I'm looking to buy a lathe and a mill. What should I get? I really don't know much about machining. I would like to get a good one, but I don't need the best. I can spend about 2,000$. Got any tips? I have been looking at the ones from Grizzly. Should I get a Lathe/Mill combo? Like http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combo-Lathe-w-Milling-Attachment/G0516 That I can swing. I would like to start out being able to do PM Research's 1-BI kit. Thanks, Matt.
Lathe and Mill?
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Tin Falcon
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Well Matt: As simple a question it is it is also a hard one . Setting up shop is a huge personal choice. but going on what you are telling us I will do my best to answer.
First off combo machines get cramped and you can only set it up for one operation at a time.
you seem familiar and comfortable with the grizzly brand so will focus there.
I started out with a mini lathe 7X10 and a mini mill I still have them and use them.
if you are looking to spend around 1600 for a mill and lathe from grizzly I would lean towards the G4000 lathe and the G8689 mill similar to what you were looking at but separate machines. Keep in mind you will still need tooling like a mill vice mill holders etc so $300 - 400 for tooling may be a little tight. and you will need calipers and a couple of mics for measuring and a dial indicator for set ups.
Grizzly sells decent machines it is generally recommended you dissemble clean debur lube reassemble and adjust for best performance and reliability.
Tin
First off combo machines get cramped and you can only set it up for one operation at a time.
you seem familiar and comfortable with the grizzly brand so will focus there.
I started out with a mini lathe 7X10 and a mini mill I still have them and use them.
if you are looking to spend around 1600 for a mill and lathe from grizzly I would lean towards the G4000 lathe and the G8689 mill similar to what you were looking at but separate machines. Keep in mind you will still need tooling like a mill vice mill holders etc so $300 - 400 for tooling may be a little tight. and you will need calipers and a couple of mics for measuring and a dial indicator for set ups.
Grizzly sells decent machines it is generally recommended you dissemble clean debur lube reassemble and adjust for best performance and reliability.
Tin
I agree with Tin Falcon on getting seperate machines. The first machine I bought for my garage was a Smithy Granite 3in1. It was actually a pretty good little engine lathe, but an equally poor milling machine. The hassle of changing configuration from lathe to mill for set ups is also a pain.
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How about looking on eBay and Craiglist for something used, like an older Emco (Maximat, V8 or V10)? You might have to put in a bit of work to get it fully operational, but I think you'd be much happier in the long run than with Chinese-made machinery.
Sshire
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Since you are just getting into machining, I would not go the used machine route.
1. You wouldn't know "what's under the hood" (neither would I). There are too many potential gotchas.
Many folks on this forum with years of experience seem to have no problem rebuilding lathes, mills, etc. The main difference IMHO is that you need a working lathe and mill to rebuild a second lathe or mill.
2. I have a Griz G0602 and am very happy with it. I did pretty much disassemble it (as suggested by many forum members) and really learned a lot about it, in addition to using a LOT of Simple Green. Now if there is a problem, I can find and fix it because taking stuff off the second time is much easier and quicker.
The other plus with most of the imports is the amount of "stuff" that is included with the lathe. Grizzly pretty much standardizes on including 3 and 4 jaw chucks, dead centers, steady rest, follow rest, etc. But, as has been said here, you will need a lot more stuff to get up and running. At a minimum, a 0-1" micrometer (and maybe a 1-2" also). Digital calipers, tooling, tailstock chuck for drilling and reaming. If its in the budget you might add a Quick Change Toolpost, grinder, etc.
My mill was about the same price as the lathe and also requires tooling, collets, a decent vise, etc.
As a guess, I've spent about as much on the "other stuff" as I did on machinery. This is not to scare you off, but more of a reality check. Again you don't need everything a once and you can make many of the tools that you need (great practice).
Ask questions here. I constantly amazed at the amount of knowledge that is freely given. I've learned most of what I know (6 months experience and counting) for this forum and Tubalcain 's videos on YouTube (he's Mrpete222)
Best
Stan
1. You wouldn't know "what's under the hood" (neither would I). There are too many potential gotchas.
Many folks on this forum with years of experience seem to have no problem rebuilding lathes, mills, etc. The main difference IMHO is that you need a working lathe and mill to rebuild a second lathe or mill.
2. I have a Griz G0602 and am very happy with it. I did pretty much disassemble it (as suggested by many forum members) and really learned a lot about it, in addition to using a LOT of Simple Green. Now if there is a problem, I can find and fix it because taking stuff off the second time is much easier and quicker.
The other plus with most of the imports is the amount of "stuff" that is included with the lathe. Grizzly pretty much standardizes on including 3 and 4 jaw chucks, dead centers, steady rest, follow rest, etc. But, as has been said here, you will need a lot more stuff to get up and running. At a minimum, a 0-1" micrometer (and maybe a 1-2" also). Digital calipers, tooling, tailstock chuck for drilling and reaming. If its in the budget you might add a Quick Change Toolpost, grinder, etc.
