Jeridiah wrote:
Say guys, I'm tired of hand tools and want to get a real machine tool
besides my drill press. Strictly hobby and shop. Which would you buy first,
a lath or a mill?

Thanks for any input.


Lathe.


A lathe is probably the better "first" machine, but it is probably
irrelevent because the second(or at least the desire) will follow so
quickly you will barely remember which came first. And from there,
you will need a welder, then a ....

Unless you can find a compelling argument
that a mill will offer a quicker return
on your investment. I could justify the
purchase of one to do test fixtures for
my company. Not so with a lathe.