Question for all you lathe and mill experts!

[TripleThreat]

I am looking at buying a lathe or a combo lathe/mill machine. I would like something in the range of 9" x 20" for the lathe. Where would you guys recommend I look for a quality and cost effective unit? I have seen units at Harbor Freight, are they any good? I would like a unit that has accessories are available. In other words I don't want to buy a unit that parts were discontinued back in the 50's. Any help you guys could provide would be appreciated. Thanks!
[ January 24, 2003, 01:01 PM: Message edited by: TripleThreat ]

[superdave013]

Ah, just starting out with your first machine.
I would stay away from the all in one combo machines.
And I would stay away from Harbor Freight too.
I have an import lathe and mill. Mine are both ACRA brands. I really like the mill and the lathe is so so. The mill has a 9x49 table and the lathe is a 13x42.
One thing to keep in mind is that the China ones are the bottom of the heap. The ones made in Taiwane are much better.
I also have an Enco mill/drill and for what it is it's not bad. It's the one with the 4" collum and you can do much more with it then you could with comb mill/lathes.
[ January 24, 2003, 01:09 PM: Message edited by: superdave013 ]

[challengerjet]

finally something that I know something about. Bottom line, what's your budget, that determines what kind of machine you'll end up with. Do you want manual, dro with powerfeeds, cnc? Acra makes a good machine but let me tell you, there are some really good deals out there right now, machinery sales biz is in the crapper.
cjet

[Bow Tie Omega]

Hey Triple Threat. Contact V-drive, he can answer any questions you have about this stuff. He has been a Machinist for 35 years. Make sure you let him know what you are looking to accomplish with purchasing a piece of equipment. He will not steer you wrong. And DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM HARBOR FREIGHT........ANYTHING. You get what you pay for, especially with tools and machinery.

[superdave013]

challengerjet:
finally something that I know something about. Bottom line, what's your budget, that determines what kind of machine you'll end up with. Do you want manual, dro with powerfeeds, cnc? Acra makes a good machine but let me tell you, there are some really good deals out there right now, machinery sales biz is in the crapper.
cjet LOL, I guess you would know!
If your slow let's do a ride sometime. I don't care where. Whitting's ok with me.

[challengerjet]

unfortunately one of the few things i know about is machine tools. couldn't run one if i had to but do know where to find a deal on one.
i'm up for a ride. you're gonna have to wait on my fat ass to get up the hill. I have to carry up an O2 bottle with me. what are your days like. I could go any day next week. let me know.
cjet

[superdave013]

challengerjet:
unfortunately one of the few things i know about is machine tools. couldn't run one if i had to but do know where to find a deal on one.
i'm up for a ride. you're gonna have to wait on my fat ass to get up the hill. I have to carry up an O2 bottle with me. what are your days like. I could go any day next week. let me know.
cjet I get off work at 3:00 but that still gives time for a quick loop around Whitting. Or you could scope out the Oaks. That's my main stomping grounds. Don't worry about going up. I'm a downhiller so climbings not my thing for sure.
You know, I might just go for a ride after work today. If your up for it give me a ring a 174 814 2503.

[spectras only]

I have an older Hercus [australian] 9" lathe.One thing about some manufacturers; the ones they have their own foundaries are the best because of quality control.When I got my lathe in the 60's ,the manual mentioned that ,the materials were naturally aged by sitting in their yard for 5 years before being machined.I know they doing it now electronically .I'm old school and like some things done the old fashioned way.I wouldn't by a chineese or one from taiwan. Had a siemens milling machine ,that I've sold.I have milling attachment for my lathe for small stuff only.
[ January 24, 2003, 03:20 PM: Message edited by: spectras only ]

[SchellSchock]

Buy a lathe with a conversational CNC control, ie: Prototrak or similar. That way you can use it as a conventional while learning and then do trick stuff like tapers, male female spherical radii and such.
Just for background: Been in the "trade" since 1969, machinist, tool maker, manufacturing engineer, engineering manager, general manager, and shop owner.

[TripleThreat]

I have limited... correction... VERY limited knowledge of lathes and mills. My current vision of what I would like is this:
1. Diameter: at least 7 inches (preferably 9”)
2. Between centers: at least 14 inches (preferably 20”)
3. Automatic feeding and thread cutting
4. Not a crappy unit
5. Under $700 (possible?)
I don’t think I want to pick up one with CNC control (ChaChing!) until I am a little more experienced. At that time I will upgrade to a bigger and better unit.
Right now all I am looking to use this for is creating paint ball gun barrels, RC Car parts, and anything else my imagination comes up with. Anybody know of a good website for quality used machines?
I have been looking at this one. What do you think?
http://www.dxmarket.com/micromark/products/82710.html
Thanks for all the input.