3 in 1 machining tools
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3 in 1 machining tools
I want to buy a 3 in 1 machine tool and wondering which one is best. I sent for brochures from Smithy, Grizzly, Shop Master, and Harbor Freight. Are any of you using these and how do you like them. I want one to use to make parts that can no longer be found or need to be improved and some gunsmithing chores like re-chambering barrels and re-crowning muzzles and maybe designing my own single shot rifle. I know that they are not as good as the full pro production machines, but then they don't cost in the 10's of thousands of dollars and they should be suficent for what I require and space is a big consideration.
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3 in 1 machining tools
IMO - none of the 3 in one systems can hold tolerances needed to make a rifle shoot very accurately.
Too much run out on the spindles and not repeatable indexing. In other words, they won't hold .0001 (1/10,000) of an inch.
For making parts that do not require those tolerances, the 3n1 machines are okay. Just remember that you can't make parts with better tolerances than the machine that is making them.
A full size (floor model) Grizzly 1340 can hold the tolerances, but they are very heavy (hard to move and setup in the average garage). Picture the freight truck wanting you to get a fork lift to unload it in your drive way. Then not being able to get the fork lift through your garage door, etc.
Also, don't forget about power requirements. My lathe is a 220 volt 3 phase that can pull upto 40 amps. My mill is 220 volt single phase that can pull 30 amps.
Not tring to discourage you, just suggesting you plan it all out.
TUT
P.S. Don't let anyone BS you (sales people) demand written proof on lathe and mill specs.
Too much run out on the spindles and not repeatable indexing. In other words, they won't hold .0001 (1/10,000) of an inch.
For making parts that do not require those tolerances, the 3n1 machines are okay. Just remember that you can't make parts with better tolerances than the machine that is making them.
A full size (floor model) Grizzly 1340 can hold the tolerances, but they are very heavy (hard to move and setup in the average garage). Picture the freight truck wanting you to get a fork lift to unload it in your drive way. Then not being able to get the fork lift through your garage door, etc.
Also, don't forget about power requirements. My lathe is a 220 volt 3 phase that can pull upto 40 amps. My mill is 220 volt single phase that can pull 30 amps.
Not tring to discourage you, just suggesting you plan it all out.
TUT
P.S. Don't let anyone BS you (sales people) demand written proof on lathe and mill specs.
Last edited by TheUglyTroll; Sep 14, 2003 at 02:12 PM.
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3 in 1 machining tools
Hmmm, just wondering, I realize that in most cases bigger is better but just how much power do I need in a separate mill and lathe. I wouldn't have any problem with having to make several smaller cuts if I could avoid having to rewire my garage and as you say there is no way I could afford or house the larger machines. Are the smaller separate units capable of the accuracy needed?
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3 in 1 machining tools
Evalution is critical. I have been a machinist for 18 years. In the machinist trade you get what you pay for. I would suggest for starters doing some reserch and finding and old small lathe for your home projects. Mark C. Richardson
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From: Central Kali
3 in 1 machining tools
I have a 10 by 24 lathe made in Taiwon. I bought it 20 years ago and have no complaints about it. I will get a bigger one someday. I also have a mill-drill, RF-30. It is ok for the amount of use it gets. One that can raise the table is much better.
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3 in 1 machining tools
My problem is that I have been unable to find a decent old heavy lathe that will cut metric threads. All of the import lathes will do the job but some of them are hard to get replacement parts for. I have been told to stay away from Enco for that reason. All of the decent lathes that come up on eBay seem to be on the coasts. Shipping will kill you on those heavy beasts.
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