Any machining (Lathe / Milling) tool recommendations?

[RickM]

After seeing a few posts from the machinist types on here I've decided I'd at least investigate the possibility of purchasing a machining tool or two....specifically a Lathe and/or Milling machine.

I had an introduction to machining during 9th grade "metal shop" where I used various torches, grinders, saws and a lathe. But that was many years ago and much of the knowledge has gone bye-bye.

I may be able to draw on a local friend who, in a past life, was a very capable Swiss & German trained machinist. I also see a few books advertised, like the "Machinists Bible" or one that purports to disclose all kinds of tricks and tips.

As for the size of materials I'm looking to work with...let's just say I don't need an industrial South Bend unit. Actually the "Mini" units appeal to me. If the Distance between centers is 12" does that mean the longest piece of stock that I can machine will be 12" (or slightly less)? If the Swing-over-bed is 8" does that mean the largest diameter piece is 8" (or slightly less)? Is yes to the two questions then I think I'd be happy with that size....advice?

I'm also aware that a US, Swiss, German or Japanese machine would most likely be of the best quality but should I consider a Chinese model?

Recommendations on the following appreciated :

1: Which books or videos would you recommend?

2: I'd really like to consider a combination Lathe/Milling machine. Are there any decent and reasonably priced units out there? Any good sources for used equipment? Anyone have one they want to sell?

3: Where is the best place to buy stock? Any good places on the internet if I can't find local?

Thanks in advace as I initiate my investigation!

[Geary]

Get a separate medium-sized lathe and a bridgeport mill. Otherwise, you'll always wish you had gone bigger.

[HawgRyder]

I agree....and check on the largest piece you might want to mill.....the bridgeport you choose should have enough travel to mill in a straight line without repositioning the work.
The lathe should have enough tailstock travel to do the longest piece.
Enjoy...
Bob

[jriera]

Check Smithy (www.smithy.com) Midas and Garnite models.. good bang for the buck

Regards

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

If you can afford it, get a Fadal or Bridgeport CNC.

[dad911]

I have a Grizzly Mill & 7" Lathe. Buy a bigger mill than you think you need. Grizzley is having a 'tent' sale soon, pretty good deals, but get there early. I bought a larger mill last year, and have an Enco Mill-Drill I want to sell. It is in like-new condition, and I can include some tooling & collets, but the problem with a mill-drill is finding center again when you change tooling, instead of just cranking down the knee. PM me if interested.

[5axis]

Here you go. Check the BBS, many helpful pros and hobbyists.
http://www.homeshopmachinist.net/

For books check out the machinists bedside reader series by Guy Lautard. Lots of old school, practical information and projects to help build your skills.

As for where to find the machines, check your yellow pages for machinery dealers. Many shops have bit the dust in the past couple of years, old bridgports are almost give away items now.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Be prepared to spend some bucks....

A decent CNC mill/lathe combo can go for 100K or more. You also need to learn G-code and a decent solid modeling program like Solidworks, AutoCad etc...

[5axis]

Jared. You would be amazed by what can be done by a highly skilled toolie. Spend a lifetime on a Bridgeport and there is not much one can't do. CNC's have greatly reduced the time to do things. A milling a pocket is still milling a pocket, and drilling and tapping a hole is about the same too.

[RickM]

Hmmm, I think I'll stick with a manual or Non-CNC capable machine for now.

Thanks for the replys....good start. Any other info is encouraged. I'm sure I'm not the only one who wishes to dable in this area.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Im quite aware of what the old guard can do. Unfortunatley theres not many of these artists left.

[mike mueller]

100K?? for a decent CNC machine??

Yea, back in the 80's that was the case, but now there are plenty in the 20k range or cheaper that will crank out production type parts all day long.


I have a Shoptask 3-n-1 (mill/lathe) that I converted from ACME screws to Ball screws and I have also converted it to full 3-axis Servo CNC control which runs off of an extra PC in my garage...I have about 4k into the machine (not including tooling)

I would not recommend a Shoptask, at least not the older unit like mine (1720), the newer ones I hear are much better, but I'd try to find one near by to take a look at it.


Right now with the economy the way it is, lots of shops are going out of business or selling equipment that is not being used. If you have an area with machine shops, go ask around, you'd be surprised at the deals that happen now and then.

I just passed up a deal for a Bridgeport knock off fitted with an older CNC controller for 3k....it had a few k worth of R8 tooling...the Servo controller was shot, but nothing a PC conversion couldn't take care of. The reason I passed this up was due to space, currently I have a 3 car garage with 3 cars actually in it !!!!

I also have the mill/lathe and a bunch of other tools, but my problem is space, i have to move the 911 out of the garage before accessing my mill, 'cause I'd hate to see a part or broken tooling hit the car (I once forgot to remove the key from the chuck on the lathe, it flew up and landed on the hood of my 914....luckly the car already needed a new paint job)

Learning G/M code is not that big of deal, nor is learning a 2D or 3D drawing package....you do not need Solidworks or any of those higher end packages. (I use Pro/E 'cause it's paid for and I've been on it for 8+ years I use a shareware to create the G code and then another shareware to drive the Servo motors utilizing the G-codes for movment)

Here are a few links that might help you in the furture.



Metal Working Links (great stuff)

Enco Tools

Home Shop Machinest Magazine and Forum

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Mike,

sorry, I forgot that my CNC experience comes from the seriously high end, working on fully automated equipment. Basically all you do is load stock and thats it. I thought that this was the level you were looking for.

[Porsche_monkey]

Buy a used Bridgeport mill, our machine shop sells them off when they are 'worn' out for 'precision' work, but still perfectly good for home use.

I find lathe work less common, a small one would be nice but it is cheaper to find a local shop to do these jobs. Just the tools alone make it impractical.

You should be able to get a good sized used mill for $3-4k (with no digital readout.)

Got three phase power?

[mike mueller]

If you are into the Do-it-Yourself things:


CNC Retro Fit Link


A DIY DRO is available as well, not as nice as glass scales, but for the most part, one wouldn't notice the difference.

,

Basically all you do is load stock and thats it

they are even better than that, I use machine shops that have automated pallets to load the machines...heck, the only reason they need workers is to sweep the floor

Now back to the original question:

Do some homework and shop around, be leary of buying a tool that will need to be shipped....shipping can cost a lot of money (Dunkels Brothers is one such company, LOL)

I have bought some tooling from eBay, it's hard to pass up endmills when you can buy them by the pound !!!!!

Enco is always have sales, free shipping or free something.

now get out there and make some chips

[Porsche_monkey]

CNC for home? For someone who is looking for a book on how to run a mill? Come on...

[mike mueller]

CNC for home? For someone who is looking for a book on how to run a mill? Come on...

That is how I started....cranked away and then did the conversion...mostly for the challange and "something to do"


I use my machines in manual mode most often ,but once in a while it's very nice to run it in CNC mode, even if only doing a 2D feature.

[mike mueller]

For a few free books on the subject, check out the last two items on this page....They are in PDF format
Free Machinest Books for Download


They are old, but the basics are the same. You can download the books, chapter by chapter.

[RickM]

Thanks again! I have a good start here. I'll post my next questions on this subject in a more "acceptable" format.

BTW Mike, there is quite a bit of information on the link you provided.....wow.

[5axis]

Great link Mike. I am going to have to spend some time going over all the great illustrations. Some of those old bits of iron were pretty elegant.