In researching some stuff about a verticle mill I'm lookin' at, I found this machinists resource www.jjjtrain.com It's a website dedicated to getting younger people interested in becoming machinists. Lots of good info on mills, lathes, grinders and such. Tips on how stuff works, set-ups, etc. Great if you've got a machine and need a little instruction, or just fun reading and learning..(I need both). Plus a GREAT article about Jay Leno's opinion on machinists and his quest for a set of high-speed Dusie gears. Take a look!
Lots of info there,saved it for future referance.Leno hit the nail on the head about the sad state our manufacturing infrastructure is in.We could'nt come in third in "WW3".The only plus side is that there are some super deals on machienery out there now.
Check out Smithy 3-in-1 machines. Lathe-Mill-Drill. Smithy.com They are much better quality than the made in china units that harbor freight and others sell. They start at around $1000 and go up from there. Free catalog.
here in akron there aren't too many young guys in the trade. i'm 26 and have been doing it for over 8 years and if i didn't have the skills some of the things i've had to fix on my car would have never of happend.
[ QUOTE ] Check out Smithy 3-in-1 machines. Lathe-Mill-Drill. [/ QUOTE ] I considered the Smithy, but finally chose a seperate Mini Mill and Lathe. I bought both from Micro Mark, because they have real inch calibrations, a longer lathe bed, an RPM counter and other improvements over the other Chinese TAIG lathes. Here's a comparison chart of lathes: http://www.littlemachineshop.com/Info/minilathe_compare.php Thanks for the link, krooser. --Matt
Krooser, that website is well made and very informative, thanks for the link. Deuce, I'm also shopping for a lathe/mill combo. Is'nt the Smithy 3-in-1 (like the 1220) quite a big bigger than those mini-lathes?
[ QUOTE ] Krooser, that website is well made and very informative, thanks for the link. Thanks Whizzerick for the comment...someday I'll tell ya the story about me (much younger), my cancelled load, a RHD '59 Austin Healey 3000 and gorgeous blonde from New Zealand all enjoying a weekend in Montreal or as I call it.."How Pierre Trudeau Got Me Laid!....
Well, after much debate and soul-searching, I "pulled the trigger" and bought a verticle mill on eBay...About 60 years old is a close as I can get on the age...A "Fray Model 7 All-Angle"...built in good old Glendale, CA, USA...needs a good clean-up and some tooling but what the hell...It was $450.00....now I've gotta get a load over to Michigan to pick it up. I've got a friend who's a good machinist and he's going to get me acquainted with it..it's been 42 years (jr. high) since I last ran one...hope my memory improves. My first order of biz is to put on a 220-1 phase motor and get it cleaned and painted. Then I'm going to build a 3 deuce blower top for my 354...should be a trip...
The Smithys 1220 specs= 12" throw over bed / 7" throw over table and 20" between centers. Cost around $1200 but was on sale just before xmas for $995. Their 1239 model is the biggest @ 12"/6.5"/39" for around $3000 was @ $2895 xmas special. They also have a 13xx series that have more features and run aboul $1000 more and also sell a deadicated lathe and mill. I got their catalog and was concidering the 1239 when I discovered a little job shop machine shop two blocks away. He loves bikes and hot rods and does stuff for me for next to nothing.
[ QUOTE ] Deuce, I'm also shopping for a lathe/mill combo. Is'nt the Smithy 3-in-1 (like the 1220) quite a big bigger than those mini-lathes? [/ QUOTE ] Yep, the Smith will handle larger pieces of material. If you'll be turning things that size, then the smaller ones aren't for you. I chose the Micro Mark Mill and Lathe after a good number of months of doing my homework. I figured that most things would fit the mini lathe. Basically, I can turn anything up to 4 inches in diameter (with a 5" chuck) or 14 inches long. But it also has the accuracy to cut small threads. I'd suggest considering getting the lathe only, and then getting the milling attachment for it. You should be able to do a good amount of work with just that setup. I was also turned of by Smithy's marketing. Once they got my name, the bombarded me with catalogs. And the price often wasn't the same, which I don't like. Try to figure out what you're going to be machining, and then see if you can get your hands on both machines to see what they're really like. Or, at least read the online manuals so that you understand the machines. Good luck. Good luck to you, too, kroozer. I hope that machine works well for you!
The mail just arrived. I got yet another "special deal blowout" from Smithy. The deals do look good, though!
I didn't realize those Smithy's were so pricey..now I realize I bought a 60 year old machine..and it ain't perfect but I looked at several of thoses "mini-mills" and I coudn't justify $500 to $1200 for a machine with such limitations...I would have sprung for an old Bridgeport..you see lots for around a grand...but I just didn't have that much cash right now. I know I can always cash out of that old Fray and upgrade in the future. A small unit if OK if you have space limitaions or you don't have your own shop...
Well said, krooser. I bought mini Chinese stuff because I have some serious space limitations. If I didn't, I would have sprung for an old Bridgeport.
I would recommend every beginner or aspiring machinists get a copy of this book: [image]http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/imageDB.cgi?isbn=1894572335[/image] First published in 1908, great pictures and a GREAT help for a thorough understanding of the 'Perfect Machine'. In the meantime, this is the lathe I'd like to find: [image]http://www.whizzerick.com/lathe.JPG[/image]
[ QUOTE ] Well said, krooser. I bought mini Chinese stuff because I have some serious space limitations. If I didn't, I would have sprung for an old Bridgeport. [/ QUOTE ]I'm lucky to have the room now...didn't for MANY years...
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