Combo lathe/mill

[bgibb42]

Looking for some opinions on machine tools. I've been thinking more and more about purchasing a small metal lathe. Not looking to do anything soon, but I'm researching and learning.

I'd like to be able to cut my own threads for pen-making purposes (eventually multi-start threads). I've also thought about getting into building small Stirling and steam engines. Maybe make parts for RC cars and planes, whatever.

I'd like some thoughts about the combo lathe/mills and whether these would be a good choice for a small hobby shop or if I'd be better off purchasing separate machines. Or if I'm just way off base and should forget the whole thing.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combo-Lathe-w-Milling-Attachment/G0516

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combo-Lathe-Mill/G4015Z

 

[gketell]

http://www.smithy.com/current_specials.php MUCH higher quality.

 

[Padre]

If you can afford it, and you will use it, and you have the room for it I say go for it. :tongue:

 

[workinforwood]

It's just my opinion, but I find the combo machine is too limiting. Although the machine has a mill head, the mill head does not move. So lets say you chuck something in the lathe to hold it..how you going to mill it beyond just drilling a hole? The only way you can mill things is to put the object in a vise, attach the vise to the cross slide and then you have a secure way to move your workpiece, but you are limited as to how much movement you can achieve because the head of the lathe is in the way. Besides that, if you are going to go through the trouble of modifying your cross slide to attach a vise, then you don't need the mill in the first place, because you can use the headstock on the lathe as a mill head. I think the mill head is nothing but a glorified drill press when it comes to combo machines. And the darn thing can get in the way sometimes.
There is a mill head attachment available for the lathe I own. This attachment is likely available for some other machines too, or if you are like Steve <skiprat>, you can make your own. The attachment that I can get for my machine bolts to the main sled but further back on the machine and has it's own cross slide too with optional power assist, so now you have a mill that can move across the lathe in any direction. That is handy! I was thinking about tossing a grand at that accessory. If it is in the way, it is easily removed too.

 

[Paul in OKC]

A general rule of thumb amongst most metal workers is to stay away from the combo machines. Too limiting. For they things you have listed as wanting to do, I would get separate machines.