Need some help deciding on which tools, to get for the new shop. I've been looking around and found this combo unit, that should do anything that I may need to do. I would rather have separate machines, but the features and upgrades for this one are nice. What do ya'll think? Mike
http://www.shoptask.com/index.html

I have a low opinion of multi task machines so I have to recuse myself..

I'm not a multi machine guy either. I think the tailstock base is too small to support work that high above the bed. I don't know what's included with it, but it looks like there wasn't a compound rest. Without that, accurate threading would be difficult. I'd personally look at a separate lathe and mill.

Thanks guy's. I'll make up my mind and pull the trigger on something very soon.

OK, so I got this catalog from Shoptask, seems that I can get, last years model for $2k. I can get it with complete CNC and DRO options for $4k:thumb: I thinks me made up me mind, cheers.:cheers:

GIT ER DONE!

damn it man..CNC/DRO is damn near useless on short part runs.get the basic machine and save your cash for tooling up.
its nothing to have $1000 in need bees and then some..if it wasnt for my boss givin me stuff id be broke....trust me.

bottom line....what ever you spend on a machine..tooling cost as much as the machine.

I second that. You'll spend $50 just to build a brake. If you get a chance, take a look at tooling cost. Even import stuff will run through your wallet.DRO would be nice, CNC kind of takes the personal touch out of things. If you're set on a multipurpose machine, Smithy has been building decent machines for awhile. I, personally wouldn't purchase anything with less than 24" between centers. I'd still lean towards separate machines. School auctions are a good place to look for machinery. If you can find yourself a South Bend lathe that has good ways, it would be a good machine. Let us know what you end up with. I love heavy machinery.

South Bend lathe!!!!! id give my lefty for one...heavy metal.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/fix55it/southbend.jpg
even this old Southbend is better than my new griz.

another donation from Domineys machine and props.l

I haven't decided if I'm going to get the DRO and CNC yet, but I'm going to get this machine. I looked at the smithy, but liked this design better, seems more rigid.

For one off machining CNC is extra expense and baggage. Good for production runs.


Paul what are you putting in your headstock. 10-30 Non-detergent or gear oil?? I put the ND in mine but think a light gear oil with EP additive would be much better..

I had the chance at a restored South Bend 13" and turned it down because I thought $1100 was too much for it. That was one of the dumber things I've done in life.

Hey Paul, must be nice to be able to scavenge around the machine shop like that. One man's trash is another man's treasure..

as of now im using 10/30....next diaper change will be "slide right"

I've got the ShopTask on order and got a message this am, that there was a tools sale down the road. Well I went to see what I could find and somehow, a little 7x12 lathe appeared in the truck. I figured it would work fine for top hats and rear guides, plus it help keep the other one free. I picked up the display, with 2 sets of acc, for $285.:thumb: Gonna see if I can get it set up tomorrow and make some chips.

pics, pics, pics.

I'll get some tomorrow Craig.

Those 7x12's can be worth their weight in gold. I bought one about 5 years ago and I use it more than my big one.www.littlemachineshop.com has a bunch of gadgets, replacement parts etc. Check out www.varmintal.com for some upgrades and links. Lots of good information there.

Thanks Ralph, I figured it would come in handy. I fixed one of your links for you.

Sorry guy's no pics yet, but I did get a few guides made today. I was very surprised, everything is in line and not much play.

Thanks for fixing my link..?? I'm computer illiterate so I don't know what link you fixed. Thanks.