Do many of you have mills and lathes in your fab shops?

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I am looking for input on how many of you weldors have machining tools in your shops.  I am seriously thinking of buying a knee mill and lathe for my farm shop.  It seems I am constantly running to the machine shop to get something turned or milled.  There is often times I would do more or build more things if I had the capability.  I don't have a lot of experience machining but am very technically orientated and have run a mill and lathe but certainly not expert at it.  There is the just want to do it factor also.  In life it is not always just about what is the cheapest or most practical.  If that was the case no one would go fishing!  There is the same feeling when I stick metal together and build something I need for the farm.
Reply:Up until selling my shop I had a mill and lathe.  I am tooling a new shop now and both are on my shopping list.  I am looking for the right deal on used equipment.-Dan"I Build Stuff"www.jmrmfg.comwww.509media.com
Reply:Just bought a new mill and will eventually be buying a lathe.Lincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:Mill, Drill Press, Benders, Bandsaws.Need to get a new lathe as mine had to be sold when I bought the house.Yeah, I couldn't see doing even 1/10th of the work I do without those tools.--Wintermute"No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience." - John Lockewww.improvised-engineering.comManufacturer Agnostic:Blood----------Sweat---------Tears----|------------------|----------------|----Lincoln Red, Miller Blue, Esab Yellow
Reply:Had a small mill drill.  Worked OK but setups were a PITA.  Got a nice knee mill last year and love it.  Just ordered a 7"x12" horizontal bandsaw (Grizzly GO561).  Should be here Tuesday.  Hope to score a South Bend lathe one day...Heavy 10" or short bed 13".  I don't use all the tools all the time but when I need 'em I got 'em.  Makes life a lot easier and more projects "doable".One thing I've learned w/ machine tools...the tooling (cutters, fixtures, measuring instruments) can cost as much as the machine itself.  It adds up fast.Also, for that mill or lathe, consider getting a DRO.  They really speed up things and improve accuracy.  Now, instead of being off by about a quarter inch, I'm off by .2502inches.      Seriously, the DRO is a real time saver. Attached ImagesMiller 211 w/ spool gunMiller Dynasty 200DXLongevity 60i IGBT plasmaO/A w/ crappy chinese torch/gaugesSouth Bend 10K latheGrizzly 4029 10x54 millGrizzly 7x12 hor bandsawangle grnders, bench grnder, bench belt sndr7.5 hp 80gal cmprsor
Reply:Hey guys,I have both lathe & mill & wouldn't be without each. In the last few years, both have been busy making parts for the many 'ol farm tractors that parts are drying up or no longer available. Usually small stuff. A lot of nice farms in my area that still work them pretty good. I also find both quite useful when I need to fab a jig, fixturing, or tooling. You won't regret getting each.DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:I just got an old SouthBend 36" from the 30's or 40's in pieces, can't wait to get it up and running. Keeping my eye out for an old Bridgeport. I have always just borrowed a friends shop when I needed something machined. Having your own will be great.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Just picked up an older bridgeport round ram with an "M" head.  It still dismantled on the shop floor because I'm too anal retentive to reassemble it without cleaning & painting parts of it but I'm excited to use it.There are deals to be had...I picked mine up off of CL for $300 mill + extra 120v motor, threw the guy another $100 and also got a vice, some lathe tooling, collets, drill chuck and a bunch of end mills, cutters, flycutter and some stuff to bolt things down to the table.
Reply:Originally Posted by BTD................  Now, instead of being off by about a quarter inch, I'm off by .2502inches.     ................
