Well, you get what you pay for in most cases, and in most cases HF
stuff just sucks, worse than most other import tools do. That said,
just because its HF does not mean that it can't be improved on and
many quality parts and projects made form the machine. There is a lot
to be desired, but for the most part its still better any day of the
month than using a file and a hand drill. I am not going out on the
limb and say a Grizzley is better, as there are those that will say
its not, that a JET is better, and then those that say only single
type tools are best etc etc. Ibought a JET lathe new, and it was a
piece of trash, and took close to a year until I got all the bugs and
problems with it worked out, and now its a decent machine, so if I new
this upfront, I would have saved a bunch of money if I bought a
cheaper HF or Grizzley, and spent the sdame amount of time working the
problems out of it.

There are those that say if you can't buy first class then they won't
buy anything, well, let them do without, for the most part, for some
to save to get top quality, the time will never come when you have
enought saved up to buy or you will be too old to really appreciate
your investment. Get what you can afford, learn to live within its
limits, and have fun. There is probably more stuff made with el cheapo
HF and Grizzley brands of tools than other brands. Look at these
machines as a semi finished tool, and you can always improve on it as
you gain experience.

Biggest drawback of combo machines is setup. You get a part setup in
say the lathe, and then its in the way because you need to use the
drill press etc.. Nothing beats single use tools, but for some thats
not a possibility, and a 3-1 works for them. They sell a lot of em,
and I am sure they are not just gathering dust in a corner.

Personally I would go with the mini lathe, and a small mill drill over
a combo machine, and perhaps add a 8" bench top drill press.
Not particularly a fan of HF or Grizzley, but they have their niche in
the hobby machine tools catagory.

Have fun
Roy


On Wed, 10 Sep 2003 20:53:57 GMT, B Thomas
wrote:

x-Hi,
x-I am inexperienced at metalworking and would like to get into it. I have
x-brought myself a basic book ("Model Engineering : A Foundations course"
x-by Peter Wright) and would like to purchase a basic lathe, Mill , drill
x-setup to practice and have fun building model R/C aircraft piston/jet
x-engines.
x-
x-I would be greatful if you could post your experience or knowledge about
x-Harbor Freight's mini lathe-mill-drill combo (item # 39743-1VGA) . I
x-have read a couple of online cautions about combo's mentioning them to
x-be inferior in quality . I am looking for an inexpensive (around 400$)
x-set up that is portable by one man and is sturdy. As I understand
x-the minimal lathe dimensions for my (aeromodeling) purpose are 200mm distance
x-between centers and 120mm "height over center" . I think "height over
x-centers" means swing over bed (I am quoting Thomas Kamps book on Model
x-jet engines here.) Do correct me if I am wrong.
x-
x-
x-Do you have knowledge of other alternative hobbist machines that meet
x-these requirements (like say those of Grizzly) . Would you please
x-recommend any . Shereline seems to fit the requirements too but are
x-a bit pricy and I wonder if they are worth it for a newbie.
x-
x-sincerely
x-B Thomas

--
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Contents: foundry and general metal working and lots of related projects.
Regards
Roy aka Chipmaker // Foxeye
Opinions are strictly those of my wife....I have had no input whatsoever.
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