Larger machine tool discussions...
 

Ok, so spurred by redshift (Jason?) I want this thread to deal with shop machines that are versatile, affordable, desireable? (do I make you randy!) and just plain nuts!

I am referrring to mills, lathes, drill presses, and other stuff you have or want in your workshop!

Any idea or questions are more than welsome, I want this to be a brainstorming area to discuss or introduce stuff like this. I am looking to get a combo mill/lathe to get a feel for simple machining.

Redshift pointed this guy out: http://grizzly.com/products/Combo-La...tachment/G0516

Looks good to me, but maybe the more experience users could throw in their thoughts...

Also looking at this: http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-S...ll-Press/G7948

I need a good drill press, and this looks sturdy and in my price range... Plus free shipping (gotta love that!)

This kind of stuff interests me a lot. I would love to learn some basic fabrication skills with a mill and/or lathe. Unfortunately, the cost of a decent setup is out of my budget for the time being, and probably for a few more years, but someday......

I like this thread, and I'm also in need of some stuff. I live with my mother, so we don't got much technical thingy's lol (Not even a drill!)

I really like to work with metal, but I haven't got good basic tools over here. A few weeks ago I bought a Dremel, so I can do some basic cutting etc. I still have to buy a cheap vise and a (I don't know the name) thing where I can put a drill in. (Picture of it: http://www.louistools.de/catalog/ima...ft/5023000.jpg) I'm thinking about buying that one in the link, it's a Wolfcraft and it costs 55 euro (about 80 dollars) new. But if somebody knows a other good one, LMK :) And if somebody knows a good and cheap vise, I would also like to hear it. (Doesn't have to be very big, a 100mm one should be enough)


Yes, I'm really just searching some basic tools, because a real mill is far too expensive for me.

I have the basics
Drill Press
Bench grinder
power drill
dremel
parts washer.


Trying to convince my dad to get a table top band saw or a mill

If I had my own garage I would pick up:


http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_350_350p/

And:
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/dynasty_350/


I'd probably buy the TIG first as it's what I actually like to do, but a MIG is what a guy actually makes money with. I'd like to work a full time job and be able to do projects on the side for people.

We have these in shop:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-x...ed-Lathe/G4002

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44991

and I'm pretty sure it's this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=5980


My grandpa went on a buying spree about 5 yrs ago after his heart attack. He wanted a machine shop to leave to his kids to learn on. My dad being the only decent son of the family will inherit this whenever. But they are at my disposal right now. The problem is: 1 I dont know how to used the properly 2 I dont have the time to learn.


Linc: I will say that bit, clamps, and other necessary tools to accompany these machine are a necessitiy and may run the bill up a bit.

I realize you said larger tools but for a tinkerer like myself that mostly tinkers with small stuff, I would really like to get stuff from Sherline. They can come with digital read outs and CNC ready package.

http://www.sherline.com/tools.htm

From my experience with people that work in the machine shops, Grizzly products are priced low for a reason - but these guys are used to running machines that hold +/-.0005" over 4'.
Jet Equipment is usually considered a step up from Grizzly, and their prices reflect that.

Are you going to be machining steel? Do you need a coolant system included on the machine, or will you apply it manually?

In the end, you want repeatability, some amount of accuracy (is your slot going to be a slot, and is it positioned properly relative to whatever you wanted it to be). The ability to do this will determine if you end up using it. Also, the ability to change speeds easily. If its a cumbersome operation to change your speeds, you will end up leaving it set on whatever you last had it set for, and likely use your dremel to cut that new part.

Like Nitrostarter said, your vices and cutters will make or break you!

I have a few Miller welders, they are great, never let me down!

I was wondering about grizzly quality, but it has to be better than HF...

I need to invest in a good floor standing drill press first, then maybe give the combo machine a try. I am good at selling stuff so I can always move it on to some unsuspecting sucker (or someone with lower standards).

All good info, keep it coming!

James why dont you just get a used bridgeport ?.

I intend to put a modest workshop together over the next couple of years

At this point I'll be purchasing used machines that are bigger than the more compact hobbyist devices. Ebay is a way of buying them but in Sydney auctions are the best avenue to secure quality equipment (we just don't have the population selling online) that is in good condition & usually has a reasonable amount of tools/tips/accessories included in the lot...many lots have more than you may want or need & the extras can be sold to offset the initial purchase cost

I'm thinking a CNC mill, drill press, small lathe & maybe a small extraction system

http://houma.craigslist.org/tls/1491457788.html

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/tls/1510769574.html

Taig's are supposedly good equipment
http://neworleans.craigslist.org/tls/1510586447.html

drill press
http://texarkana.craigslist.org/tls/1489092158.html

finally, the mother of all, a Bridgeport...better have your forklift ready!http://monroe.craigslist.org/tls/1501364718.html

I would love to put together my own workshop, however apartment living in sydney doesn't lend itself to one. No matter how much I like these machines I wouldn't want to sleep with one...

For now I will just keep hounding my bosses to get in some more machines at work, hopefully in the new year we should at least have a mill, possibly cnc. Either that or we will make our own, currently build printers with xyz movement, so a cnc isn't too big a stretch I think.

This is what I use to do my custom work. My employer ownes it but no one ever used it. We got it in and it sat in the crate for over a year. I came in one weekend and set it up and started to learn how to use it.

http://www.atrump.com/product_detail...g=2&pro_id=182

-JB

i personally have a CNCmasters baron. Got it for christmas last year :) Cost about 13k after all the little doodads and a good set of tooling.
it'll hold
+/- 0.00025 per inch
+/- 0.003" in 12"
with resolution in the ten thousandths.
I'm running soldiworks 2009 with a cam software.
Mills really good for projects that you arnt in a hurry to have done. With the spindle speed maxing out at 1500 RPM, really cuts down your feed rate.
also have the basic shop equipment.


i do have access to the grand baby of all babies....the HAAS 50 series Tapper and HAAS 5-axis VMC. :yes: they are sexy and powerfull machines:party: