Posted: 11/20/2009 10:37:35 PM EDT
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I'm looking to get a mill/lathe for some metal working projects around the garage. Would this be a decent piece of equipement for the DIY hobbyist?
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combo-Lathe-w-Milling-Attachment/G0516 Any other recommendations? |
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Depends on what you're cutting. A combination machine will not be excellent at any one task. Dedicated machines will always provide a better result, but then you are talking space and extra costs. +1 Rich, for most hobby gunsmithing that machine should work fairly well. Would I use it to turn a full size rifle barrel: no. Would I use it to mill out an AR receiver from a blank: no. Small items, soft metals, or things you've got plenty of time to work with: yes. Wouldn't mind having one myself....Grizzly has some very good machines at affordable prices. 
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| I have a combo machine like that. While it has some good points for a hack like me (modified and using it for tasks it was not designed for), it is not any good at doing machine work. Don't get one. Instead, get a separate 40 inch lathe or larger. And an upright mill of good quality with an R8 collet. |
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I have a combo machine like that. While it has some good points for a hack like me (modified and using it for tasks it was not designed for), it is not any good at doing machine work. Don't get one. Instead, get a separate 40 inch lathe or larger. And an upright mill of good quality with an R8 collet. What would a good quality upright mill w/ an R8 collet set me back and how hard is it to learn to use one? |
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These guys used to have a pretty good machinist program, but I didn't see it right off: http://www.americangunsmith.com/index.php?id=1
Keep in mind that lathes are damn heavy, you're going to need 220V for a decent size (anything larger than a "tabletop") Nobody ever taught me schitt about lathes (and it shows) But a little determination, trial, error, with scraps of soft metal, and before long you'll be smitten with all sorts of ideas! There are these "pocket guides" with specifications on speeds-feeds-tooling and all sorts of useful tid-bits that take the guess work out...tons of books, manuals, videos, but nothing replaces hands on learning. 
Grizzly is still a good way to go, you could drive to PA and pick up a machine....Harbor Freight is an option. The gunsmith at Van Tassel's bought a Chinese Milling machine 25 years ago and he still uses it most every day. YMMV |
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i have two of the combo mill/lathe machines , all though i have about 3K in both machines and tooling they meet my needs on what i want to do turn and mill for the present time , i dont push the speeds on the machines to hurry the operation if you do you will screw up and destroy the piece your working on . someday i will go Big
on both the mill and the lathe . you dont list just what you want to turn but i would atleast try to get a one inch spindle bore . my Harbor unit has a 7/8 and the Grizzly has a 1 1/8 on the spindle bore . TS2 http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combo-Lathe-Mill/G9729 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=5980 
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... and how hard is it to learn to use one? Now THAT is a good question. No, THAT is a GREAT question. Just to use one? With decent mechanical apptitude, about 4-5 hours of instruction for basic milling ideals. That time would including tramming the head of the mill (making sure it's squared up to the table), indicating in a vise, squaring up a block (making the faces parallel to their opposites and perpendicular to their adjacents), speeds and feeds for generally used metals, how to select a cutter and what type of cutter to use for what operation. Now, to get proficient at a variety of things, I'm still working on that part. Check back with me in about 10 years 
To hit on a few other points: used machines are pretty easy to find in good condition. If you want to use a three phase machine, get a roto-phase convertor. You can run them off of 220V single phase and they will allow you to run a three phase machine. Find old machinists in your area that are willing to sell some tools. Ebay is also a good source but I'd personally be reluctant to buy something like a test indicator off of Ebay. |
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I have a combo machine like that. While it has some good points for a hack like me (modified and using it for tasks it was not designed for), it is not any good at doing machine work. Don't get one. Instead, get a separate 40 inch lathe or larger. And an upright mill of good quality with an R8 collet. What would a good quality upright mill w/ an R8 collet set me back and how hard is it to learn to use one? I have found Bridgeport mills in good shape for 1k-2K. R8 collets are the cheapest and available on Ebay. Plenty of good used ones. Don't know what to say on the use thing. Simple tasks are easily learned. You can start working right away if you are slow and careful. Complex tasks take a lifetime of learning. I don't think I am going to machine a transmission from billet anytime soon. |