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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.
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