Is this worth considering?

[Bigwhite11]

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-multipurpose-machine-with-micro-feed-44142.html

I've been doing some reading around here and have been putting together and wishlist for when I get back home (currently deployed to Afghanistan). I've always wanted a lathe. Myself and my friends mostly work on 4-wheelers. see pics. I would use the tool for mostly aluminum, about 90% aluminum and 10% other. Would this be an option for me?

before

after

 

[larry_g]

I would agree that it is an option but a poor one. If you look in my build thread you will see two lathes and a small mill that I paid about $800 each for. I had a 3 in 1 machine once and would never consider another one. Kinda like a Leatherman tool. You can do stuff with it but it is not the best tool for the job. Those 3 in 1 machines have a lot of fiddlin to do to change from lathe to milling and as a mill it is very light weight, with a small work envelope. You are much further ahead to start with separate machines and upgrade each as your skills and needs advance.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[woody 73]

I would agree that it is an option but a poor one. If you look in my build thread you will see two lathes and a small mill that I paid about $800 each for. I had a 3 in 1 machine once and would never consider another one. Kinda like a Leatherman tool. You can do stuff with it but it is not the best tool for the job. Those 3 in 1 machines have a lot of fiddlin to do to change from lathe to milling and as a mill it is very light weight, with a small work envelope. You are much further ahead to start with separate machines and upgrade each as your skills and needs advance.

lg
no neat sig line

Very good advise

Woody

 

[Bigwhite11]

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/2812849817.html

just found this in a quick search.

 

[Outlawmws]

As said, its an option, but not a good one. IF (and only IF) you never plan to do any really precision cuts, that might be a reasonable alternative. But those 3 in one, and most Asian Import lathe and Mill shaped objects cannot be relied on to be capable of any real precision work out of the box.

 

[fitz11]

How about something like this?
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combo-Lathe-w-Milling-Attachment/G0516

Seems like this might be easier switching between mill and lathe?

 

[Outlawmws]

How about something like this?
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combo-Lathe-w-Milling-Attachment/G0516

Seems like this might be easier switching between mill and lathe?

See posts above...

 

[91bronc300]

I've been shopping around for a metal lathe myself. You seem to have a budget of 2K, and if it were me, I would probably buy the Grizzly G0602 for 1200 and use the rest of my budget for tooling. That would be my first choice for new given the budget I have. No used southbends on my local craigslist right now, but I keep my eyes peeled.

 

[ibedayank]

http://littlemachineshop.com/default.php
heres a place that get high marks in the model engine world

 

[Nelson58]

The advice you received is on the money. You want separate turning, drilling, and milling machines. No three way machine is as rigid or versatile as a separate machine. You can start small and upgrade, or start with one machine (I suggest a lathe), and then build.


Nelson