> I can certainly appreciate the desire to have larger, dedicated machines,
> and ideally, that would be the way to go.  Unfortunately, that takes up more
> space, and costs more money.  
>...
> Finally, I tend to buy new, rather than used equipment, so I'd probably be
> more interested in something new.  If anyone can point me to a particular
> item that seems suitable, I'll certainly be happy for the help.  
>

Hi All,

   My own equipment, an ancient Clausing 12x36 lathe and a
"benchtop" Taiwanese Mill-drill, take up 2.5'x5' and 3'x4' of
floorspace, respectively - literally 9' linear feet of wall
space. The mill's travel is a little too short to mill and 3
cyl. head in a single pass.  I've had to do two set-ups for
that particular job.  If I'd ordered the next size table (an
extra $100, then) I'd not had that problem.

   Take a look at these two, they're fairly typical of what's
available in the way of reasonable-quality imported tools.

http://www.southern-tool.com/store/jet_bd920_belt_drive_metal_working_lathe.html

http://www.southern-tool.com/store/milling_drilling_equipment.html


   Total investment: $2600.00, and I'll guarentee they'll do
more than any currently available 3-in-one up to $4000 will do,
and occupy only four more feet of your wall.

   Some others:
   
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=40939

This one is a little more versatile, in some ways, than the
Southern Tool mill above.  But it does have a rather short
quill stroke for drilling.  If you already have a drill press,
that's not a worry.  The table size is about the minimum for
serious work - other than "miniature".

   By the way, don't get fooled by claims on some of the
small lathes, often advertized as "tool room" lathes.  The
small units are incapable of holding tolerances necessary for
true "tool room" use.  As someone else said (Mike?), .002 is
often the best they can do.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42827

   If I were buying my first Mill - and limited to less than
$2000 - this is what I would buy today.  No belts to move when
I need to change spindle speeds; table travel is big enough for
an intake manifold plate; the head can be tilted up to 45 degrees.
In fact, if I can find a buyer for my old one, I may just get
it anyway - even though my "next machine" budget is being
built up for a Bridgeport type machine.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=45861

Another (relatively) inexpensive production-size lathe (<$1000.00)
The Jet above is probably a better machine.  I can guarantee that
this one is made in China (as in: The People's Republic of ...)  For
that reason, *I* wouldn't buy it.

   Also, don't snuffle at used equipment.  Machine tools made
back in the 30's, 40's and 50's were made to outlast several
Tool-and-die Maker's lifetimes.  Get one that has been
reconditioned by a good shop, care for it properly, and you can
hand it down to your grandchildren, still capable of the same
fine work it did the day it was installed new.

Regards,
Dale R.