New to Machining_Need Some Opinions

[meadeblows]

Thanks guys. After posting this last night I did exactly what Dog suggested. Oh boy! Unfortunate about Smithy since they're right down the expressway from me. I just don't want the hassle of a bad machine. I like to build things that work and build them with stuff that works. I think considering what I'm planning a lathe and mill setup would be best instead of the this and that in one. I'd still like to know what the best manufacturer is for what I need. If there is one.

[meadeblows]

Hello all,
Although I am new to machining I have many years of mechanical design and "tinkering". I am looking for a "desktop" Mill/Lathe suitable for machining telscope mounts and telescope parts. I almost put my money down on a Smithy but after reading a few posts I think I'll pass which is unfortunate because that's really the size I'm looking for. The Sherline and Taig mini-mills and lathes are too small for what I plan on machining. Are there any well made 3-in-1 type setups out there that will permit me to spend more time on making things rather than trying to get the equipment to work right? Has anyone had a good experience with Smithy or does Smithy only talk the talk?

[Your Old Dog]

You might try banging in 3 in 1 in the search engine. You might bang in Smithy also because some similar machines may be mentioned in the same thread. I know this topic has come up several times in the past year or two. I think most guys would encourage to not do the 3 - 4 or 5 - in 1's. If you're into astronomy heavy enough to build your own gear than you might be a methodical enough thinker to be able to handle a 3-1 machine. I'd sure hate to be far along in a project, mess something up and then have to back up using a 3 - 1 setup! I do alot of backing up and retrying these days !!

ray........

[This message has been edited by Your Old Dog (edited 03-04-2006).]

[jkilroy]

A 3-in-1 makes a terrible mill. I would suggest just saving some money and buying a small lathe and mill. You will be much happier in the long run.

[Evan]

bump

[SGW]

You might look at what Prazi has to offer. Also EMCO. (That's EMCO with an M.)

Blue Ridge Machinery and Tools (usual disclaimers) has quite a variety of offerings.

[This message has been edited by SGW (edited 03-06-2006).]

[Wirecutter]

What really breaks my heart? Seeing a Monarch VMC sell for $500 on eBay. It was within driving distance. Problem with it was that it weighed in at upwards of 20,000 lbs, had a footprint of at least a single car garage, and appeared to be about 10 feet tall. It had a 20HP spindle motor, IIRC, and ran on 3 phase 480V.

Scale down the equivalent functionality to desktop size, setup for single phase power, and the price jumps to $3000-5000

Supply and demand at work.

[PaulT]

The 3 in 1's have significant limitations, but for small parts or model work they can get the job done. However, if you have the room and money, a small mill-drill (RongFu or Clausing) and a small lathe (9" or 12")is a big step up in capability. Next step after that is a Bridgeport size mill and a 12" or 14" lathe. This last setup covers a large workpiece size range.

Don't get nothing just because what you can afford or have room for has limitations, if you only have room and money for a 3 in 1, go for it, you can make some nice parts with one of those. I started out with a drill press converted to a mill with an add-on cross table, all housed the closet of my apartment. I was able to make some parts I couldn't have made otherwise, and as I got more room and available funds, I upgraded my equipment.

Good luck-

Paul T.

[tattoomike68]

I have a smithy 1220 , I like the lathe part, I should have just gotten the lathe.
the mill part is less than great thats for sure.

[Mike Burdick]

meadeblows,

Maybe you considered this, but if not...

How about a South Bend 9-inch Lathe? It has a footprint of approximately 48-inches by 30-inches and can be put on a desktop if "space" is such a premium for you. Also...it can do all the things (and likely more) that one of those 3-in-1 machines can do by adding a milling attachment or other clever "devices" that you may dream up! It would be perfect for making telescope parts!

If you're worried about a used one being worn - which it is going to be - don’t let that stop you. Remember, most things don't need accuracy over a long distance and a lathe that has considerable wear is still capable of holding a tolerance over a short distance for bearings seats etc. In other words, the "operator" doing some thinking can easily compensate for most inaccuracies of a lathe! Once you know what problems the lathe has, corrections will become second nature. Besides, you'll soon need to do this regardless of any machine you buy - new or used!

Be patient! If you check ebay and other suitable venues, I'll bet you will find one that is just perfect for you and you’ll have a machine that will get your job done time after time.

If a South Bend is not to your liking, then consider just a lathe. The other 3-in-1 features can easily be had by attachments or jigs.

Mike

_____________________



[This message has been edited by Mike Burdick (edited 03-06-2006).]