mini lathe & mill

[JBlock]

I'm looking to get a mini lathe and maybe a mini mill. Wanted to know what you may have or suggest. Lathe could be in the 7X12 or 7X16 range and the mill roughly 8x4x7 travel.



Thanx

[Rickydel]

Smithy makes some neat little lathe/mill combos.

See: http://www.smithy.com

[SR Racing]

Yes. Look at the Smithys. We have owned 2 of them and they did the job for a hobbiest. They are Chinese (some Indian parts) and no where near the quality of a professional Mill or Lathe, but their support is great and they always have the parts you need. Harbor freight etc, and you are really at risk. By the way Enco (use-enco.com) carries their stuff and their support is not to bad. Periodically they have some attractive sales. http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAK ... TPG=INLMK3

[JBlock]

Thanks Guys, I've looked into these little machines and discovered some have issues with the controlers and have plastic gears. However, this one caught my eye http://www.micromark.com/MicroLux-7x16- ... ,9615.html and wanted to see what other folks have used.

[Mihelich]

I have one of the Smithy 622 CNC machines and have extremely pleased with both their tech support and the
quality of the machine itself.

[JBlock]

Not being in a hurry is great. Watching a used CentralMachniery 13x40 with 15hrs on Craigs List. He's been coming down and is now down to $1600. If he goes to 14 next week I might jump.

[Ed Womer]

I would stay away from the ENCO or simular mill/drill/laths since I had one and it was OK for some things but the mill table is quite far from the mill head so it was not to good for milling. The used machines can be a problem if they are worn but a used full size lath is better if you have room for it and can get it transported to you place. Also see what power requirements the motor uses.

Ed