|
Hi, Rusty.....I have to agree with Mike Callahan on
this one. I have a 3-in-1 mill, lathe, drill press. It is fun to use on
small projects (bushings, small square milled pieces, etc) but I found that mine
and the Smithy just couldn't do the work of the "big guys". Many years ago, I
attended machine shop in Trade School, then worked as a machinist prior to going
in the Army. I have found that the larger lathes and Bridgeports can really pull
their weight on both large and small projects. The smaller 3-in-1 units are
really for smaller projects, and I have to make several cuts to remove the same
material that a standard machine could do in one pass. Also, I have had my
table "jump" into the endmill, as I tried to take off "just a little bit more".
Ruins all your work quickly. I found that I also have not been able to do
many projects just because I did not have enough height between the table and
the spindle, unlike the Bridgeport. I'd much rather have an older standard size
lathe or a Bridgeport milling machine, as they can often be purchased
reasonable, and there is a ton of used tooling available. Then you can really
MAKE something.....almost anything. I wish I hadn't purchased my second 3-in-1
machine. (Did I mention that I am a slow learner)? Problem is, I just
don't have the space for one right now, as my airplane project eats up most of
the garage. However, when the plane is out of the garage and out at the airport,
I'd like to start looking for a real lathe and milling machine. So for now, I
have to choose projects that are small in size, will fit on the table with
limited travel and limited height under the mill or drill chuck. Just my 2
cents worth. Paul Conner
|