What do you guys think of this mill/lathe?
 

Been thinking of picking up a little combo mill / lathe for playing with stuff around the garage. I know nothing about them, but some of you guys are pretty familiar with them. So... what about this one?

Smithy 3n1 mill lathe 1220xl

Decent tool at a decent price?
Any other recommendations?

Thanks for any input!!

That looks decent. Better than most but combo machines are considered a compromise.

.... It depends on what you'll be using it for... And it's not expensive.

Tooling is expensive. :(

I've got one....the lathe works OK. The mill only so-so (not very rigid).
Use it fairly often though.
Bought mine used and have had no trouble with it.
For just dubbing around they're fine.

Just not up to par....they are just not precision instruments. That and you have no useful range in the lathe swing and spindle to table. the capacity will quickly disappoint. You would be surprise what 800 dollars can buy in real tooling. I would avoid any machine that suggest combo anything.

I paid $100 for mine - it needed a little bit of cleanup though. I haven't used it very much - but have knocked out an occasional brass bushing or fitting when needed.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/217708-new-shop-toy-rust-removal-results.html

I do not mean any disrespect whatsoever.
That is a toy to me.
Heck of a Toy though.
Love to have it to just play for myself and not work on them for someone else.
Just be careful. Dont let the size fool you it is very dangerous if you dont respect it.
Have fun.

Combo tool
 

Probably more useful as a lathe than as a milling machine. Would make a pretty good drill press, though. I considered something like that, but wound up buying a dedicated milling machine with plans to add a lathe later. One big drawback of most combo tools is that the movement range of the milling table is limited. I needed a table that would move at least 6" in the Y axis and about 12" in the X axis. The machine I bought will move about twice that distance. A picture.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1368151399.jpg

Looks like it will handle an 80% lower so why not.

You can get a used Rockport for a couple grand if you are patient.

Surplus machines can be a super deal if you feel comfortable with your knowledge, or have a machinist friend. One item I would consider with the mill, which from your description would be a bench top machine, is tooling you may want to add. There are a lot of affordable options available if your spindle is an R8 as far as cutters, etc. I would also steer clear of the units with a belt drive, gears are the only way to avoid disappointments. Plan on budgeting a quality vise, and a stable level base for the machine is a good thing. Don't know what you are involved in but expensive collets for really small diameter drills (lathe / mill ) are also a consideration. Previous posters are spot on as far as lathe swing capacity. Again, basic tooling can really ad up on a lathe, steady rest etc.and as you have determined , all dependent on material and accuracy you require. One last item, coolant system, are you gonna need it? And...it's all 110 volt, right. Hope this helps as opposed to confuses...