What do you think of this mini lathe?

[SignWave]

i bought a grizzly mini mill

I went to look at a grizzly mini mill tonight. I bought the thing. Its pretty much a toy compared to what I had in mind but right now space is at a premium and my money is all tied up in a cnc router tabvle tha ti have yet to see arrive...

This mill has the very basic of provisions.. one collet, some wrenches and a set of allen keys.. I guess i'll have to start collecting now...
its in great shape, all the dials are tight and have bery little back lash.

for what i need it for, its a good start. I'll post a few pics when i get it.

the guy i went to see- fresh out of UBC department of mechanical engineering... had a huge 6000 pound bridgeport at one ned of the shop and a huge 5000 pound CNC mill something or other at the other end of the shop.. Sigh.. some guys have all the luck. and he had a small craftex lathe and all the other acoutrements. bits vises, hold downs , tooling etc coming ou tthe wazzu...

[SignWave]

I have a smaller Clausing bridgeport type machine with auto travel side to side......it's mint. Looking to get $2000 for it if anyone is interested. Dave

Dave,
Where are you and do you have any pics?

I have a smaller Clausing bridgeport type machine with auto travel side to side......it's mint. Looking to get $2000 for it if anyone is interested. Dave

[jkmola]

This guy has a nice bit of info on mini lathes - including mods and making must have accessories. Should prove interesting.

http://www.varmintal.com/alath.htm

[bob_e95482]

For the past few years, I was wanting a Smithy. I bought my used(barely) Rong Fu type mill for $350. Then a month later I bought a Logan 9"x 16" lathe. I'm glad I have each dedicated machine. Setups take time; a lot more time I would think with an all-in-one machine. Especially if you have to go back & forth from milling to turning.

[SignWave]

Sign, I have a Smithy mill/lathe combo and I LOVE IT. The machine you're looking at is somewhat similar, just without the mill head. Otherwise, if you'll use it, get it! My girlfriend always tells me if purchasing a certain machine or tool makes the shop more efficient and more productive then get it. As long as it's going to be used or needed! If you're looking at getting a smaller machine (like the one your looking at), check out the Smithy lathe/mill combo. I would say worth the "little extra" money to go that route, the mill has come in handy for me. I got mine used and paid $500.00 (well worth it) Let us know what you end up doing.

Will do PL. Im just starting this little adventure so there is time. I dont want to get something thats going to leave me in the lurch for that one good paying job. So a littel research and some pointers seem to be a good idea.

You can never ever go wrong if you spend you money on tools.No matter what the cost.
you can lose you shirt on a car, truck, boat or other toy...no matter what the cost.

[PLWeld]

A very handy addition

Sign, I have a Smithy mill/lathe combo and I LOVE IT. The machine you're looking at is somewhat similar, just without the mill head. Otherwise, if you'll use it, get it! My girlfriend always tells me if purchasing a certain machine or tool makes the shop more efficient and more productive then get it. As long as it's going to be used or needed! If you're looking at getting a smaller machine (like the one your looking at), check out the Smithy lathe/mill combo. I would say worth the "little extra" money to go that route, the mill has come in handy for me. I got mine used and paid $500.00 (well worth it) Let us know what you end up doing.

[SignWave]

second choice better than the first?

Hi Everybody,
This is what I found today... Of course once again it is an offshore.
this would be a little better as I have some space restricitons..

http://busybeetools.ca/cgi-bin/picture10?&NETID=1629071215071668857&NTITEM=B2229

any thoughts?

[SignWave]

You can always buy a bigger one later. I started with a 6x12 24 years ago and now have 2 South Bends plus 2 of the 6x12's...Bob

you've got one too many.. Can I have one? PPPPPPPPPPlease!?!?!
A big one....

[arc]

looks just like the same 1 that they have at princess auto 4 $499 lots of other manufactures make equipment for them

[tdkkart]

...........you can make small stuff on a big lathe, but you can't make big stuff on a small lathe...............

A small lathe is a good addition to a shop that already has a big lathe, and vice-versa.


Personally, I'd go with bigger before smaller, but it all depends on what you're needs are. I like the 10-12" sizes for my needs.
If your needs and space demand a small lathe by all means do it.

[Fishy Jim]

But Bob, you make little stuff all the time.

[aametalmaster]

You can always buy a bigger one later. I started with a 6x12 24 years ago and now have 2 South Bends plus 2 of the 6x12's...Bob

[bob_e95482]

That looks like a nice little unit. Go for it.

[SignWave]

So many choices.... Thanks for all the great links you guys. Ive been doing alot of reading for the last two hours.. My eyes hurt...
Im not sure if I should go this route or actually go out and get a full size.. The old saying- go big or go home.. kinda applies. The mini thing would be great but what if I want to make something larger than 2" in Dia...
could leave me a bit stuck and back on square one.