On Thu, 13 Sep 2007 16:53:43 -0400, "Tom Del Rosso"
wrote:

What about the combo machines? Can't they do some things the separate units
can't (but maybe with less travel)?
========
If space and/or cost is an important factor consider a lathe with
a milling attachment. This converts/adapts your lathe to a
horizontal mill.

see
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/pro...2894&category=
140$ for Seig
to
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/pro...1956&category=
62$ for Tiag.

You will also need an endmill holder or MT collet to fit your
lathe spindle. A drill chuck is not a good idea.

see
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/pro...dID=1139598178
while sets are available you will generally use only the 3/8 and
1/2 and possibly the 1/4. All-thread or a long SHCS w/ washer
will do for the drawbar. Holders are easier to change [set screw
retains end mill] but have much greater overhang (as do the more
expensive ER collet holders). I suggest a #2 or #3 MT collet @
9.00$ each.





Unka' George [George McDuffee]
============
Merchants have no country.
The mere spot they stand on
does not constitute so strong an attachment
as that from which they draw their gains.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826),
U.S. president. Letter, 17 March 1814.