine

Due to their durability and longevity, many machine shops buy Rambaudi V3 mills on the used market. When evaluating a used unit, look for:

• Smooth, vibration-free spindle operation
• Minimal table runout and backlash
• Good condition handwheels and fine downfeed mechanisms
• Integrity of the column, knee, and base
• Included tooling like an arbor, collets, vise, etc.

If maintained properly, a used Rambaudi vertical mill can deliver years of accurate and reliable service while performing all types of milling activities in a shop environment.

Conclusion

With Italian craftsmanship and attention to detail, Rambaudi milling machines like the V3 provide the balance of ruggedness and precision required for the machine shop. Their heavy-duty build quality allows these mills to withstand years of regular use making them an excellent long-term investment for any manufacturing facility. If your shop is considering purchasing a heavy vertical mill or replacing an aging unit, the classic Rambaudi mills deserve strong consideration.

FAQs

What industries typically use Rambaudi vertical mills?

Rambaudi mills are very popular in machine shops, fabrication shops, maintenance departments, and other manufacturing facilities because of their durability, precision, and versatility for a variety of milling, drilling, and tapping operations.

What type of warranty is available on new Rambaudi vertical mills?

New Rambaudi mills typically come with a 12 month warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship, excluding consumable wear items. Extending the warranty is also an option with new purchases.

What kind of routine maintenance do these mills require?

Recommended routine maintenance tasks include checking/adding lubricant, inspecting coolant levels, cleaning built-up debris from the worktable and ways, and checking the tram of the head to ensure machining accuracy.

Can these mills handle stainless steel or titanium?

Yes, Rambaudi vertical mills are certainly rigid and powerful enough to take rough cuts and perform finishing passes in harder materials like stainless steel and titanium workpieces. Using the correct tooling and operating parameters is critical.

What standard tooling is included with a new Rambaudi V3 mill?

New Rambaudi V3 mills typically include an arbor, arbor supports, a milling vise, standard R8 collets, and other workholding accessories to provide owners with everything they need to be up and running out of the box.