Larger machine tool discussions...

[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.