• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Any metalworkers /hobbyists here?

A

AaronB

Golden Member
I have been thinking of buying a mini lathe/mill combo but really don't know where to start. I guess I am looking for some advice in that area and also if it is preferable to have a seperate lathe/mill or one of the 2 in one tools that combine them. Any downside to the combo units?

Price would be the greatest factor for me as this is just for occasional hobby use. ($3000 machines need not apply)

Any ideas?
 
If you have the space, get seperate units. If you have the time, track down some decent used production equipment, instead of the "hobbyist" stuff. It really is junk in comparison.
Edit:

an old bridgeport like this is far and away a better machine than any small hobbyist equipment.
Maybe you can find one locally. At 2400 pounds, shipping is pricey🙂
 
Exactly what skyking said.

If you'll only be working on things every once in a while, you're better off getting access to a shop with real equipment. It's a whole different different league. Like going from a rusty old 1970's motor scooter to a brand-new Lexus.

Downside to the combo units: Flex. Lack of precision. Does all jobs crappily, instead of doing one job well. For making small, loose-tolerance parts, you can get away with it, but it you ever want to make something big or precise, you REALLY want something that's dedicated to one machining operation, weighs more than your car, and won't flex if you hit it with a semi.
 
Not what I wanted to hear but I appreciate the advice. No since spending a grand on a hobbyist machine if it won't do what I want.

While I am at it though, does anyone know anything about a Unimat? Supposedly a good machine but long out of production and somewhat difficult to find in good condition. Is flexing/poor tolerance control an issue with this one as well? (I would imagine so but I have to ask)
 
Originally posted by: skyking
If you have the space, get seperate units. If you have the time, track down some decent used production equipment, instead of the "hobbyist" stuff. It really is junk in comparison.
Edit:

an old bridgeport like this is far and away a better machine than any small hobbyist equipment.
Maybe you can find one locally. At 2400 pounds, shipping is pricey🙂
Click to expand...

That's almost the exact same mill we have in our physics department's student shop. It's a great piece of machinery. Of course the real machinists there have a $250k Hermle CNC machine, and I get to use a ~$24k Haas CNC mill and lathe in another shop on campus, but for the majority of work, that old bridgeport does a great job.
 
Originally posted by: AaronB
Not what I wanted to hear but I appreciate the advice. No since spending a grand on a hobbyist machine if it won't do what I want.

While I am at it though, does anyone know anything about a Unimat? Supposedly a good machine but long out of production and somewhat difficult to find in good condition. Is flexing/poor tolerance control an issue with this one as well? (I would imagine so but I have to ask)
Click to expand...

It's a lightweight tool. If you push it hard, either it will bog and stop, or flex like a fishing pole.
What makes a machine useful is a large range of speeds, enough torque to remove material in a reasonable amount of time, and enough rigidity < read massive > in the ways to let you lean into the work as needed.
Lightweight stuff is always dissapointing, unless you are turning miniature cannon barrels and the like.
Some materials are forgiving enough to allow you to "nibble" on them with a light machine, but not all. Some materials will spank you hard, work hardening untill they are a chunk of scrap.
The bridgeport in my link was only $1000 reserve. Granted, you would either need to convert it to single phase or 'roll your own' three phase converter, but it can do wonders. I've seen some real nice work done on one.
The same goes for a decent "36 lathe. a good old used one can be had for a similar amount of change, and it will kick ass on any hobbyist tool.
Even if the ways on the lathe are a bit worn, you can still hack off a lot of material in short order, and you will learn to work that "play" so you won't notice it in the end result. The only time it will bite you is when boring with a less-than-perfect tool. For the outside work, a little play is quite tolerable. A bunch of bed flex is not🙂
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top