Larger machine tool discussions...

[lincpimp]

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!)

[simplechamp]

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.

[brushlessboy16]

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

[Slowkrawl]

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.

[nitrostarter]

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.

[mistercrash]

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

[JThiessen]

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!

[redshift]

Originally Posted by JThiessen

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!

Gosh you make it sound like Grizzly stuff is banged out in a backalley lol. I have not worked with Grizzly equipment per se, but I have had a close look at some of their woodworking stuff. It is very well made, far cry from HF.

Jet machinery I have heard a lot of mixed opinion on. I have run a few Jet lathes, and I guess I am indifferent on the ones I've run. Neither great or horrible....

Ok, prepare to be bored by some annoying logic.

Unless linc is looking to make turbine shafts, the larger equipment is not of much use to him. A combo machine will do the job of 3 and take up the space of one. CNC stuff is great, but for getting a feel for things, you actually need to feel it. You need the mechanical connection to the work, some real feedback. Starting with an NC could be quite dangerous, if not to the operator, then to the machine itself. And for one-off jobs, I certainly wouldn't want to program anything, that defeats the purpose.

Used equipment is a gamble, you may get a good one, or you may get one that's looser than Pamela Anderson on an average Saturday..

For spot cooling, Koolmist units are the cat's ass.

We are talking about hobby-to-intermediate level, which is why I recommended the Grizzly units. Their prices on tooling and accessories is also very reasonable, and they would have at least 95% of it in house. One stop shopping!

[lincpimp]

Originally Posted by redshift

Unless linc is looking to make turbine shafts,

Damn, there goes my idea of a fully portable, turbine powered lipo charger...

I understand the "feel" aspect of getting the hang of making stuff. I work with my hands on a daily basis (yeah baby, do I make you randy?!) and am pretty good at visualizing stuff and getting it made with my crude tools. I am also a good steel welder, no experience with other metals though, no need yet.

So the combo machine looks good, although a small cnc would be nice, like the one Jeff linked to in covington (a few miles from me). Wish I had the funds (well I do but they are earmarked for firearms and ammo) to buy both. I just need to jump in and buy something, find its shortcomings and then upgrade!

This is all great info, keep it coming! I bought a few books on running machine tools and have some ideas about how it is done.

[lincpimp]

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!

[rchippie]

Originally Posted by lincpimp

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 ?.

[JThiessen]

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

[TexasSP]

Originally Posted by rchippie

James why dont you just get a used bridgeport ?.

Damn straight. A proven design that has lasted the years. You cannot go wrong with a bridegport CNC mill or manual. The great thing is that the head on all is interchangeable. Just be careful on the used machinery and make sure the ways are not going out as at that point it's better to just replace the machine.

Most of the cheaper machines can only handle small jobs and do not have good duty ratings. I looked into everything I could several years ago for my machine shop I managed and it always came back to bridgeport. I found some nice deals on 5-10 year old cnc machines.

[PBO]

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