Jacktegla
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- Denbighshire
OR WOULD I BE BETTER OF WAITING FOR A LATHE
Ok thanks I think I’m going to wait and look out for a lathe, any good makes and models to look out for.Bit of a broad statement but I reckon a lathe is generally more useful IMHO. That looks like a lot of hassle for something you don’t know you need. I’d get a lathe first. You can learn a lot on that and do a limited amount of milling on it too. Then you’d know if you want a machine like that. On the other hand if I had loads of cash, a massive workshop and a HIAB I’d probably buy it.
Actually no I wouldn’t buy it. Too rusty.
Bit of a broad statement but I reckon a lathe is generally more useful IMHO. That looks like a lot of hassle for something you don’t know you need. I’d get a lathe first. You can learn a lot on that and do a limited amount of milling on it too. Then you’d know if you want a machine like that. On the other hand if I had loads of cash, a massive workshop and a HIAB I’d probably buy it.
Actually no I wouldn’t buy it. Too rusty.
View attachment 223544 View attachment 223543 View attachment 223542 This mill has come up for sale near me how much do you think it’s worth? it’s all working and comes with the DRO and vice and a couple of cutters. Also how much use do people find they get out of a mill. I’m just wondering whether it’s worth the investment. I know a few things I’d find it useful for but has anyone got any opinions to sway me to buy it or to not, ( this will be my first big machine I.e haven’t had a mill or lathe before)
OR WOULD I BE BETTER OF WAITING FOR A LATHE
Don’t think I’ll be able to afford thatBuy both
But is their a better order to buy them in, I’m thinking get used to a lathe then go on and buy a mill but what do I know.You need a lathe, and a mill....they compliment each other!
Well that's not a bridgeport. Hartford are clones. It looks like it has been exposed to the elements from the surface rust and I would say rough IMO, although it may clean up.
If you don't have any experience buying one I would probably avoid it unless you can take somebody with you who has more experience, or you pick it up for dirt cheap. If there is a for-sale price listed, post it up here and you will get replies telling you if it is worth it. The trouble with prices and machine tools is that it depends a lot on where you are, how available they are and also how easy it is to get it home (i.e. can they load it, can you haul it or unload it?)
It’s 240 but got 3 phaseIs it 3 phase? Do you have 3 phase at home or workshop?
Worth checking.
I think if I had the money, it was local, I could transport it and had the space to put it (non of which are true) and it ran or at the very least I could give it a very basic look over, I would have a punt for £600.Am I the only one thinking you're all being a bit harsh?
It does depend how much of a state it's in, of course, but it's got a moving knee, £200 worth of DRO, £100 vice.
Assuming all the moving bits actually do move that looks like a lot of mill for £650, or even better for the £450 or £500 you might offer the seller.
But I do agree with MetalMonkey that you would need someone with you who knew how to check it out, as it could also be an 850KG anchor...
Thanks for that I think due to the current situation and I shouldn’t really be going out to look at it, so I think I’m going to have to leave it and I’ve been furloughed so probably shouldn’t spend all my monies on a lathe and mill. anyway I’m going to watch out for a lathe as at this moment in time I’d get more use out of it.I think if I had the money, it was local, I could transport it and had the space to put it (non of which are true) and it ran or at the very least I could give it a very basic look over, I would have a punt for £600.
Working on the idea that a relatively flimsy bench top mill would set you back £600 - £1K with some work the Bridgeport clone could be a good buy.
Then again we have seen what turned out to be an almost scrap Swedish (?) lathe bought by on member on here recently so buyer beware.
As for the question Lathe or Mill? People do tend to start out with a lathe, most are capable of limited milling operations but the set up is more complicated also rigidity and length of movement are not in the same league never mind the same ball game.
To further complicate today's buying decisions, if we are heading for a major 1930's style down turn there will be more machines available for much lower prices in the coming months and years.
Good luck with what ever you decide to do.
I am not a huge fan of Colchesters, they are similar to Bridgeports in that they are OK but get a higher reputation because of the name.Thanks for that I think due to the current situation and I shouldn’t really be going out to look at it, so I think I’m going to have to leave it and I’ve been furloughed so probably shouldn’t spend all my monies on a lathe and mill. anyway I’m going to watch out for a lathe as at this moment in time I’d get more use out of it.
I’ve been told to look at Colchester students and similar could you advise on whether that’s a correct sort of thing to be looking at.
Thanks for that quite helpful, just to clarify from these photos which photo is which lathe ?I am not a huge fan of Colchesters, they are similar to Bridgeports in that they are OK but get a higher reputation because of the name.
Having said that they do the job and are decent enough but I would say look at the round head students or even a square head rather than the newer 600 group ones. Just to clarify, the square heads are basically just roundheads but with a flat top and not the newer style which a lot of people call squareheads.