Reply:Have a small lathe (12X36 Enco) and looking for a smokin' deal on a small mill.  Would love several other pieces of equipment as well.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:try http://www.govliquidation.com/ we have bought a bunch of equipment from them.  If interested in something they are selling your best bet is to go inspect it 1st before bidding to make sure you do not end up winning a paperweight. They have a habit of storing the machinery outside uncovered and the equipment in the pictures may look good online but the actual equipment may have alot of rust or water damage to the electronics.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:This is a quote out of another thread Originally Posted by StampederOk! Ok! Ok! now you guys, that really hurts........I have this HUGE case of Mill envy.I've been wanting to upgrade my shop on the ranch with a lathe and a mill.So, question.....which one should I go for first lathe or mill.Also, what sort of prices are people paying for their BP mills?I concened that like so many serious tools that getting the tool is only the beginning....it's all the cutters and special heads that is the really expensive part.Any and all suggestions as to a recommended treatment for my MILL envy would be greatly appreciated.Thanks guys and keep the pictures coming. It's very interesting and helpful to see how others have gone through the process of evolving their shops.Glenn.
Reply:Hey guys,If someone was in the SW PA area, east of Pittsburgh a few miles, here is a superb condition Southbend Lathe for sale....CHEAP!!!!!It is almost identical as the one I have. Here's the listing.Dennyhttp://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/1674970721.htmlComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:That is a nice SouthBend! It even has a taper attachment!I've got a big stout Index 645 mill from the early '50s, and a nice little Atlas 10 X 30 from the '40s.Rex
Reply:I think for repair work on farm equipment, a lathe and Mill would be indespensable.  Look for a lathe with 10" swing minimum.  Look used unless you've got bucks for a new machine.  I would get a lathe first, then look for a mill.  A used bridgeport can be found for $500 on up, though like anything, helps to shop around. I bought a fully tooled southbend heavy 10", and mint BP with DRO, kurt vise, and power feed for under $2500. You can make most common repairs with this set up, though would prefer a bigger lathe.
Reply:got one of the RongFu 30 mill/drill clone.  its a beginner mill of sorts, gives me an idea (sort of) on what its like to work with a real mill without spending thousands of dollars.  If i had room and money, i'd get a real mill and lathe.
Reply:I am excited!  My first piece of machining equipment arrives on Thursday.  It is a horizontal mill with two full cabinets of tooling.  A friend of mine had it and has never used it. He gave it to me.I have a universal mill with DRO's and a big lathe with DRO's coming in the next two weeks.All complete with tooling.  Good thing I have a big shop and a great wife!
Reply:I have a 3 hp Kondia mill and a 3 hp Chinese lathe that is the exact same as the Grizzly toolroom 13" lathe. Bought both used but in really good shape. I can't believe how much I use them. Onlt power tools I use more are my 2x72 belt grinder, dry cut saw and band saw.Cut an MGB and widened 11" C4 Corvette suspension and LT1 Chevrolet power & 6 spd. Pictures here:Part 1http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?13,7581Part 2http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?13,22422
Reply:Yup gotta have those tools.  I try to buy the old heavy iron versus the newer cheap stuff.
Reply:All of the machine tools I am getting are German or Russian built.  Very heavy and indestructible.  The lathe is Russian built and very heavy duty.  I am not sure of the swing but it is plenty big for my needs.  I have a good friend not far from me that has a complete machine shop.  CNC and conventional.  So I will have help to get everything/me organized.I have done quite a bit of machining but and by no means an expert.  I am much more comfortable with my welding helmet.
