What is the best bang for the buck lathe/milling machine?
I worked in a machine shop for a couple of summers when I was in high school and love fabricating stuff and want to get a lathe with-and milling machine just to mess around with and make some bits. I have learned that one of the most expensive mistakes you can make is starting with an under-sized, powered, whatever and then needing to upgrade.
That being said, what is the best bang for the buck lathe. If it is a combo unit, 2 in one or three in one even better. Something to make those parts we all love and need.
Thanks for your input!
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Walter you stud…. 😛
20×80 with 3.125″ spindle :):):):):)
I can get .0002″ accuracy on my little lathe. Try that yourself 😛
Dont make me post a picture of you know what….LOL
What’s “you know what”
Just kidding
😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
ok ok you win 😀
I can get .0002″ accuracy on my little lathe. Try that yourself 😛
Dont make me post a picture of you know what….LOL
I can easily fit 1.25″ stock through my spindle and chuck, try that with your little toy lathe! 😛
what had to be modded….where did you buy….my little chuck has just about had it….think i gotta get new bearings bearings too
I love my new 5″ chuck from LMS. The center hole is a little over 1″ and allows me to place stock about 3″ back to the spindle and I no longer have to hold it by the tip in the jaws. It also allows stock to be passed through the spindle size of .87″.
It comes from LMS with an adapter and mount studs. The chuck is heavy and the extra mass is nice on the small lathe.
http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2345&category=
can you reveal a bit more about that huge chuck you got on there…
what had to be modded….where did you buy….my little chuck has just about had it….think i gotta get new bearings bearings too
Thanks for the good info. It seems that 2 machines will be the way I will go.
the link ”The HF44142 is unpacked !!” shrpshot28 posted is the same as mine , under a differnt name .
ive had it for many years and it still works great , i use it alot .
i dont think there is any thng that compares whn it comes to price .
That cutter fluid gone wild….LOL
Some of the suppose cutting and tapping fluid leaves that shit all over the place.
I had to find one that did not want to coat everything in the vicinity.
My machines get used a lot as you can see. They are working machines not mantle pieces. Time for some WD40 and scotch brite pad. But who has time of clean up when there is craftsmanship to get done!
Did you pay extra to get the Iron Oxide finish ? 😀
I only do small hobby stuff and do not need a big machine. So here is how I solved my problem.
And this
The machines are one thing the tooling and upgrades are another. The Digital read out and Vise cost as much as the mill itself! The cutters and other necessities adds up fast.
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Walter you stud…. 😛
But because he’s in Canada he’s only allowed to go up to 100 RPM Max.