Should I buy a Lathe/Mill machine

[jlesser27]

[fish45]

I wouldn’t recommend anyone buy a lathe who has never used one or has not had any training on one, especially one without a foot brake. They have the potential to be very dangerous.

Once you get some practice you’ll know what you want. It’s easy to outgrow a smaller lathe. A “full size” 12x36 with an inch and a half spindle is the smallest I would go. I wouldn’t even consider a mill without a movable table. The combos are great in theory, but leave a lot to be desired.

Not sure if it’s in other posts but something you have to consider is power. Do you know how to set up a breaker panel for 220? Do you need a zoning/ electrical permit to make those changes to your house.

[jlesser27]

[67Cuda]

Awesome looking Bridgeport!

BUT! It is entirely TOO clean, which I can appreciate.

And you don't do any work on it with that awesome American flag hanging behind it. LOL

With that said, I to do less than I have done previously.

[81turbota]

67Cuda,

I’m a bit of a nut keeping personal tools/equipment/workspaces clean. It wasn’t always that clean. I got it cheap from a storage unit auction in 2018 where it had been sitting since 1992. My brother and I rebuilt the drive and took apart the table. It’s in the home garage, so it’s only used for my car/motorcycle/gun projects.

With that said I definitely don’t use it enough to make a real mess

[Dirtlaw]

Enjoy!!! Don't let that machine lay idle. It will serve you well.

[VictorFranko]

I've been a machinist for 30+ years now.
Aerospace, medical, nuclear and now working in a refinery.
I absolutely love my job.
If I could start my life all over again and do anything I wanted to....I'd still be a machinist!

You know, at 42 years in the shop I still enjoy creating something from nothing.
Everything I do every single day in important to the defense of this country, to citizens of this country and to people the world over.
Most cubicle rats who wear slacks and polo shirts or dress shirts and ties would probably never understand.
On the other hand, if I had to work in a cubicle on the phone all day selling insurance or whatever I'd probably climb to the roof of the building and throw myself off.

[fish45]