I enjoy using my lathe but find that the tool that has surprised my in how useful it is, and how often I use it, is the mill
Worse thing I have found is that I worked in engineering 47 years first 5 years as a machinist then a fitter, rest of time as Design Draughtsman. Problem came when I retired, then firm went bust and management changed, all my life Turning or milling I could get done for nothing (was called scotching). Now all my contacts have gone and could do with a lathe and milling machine for odd jobs. You take it for granted when it there but really miss it when its gone.
I enjoy using my lathe but find that the tool that has surprised my in how useful it is, and how often I use it, is the mill
Likewise. Rather have a lathe than holiday or a bg flat screen and surround sound setup Been many years since I had what people refer to as a proper holiday. A week off with the kids and some trips out in the day is far more rewarding for us all anyway. I also don't drink often and don't do the pubs. What some people do In a pub over a month could buy a nice machine.Personally my view is if you work hard and can afford one(even if you don't work hard for it ) then why not.
I watch people who earn a lot less than I do go on cheap package holidays that cost them thousands every year. I've been on a foreign holiday twice in the last 14 years so I have no issues buying something that I will enjoy using. You could easily buy a big tool room size lathe for what a foreign holiday could cost and in years time what is that holiday worth? Not the same as a lathe that's for sure. I know that is a simplistic view. My brother has always said for most people a holiday is a way to get away from the life they live, why not create a life that you don't need to get away from?
Bought my ml7 with that in mind. Had it for 2 years, had hours of fun, learned a lot on it and will still get the money back so the cost is not an issue really.Buy a cheap one and see how you get on, I bought mine knowing if I did use it I would get my money back
Not what I'd call a bargain.