I bought myself a milling machine, and am about to have it up and running. I am trying to figure out what I want my first project to be so I can start looking for the right tools.

Some of my ideas include a 1911 build, checkering some scrap metal, an AK receiver or porting one of my Nagant barrels.

Does anyone have any good first project suggestions?

It all depends on what tools you have to work with besides the mill. Porting a barrel would probably require a spin index and 5C collets. Checkering is usually done with a hand file. An AK receiver is mostly made from bending a flat inside a jig.

My first home-built project using a mill was an 80% 10/22. These are fairly easy to complete. Machining a bending jig for an AK would also be a good place to start. I would suggest purchasing the basic accessories first, such as a vise, angle plate, dial indicator, cutters, etc. before choosing your first project. A power feed and DRO's would also make a nice addition to any mill.

-- ale

Thanks for the advice, I actually have no tools, no vice and no measuring equipment but that is only because I have not gone out to get any of it.

The AK jig and 10/22 are really good ideas, I will definitely look into it.

Any suggestions of vise brands?