Re:
> http://www.shoptask.com/shoptaskwebsite/specialoff.htm
and multipurpose machines in general:
I've looked at a lot of them, starting about 25 years
ago, when I was doing a lot of gunsmithing. These machines
are, of necessity, compromise machines. And you usually
end up compromising the most on the milling capability. Space-savers they may be, but if you can afford another 12
sq. feet of floor space, beyond what's needed for the lathe,
you should seriously consider getting a separate "Mill-drill".
Reasons:
First of all, compare the specs for a combo unit against
a moderately priced 12x36 lathe and a similar-quality 8x29
Mill-drill. What's the spindle bore? (For gunsmithing,
this is important, because you'll sometimes want to chuck a
barrel with the muzzle hanging out the back of the
headstock.) What are the warrented tolerances? (Combo
machines usually won't hold better than .001".) You can only accurately mill what you can fit on the table. 8x29
is much more versatile than 8x10 (or less).
Next compare what you get for $3000. I know we'd all
like to buy American ... well, you can - if you're willing
to buy pre-owned. On the other hand, our friends in Taiwan
make reasonably good equipment at friendly prices.
A check of outlets such as Rutland Tool (Airgas), EMCO,
and Harbor Freight and Tool, yielded up a geared-head lathe for about $2000 and a (220Kg) variable-speed (not belt-
driven) Mill-drill for about $1000.
Looking around PHX, I've seen reconditioned Brigeports
for around $2500 - plain "used" for considerably less and
off-brand equivalents (Spanish, Japanese) for around $1200
(more floorspace, though).
Nevertheless, if you have to have a combination unit, for
overall utility and quality, I don't think you can beat the
Maximat line (e.g. V-10) by Emco. Unfortunately, the only
way you'll get one in the U.S., now, is pre-owned. If it's
been well-cared for, that shouldn't be a problem. The
problem is getting someone who has one to let go of it.
my $.02,
Dale R.
Message
Ok, Rusty, considered it NOT mentioned
http://www.shoptask.com/shoptaskwebsite/specialoff.htm
Ed
Anderson
Hey Ed, I think my wife
is looking for you. She seems to want to drive up to SERFI for some
reason :-)
Seriously, I appreciate
the info. I've thought about getting a tool like this for years, but
somehow managed to avoid it. It was sort of like the welding thing, in
that it was nice, but not essential. During the course of this project,
I've realized that a welding machine, and metalworking tools are becoming less
of a luxury, and more of a necessity, if I'm going to do the things I want
to do.
I've spent most of the
morning looking at the Bridgemill. It does seem to be about the
best choice in this class of machine, which of course you already
know. I've got a bunch of questions for them, but I wouldn't be
surprised if I end up ordering one
on Monday.
Thanks,
Rusty (gotta go fly
now)
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