Lathe Project

[ojh]

Speaking of lathes, I have a chance to get an English built 'turret' lathe for a decent price, the big problem is floor space. I just love machines and this is a sweet one. They really are neat machines.

 

[zmotorsports]

Yup, I missed out on a PDM-30 for a grand which is a round column...blessing probably and will keep trying to find a dovetail column. I don't have space for a bridgeport or knee mill in general, so need to find a decent benchtop.

I agree with isb cornbinder, hold out for a dovetail mill, preferably a knee mill but if you don't have the room a benchtop square column is better than a round column. They also make nice compact knee style mills that don't take up much more room than a round column but they are rare in the used market. I had a round column style for about 15 years and although it was better than nothing, it has it's drawbacks when it comes to rigidity and repeatability.

 

[isb cornbinder]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DQJPE9O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is similar to the small milling machine I bought about 25 years ago. Other than simple maintenance it has given dependable service. I paid around $2550. I check Craigslist almost daily.

 

[ItsNemo]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DQJPE9O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is similar to the small milling machine I bought about 25 years ago. Other than simple maintenance it has given dependable service. I paid around $2550. I check Craigslist almost daily.

Yeah, Grizzly and Precision Matthews in particular aren't very affordable by the time you get them up here. Craftex or King are the likely choices.

 

[gba2331]

Compared to my garage, your garage looks like an operating room! It’s shamefully clean

 

[ItsNemo]

Compared to my garage, your garage looks like an operating room! It’s shamefully clean

Just the kind of person I am, I can't help but stay organized and clean.

 

[ItsNemo]

Added a light for the lathe today