Just another note -- Grizzly has some fairly small mills and lathes, there are quite a few groups that are really into these things, and they are not that expensive. Adding in some tooling, you can get a very nice setup of the smaller tools for <$2k, and then down the line think about adding digital readouts and motors for CNC control. My buddy bought one of the smallest benchtop mills for like $500, and has outfitted it with the DROs and motors and CNC controller (which probably adds another $1000, maybe a bit less).
These are nice units http://www.grizzly.com/catalog/2007/Main/545, similar to a bunch of others, here is some info on CNCing it http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/projects/X3-CNC/ http://www.grizzly.com/products/G0602 --R archer wrote: > Thanks, Rich, just the kind of information I was looking for. > Gerry > -------------------------------------- > From: "Rich Thomas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >> These are similar to Grizzly and HF and I think a couple other brands, >> the Chinese ones are all made in the same factories from what I can find >> out, slightly different features on some of them. Smithy might be a bit >> higher quality (and price) than the G and HF units, but similar. I have >> been thinking about these things (a lathe and a mill) for awhile, but >> don't have room right now. FWIW everyone says not to get the combo >> machine as it ends up being a PITA to use, better to get a separate >> lathe and mill. These machines are apparently OK for general hobby use >> but not quite up to precision-type work (which most people probably >> don't do anyway). The Grizzly's get bit higher marks on quality and >> support, HF a bit less. >> >> I have the Grizzly catalog and keep looking at the small lathe and >> mill... A buddy of mine bought a little mill and is converting it to >> CNC, he likes it and has a lot of fun with it. You will also spend >> quite a bit on tooling, this place has a lot of that, and similar >> machines too. http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRHM >> >> --R >> >> archer wrote: >> >>> Speaking of Chinese machine tools, I've been getting regular flyers from >>> "Smithy" machine tools in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Their very nice looking >>> lathes, which also have a vertical mill, must be made in China; >>> considering >>> that their prices range from $1500 to only $3500 for relatively complex >>> machines. Has anyone had experience with their lathes? >>> Gerry >>> > > > _______________________________________ > http://www.okiebenz.com > For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ > For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com > > > > _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
