Made in the USA

[Rooter]

Once again, I'd like to thank all of you for your advice and input. You gave me a lot to think about.
As far as the type of work I plan on doing, I mostly need specialty parts for some special projects as well as looking to make a little $$$ on special products. But mostly I want to learn for my own enjoyment. Thus, I probably won't be taking on large, heavy project requiring extreme accuracy.
Price will most likely be the limiting factor for me. Looking I see some of the tooling is almost as expensive as some of the smaller machines. If it were not for my own interest in machining, I could easily farm out these parts to one of the local small machine shops in the area.
It will probably be a few months before I purchase, so keep the info coming.

[Rooter]

Still shopping for lathe and mill.
Wondering if there are any new american made machines out there that don't require a second mortgage to buy.
I'm wanting to stay under $10,000 for the two and hope to have some left over for tooling and accessories if possible.
Nothing against the foriegn made machines, I just like to have the "Made in the USA" label if posible.

[mochinist]

Sorry but the answer is no, you will have to go used at the price you are hoping for.

P.S. I can make you a "Made in U.S.A" label if you would like, alittle two part epoxy on the old label, with the new one over it.

[This message has been edited by mochinist (edited 02-27-2006).]

[mochinist]

I should add that the above is not totally correct. You can buy American made mills and lathes, but they are pretty much toys and not really suited for any type of work that has any size to it.

[TECHSHOP]

Have to agree with mochinist on this one. There are a few(2?) "lap size" lathes and mill manufactures in the USA.

Anything "bigger" (9in lathe) is starting about 12,500 USD, if I recall correctly; have no idea what a mill will cost new, but you are already over budget.

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Today I will gladly share my experience and advice, for there no sweeter words than "I told you so."

[CCWKen]

Yep, no way no how on NEW machines. Also, you'd be over budget on two machines that were 7 or more years old. 10 grand just ain't gonna go far enough. And adding tooling for two machines will probably double your investment--Depending on what you intend to do.

All I gotta say is don't try to spread 10K over two US machines with tooling unless you're handy at fixing them too.

[Rooter]

I didn't think so, but figured no harm asking.
Been looking at 'Grizzly' mills and lathes, specifically the G3616 mill and either the G9036 or G4016 lathe. Any opinions about the performance of these machines ???

[Joel]

The 3616 looks to be a decent machine and probably the best value Grizzly offers in a mill. The 9036 is nice, but the 0554 is a lot more machine for not much more cash IMHO.

[77ironhead]

The biggest question is: what are you gonna be using the machines for? if you're planning on 'hobbying' on them, they will work (but my personal opinion is buy used American anyways). If you're planning on 'working' on them, I wouldn't take ANYTHING gristly if ya gave it to me for free. Just my opinions......

[SGW]

The South Bend 10" lathe was around $20K, new, the last I checked. I don't even want to think about the Hardinge.

"Good used American" may be an option, if you are in a location that has a decent selection of used machinery within range and if you want to spend the time sorting out the "good" from the "boat anchors."

Take a look at the Jet JVM-836 mill. It's about 2/3 the size of a Bridgeport, and IMO is a pretty nice machine, for about $4K.