Bill Schwab wrote:

Wes,

Make sure you can use 5c collets on whatever you buy. Chucks suck for pins.
If you are working with 1 1/16" stuff and smaller collets are the way to go.

Makes sense.

Once you have used collets for small stuff you never want to use anything
else. I'd ask them what it would cost to get into using them up front. I
couldn't figure it out browsing their site.


I'm snipping away things since Don did a fine job answering questions.


It seems unlikely that I will shell out for a DRO. There have been a
few times when I will admit it would have been helpful to have my mill
equipped with one (mainly when clamps interfere with measuring), but
rules, calipers and the dials have served me well. I would much rather
put the money toward a larger mill, once I figure out what to buy. I
have looked, but I can't find an 8x36 with a 12 inch cross travel that
weighs around 1000 lb Wading through the trade offs can wait.

A long travel dial indicator on a magnetic base will likely deal with stuff
you are making. Dro's are nice but I'd put one on the mill first.

You have answered the question I meant to ask: it is more important on a
lathe? Sounds like it's not. I will probably spend it elsewhere.

Else where is where you should spend it. I'm not so thrilled about that
screw on chuck. I have a L00 which I think has fallen out of favor since
the cam lock is much easier to deal with. But you know your budget and you
have to live within that.



Make sure the ways are hardened. Does it have a taper attachment, steady
and follow rest?

It doesn't have a taper attachment. If you do short stuff, it would not
matter since you can use the compound.

You have to get your feet wet, you can learn on this and if you find it
suits your needs then great. If you find you want something more capable at
a later time you deal with it then. You might end up with two lathes or
sell the first to help swing the second.

Out in the garage I have a delta contractor saw. I really wanted a cabinet
saw which cost more. As it has turned out, based on my frequency of use the
contractor saw was good enough.

Wes