My mill was about the same price as the lathe and also requires tooling, collets, a decent vise, etc.
As a guess, I've spent about as much on the "other stuff" as I did on machinery. This is not to scare you off, but more of a reality check. Again you don't need everything a once and you can make many of the tools that you need (great practice).
Ask questions here. I constantly amazed at the amount of knowledge that is freely given. I've learned most of what I know (6 months experience and counting) for this forum and Tubalcain 's videos on YouTube (he's Mrpete222)
Best
Stan
Well I'm a mechanic by trade (I have been doing that for over 6 years, if you want to call it a trade). So taking things apart with out knowing anything about them is part of the job. But I have never used a mill or a lathe. As for `extras', when I got into reloading ammo (I did that for a 100 year old gun that you can't get ammo for anymore), there were a lot of `extras' that I did not plan for. But that is life. I will most likely get one some time in early spring, thats why I'm asking now, and looking for info, and what people like, and what to stay away from. Thanks again. Matt.
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Here's my two cents: ignore any advice which tells you what NOT to get.
Most people will recommend the equipment they have which is fine because then they are speaking from experience.
Advice to steer away from Chinese equipment can be bad advice, depending on your needs.
Trout
Most people will recommend the equipment they have which is fine because then they are speaking from experience.
Advice to steer away from Chinese equipment can be bad advice, depending on your needs.
Trout
ShedBoy
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I have all chinese gear and have no issues. I did look at some second hand gear before buying anything but eneded up with a new chinese lathe. My mill I bought second hand, chinese copy of a bridgeport called a bigport which was sold new pre 1985 going by the suppliers phone number I found on it. It spent its life in a machine shop and really earned its keep by the look of it but when it breaks I can go into the chinese machine seller and order the parts because the basic machine is still being sold, the electrics and some tacky add ons are different but underneith it is the same machine. The chinese realise that when on a good thing stick to it. I attached a picture of my well used mill. It will get a rebuild soon.
Tin Falcon
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Many folks here have started out with the humble little seig mini lathe and mini mill . not a bad way to go. If you have the funds and room then you can step up to the 9 x 20 lathe and the x-3 .
bigger can be better or not. Keep in mind the shipping weight of the machines, and be prepared to move that weight onto a bench safely .
there Are advantages of old iron. I like my old south bend lathe. but old stuff can be worn need work to restore accuracy and parts can be hard to find or expensive or both.
while new Chinese import stuff may take some time to clean and debur there will not be worn parts. new gibs may be in order but not a big deal. And there is a warranty and spares are available.
Your dime your choice you need to be comfortable with your decision.
Part of the reason I suggested the G4000 is the amount of extras.
the mini mill comes with a 3 jaw chuck and basic tool holder
the 9 x 20 has a 4 jaw chuck as well as steady rest and follow rest things you may need and not have to buy later.
tin
bigger can be better or not. Keep in mind the shipping weight of the machines, and be prepared to move that weight onto a bench safely .
there Are advantages of old iron. I like my old south bend lathe. but old stuff can be worn need work to restore accuracy and parts can be hard to find or expensive or both.
while new Chinese import stuff may take some time to clean and debur there will not be worn parts. new gibs may be in order but not a big deal. And there is a warranty and spares are available.
Your dime your choice you need to be comfortable with your decision.
Part of the reason I suggested the G4000 is the amount of extras.
the mini mill comes with a 3 jaw chuck and basic tool holder
the 9 x 20 has a 4 jaw chuck as well as steady rest and follow rest things you may need and not have to buy later.
tin
mygrizzly1022
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Joyrock
The combo unit you are considering is a combination of a Seig C6 lathe and the Seig mini mill. Both are good choices for someone just starting out. Combo units are by default, a bit of a compromise and most guys would suggest you avoid them at all cost. They can, and do work quite well for some people. It all depends on what you plan to do with the unit. The big advantage of the machine you are considering is the fact that you can readily buy the base for the mini mill from Little Machine shop.com. So if you find it does not fully meet with your expectation you can easily have a lathe and a mill. A nice option, in my opinion.
Regards Bert
The combo unit you are considering is a combination of a Seig C6 lathe and the Seig mini mill. Both are good choices for someone just starting out. Combo units are by default, a bit of a compromise and most guys would suggest you avoid them at all cost. They can, and do work quite well for some people. It all depends on what you plan to do with the unit. The big advantage of the machine you are considering is the fact that you can readily buy the base for the mini mill from Little Machine shop.com. So if you find it does not fully meet with your expectation you can easily have a lathe and a mill. A nice option, in my opinion.
Regards Bert
