shop task machines

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Hello, There is a lot of knowledge on this site and would like some opinions on a particular machine that i am interested in. It is a 3 in 1 machine called the shopmaster. (shoptask.com) I do mostly welding and have a moderate amount of maching experience but i would like to do more machining. I would like to hear some opinions or insite on this machine, i am limited in space now but will have more in the futureThanks, John
Reply:Looks like a Smithy or other 3-1's.  I have also considered a 3-1 due to limited shop space.  I have never used one.  I have used ALL of the full sized machines and think that I would be dis-satisfied  with a condensed version.  One thing is the setup.  I would buy a variable speed to eliminate gear changes.  Also, a lot of times you need to bounce between machines (lathe & mill) and with these, that is not always possible.  Something to consider depending on what you plan to use it for.Hobart 140 Handler w/ gasHyperTherm Powermax 380 Plasmaoxy/acetylene
Reply:You are very limited as to what you can do with one of these machines. Check out www.grizzlyindustrial.com They have good deals on individual lathes and mills. Form bench top to big floor models for a job shop. I have a 11x26 matal lathe and hope to buy my mill soon. I would seriously look at individual machines before I bought a combination mill/lathe.
Reply:I started out with a Smithy and learned a ton with that little machine until I bought a full size lathe and milling machine. Sure, you are limited, but this allows you to figure out different ways to accomplish the task. And machining is 90% figuring it out and 10% "doing it"The Smithy machine was bought for $1000 used and sold three years later for $1200. You almost never see used Smithy machines because the owners really like them. They hold their value really well.Roy BDartmouth, Mahttp://www.rvbprecision.comMM 185 MIGDiversion 165Purox W200 O/AGrizzly 9957 MillGrizzly 4030 Metal Band SawGrizzly 1050 Knife Belt SanderJet 1236 Metal LatheCM 14" Metal Band SawTP Blast Cabinet
Reply:thank you for all of the imput, i have spoke to several other people and i think i will save my money and buy a seperate lathe and mill. once again thank you for the suggestions. john
Reply:Originally Posted by the dudethank you for all of the imput, i have spoke to several other people and i think i will save my money and buy a seperate lathe and mill. once again thank you for the suggestions. john
Reply:I was interested in the ShopMaster, too.  I realized it would take a long time to save up to buy one, so I bought a cheapie mill from Cummins.  It works great for what I need to do.My brother-in-law found an old Atlas 6" lathe for $400, which I ended up buying.  I definitely want to get something better, but I'm much happier with separate machines than the 3-in-1!America Needs AMERICA'S Oil!!!"Global warming is the greatest scam in history ...There is no run away climate change. The impact of humans on climate is not catastrophic. Our planet is not in peril."--John Coleman, Founder of The Weather Channel