"dddd" wrote in :

What you want in a lathe is a tool large enough to do the kind of work
you think you may want to do in the future (swing diameter of 3 times
the work diameter is the usual ratio stated), is popular enough to
have accessories at cheap prices and is known to be a sturdy workhorse
that is easy to keep going.

This means if you think you will stay away from turning automotive
crankshafts, that a 9 inch lathe (which means work diameter up to 3
inches) is probably appropriate. I think used is the smartest way to
go. One lathe that fits all the criteria here is the South Bend. I am
a watchmaker so I am biased toward the Swiss toolroom lathes. I
happen to own a Habegger. While I love that machine, it was more
trouble and money to tool up than a South Bend. And from what I have
seen, I could probably do most of the same work on the South Bend.
And remember, there are still times when you use the lathe for "big"
things. I have made 6 inch jigs on my 8 inch lathe. It is just if
you were doing this on a regular basis that a larger lathe would be
much "friendlier" in the setup and work.

For mill, I own a used Select Vertical mill. This is the same pattern
used in the Enco and Grizzly mills that sell for about $2000. The
main reason for using a mill of this pattern is once again, cost of
accessories. Standard machinist accessories (R-8 and such) are much
easier and cheaper to come by. I put a Sony Millman package on it I
purchased new on eBay for $800 and I see little difference between it
and a Swiss mill when all is said and done. But for the work I do,
this mill is way overkill to begin with.

I can't speak of the range of new stuff and what I said above should
be interpreted as my own biased opinion. But I hope this helps.




From a former machine shop instructor, my advice is buy a couple of used
machines. I have no clue what your current capabilities are for running
these machines, but you want something pretty tough....hehe...
You might find a used Bridgeport mill for fairly cheap. These are tough
mills, and will take quite a bit of abuse. I like SouthBend for a lathe
for about the same reason. Plus...these are popular enough that parts can
be found for them.


--
Anthony

You can't 'idiot proof' anything....every time you try, they just make
better idiots.

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