Reply:5 metal lathes 3 of them are SBL and an old horz mill. I also have a small 7" SBL shaper that fits in well also...BobBob WrightSalem, Ohio  Birthplace of the Silver & Deming Drillhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbend10k/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sawking/1999 Miller MM185 w/ Miller 185 Spoolmate spoolgun
Reply:I bought this 7 ton K+T all hydraulic last year and it is a lovely thing to operate!My lathe is at the other end of the spectrum, it's a little Tawainese Southbend copy.Much better than no lathe however! Attached Images
Reply:A few years ago, I started thinking about getting a lathe. Didn't know much about them, never used one, but they looked like fun! So I waited until the mini-lathe (7" swing x 12" centers) and mini-mill were on sale and bought them. Now I know that lots will say they are crap. Yeah they are and no they aren't. Stay within their limits and they are fine. It was a cheap intro to metalworking and they paid for themselves in repairs on our farm. It's not a big deal waiting for a special spacer or whatever during the slow season, but come harvest time, the machines gotta move when the sun shines. That little lathe rescued us quite a few times.I just recently bought a 20" swing x 48" centers McDougall lathe and am in the process of setting it up. It's the lathe I asked for electrical advice here: http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=40363 For those here that are also on some of the machining forums, it's also been discussed here:http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb...stions-201827/http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/sho...092#post538092Can't wait to finish the cleanup and get her running.Andrew
Reply:I don't have mills and lathes in my fab shop, I have welders in my home machine shop. The bigger machines are in the garage and the smaller machines are in the basement.I kind of like the old antique stuff. It is made so much heavier. Iron must have been really cheap around the turn of the century.1924 Boye & Emmes 18" lathe1910's Flather 20" Lathe1956 Southbend 9" Lathe1919 Hendey 12" Lathe1964 Index Vertical Milling Machine1950's Diamond Horizontal Milling Machine1920's Steptoe 16" Shaper1940's Joba 15" Shaper1910's Rockford Drill Press1916 Silver 20" Drill Press1997 MSC Horizontal Band SawLast edited by WFM; 04-07-2010 at 01:41 PM.
Reply:I'm in the Army and we just bought this smithy for our shop http://www.smithy.com/product_home.p...id=22&pid=1011Southbend lathe with 9in swing and a full sized chinese mill in my home shop. can't imagine being without these two indispensable tools. with craiglist ... it's no longer can one afford good equipment, but more like how much room? keep watching CL and you will see great deals on lathes and mills.52, 59 & 66 Lincoln SA200, Tombstone Idealarc 250, Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 50, Marquette 250 amp mig, Miller 330 A/BP
Reply:I work in a place with a lathe that is 42 feet long to a itsey bitsey one..My baby is a 20"x90" Hendy Engine Lathe..6 Bridgeports..9 lathes..1 6 Station Turrett Lathe..1 Bullard VTL3 Blanchard Grinders..1 Horizontal miller..2 Radial drills...5 Drill presses..2 Carbide tool grinders..8 Different grinders in all..1 Do All Bandsaw...1 20 Foot planer table with a Bridgeport head on board...3 Cincinatti Millers..One is kinda big...1 Lincoln Idealarc 400 amp AC DC stick machine..1 Miller 330 AB/P TIG...yeah..2 Cylindrical Grinders...1 Klamazoo cut off saw..1 Big *** Delta Abrasive cut off wheel....Man That thing stinks......Smellwize...So much stuff (NO CNC) That anything is possible..Not mine but I can do what I want with it at any time...I LOVE my job I LOVE my job.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Yabut.................the real question is just how does that compensate for the length of your pee pee??????Just kidding, I'm in a real good mood tonight"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Sam,  you must be on drugs or drunk.
Reply:I'm a hobbyist.  in my shop I have an emco mill/lathe along with my new Everlast welder.  I've had the mill/lathe for about 9 months.
Reply:I'm interested in a small lathe, but know nothing about operating one. I only need to center/drill a 9/32" hole repeatedly for parts. Anybody have any good suggestions? I have been paying a shop, but their rates eat into my profit. Pictures and tooling would be helpful, too.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:Originally Posted by wb4rtI'm interested in a small lathe, but know nothing about operating one. I only need to center/drill a 9/32" hole repeatedly for parts. Anybody have any good suggestions? I have been paying a shop, but their rates eat into my profit. Pictures and tooling would be helpful, too.
Reply:I have a Bridgeport series 2 and a Clausing lathe at home and a JET lathe/bridgeport mill at work.If you're going to buy a mill/lathe you're better off finding a used high end machine over buying a new lower quality machine. I had a Smithy at home for a while and that thing was HORRIBLE! They are less than accurate and the ways wear quickly. I would say the same goes for lathes. There is a night and day difference between the Clausing I have at home and the JET we use at work. It seems like things are always breaking on the JET and it constantly needs adjustment.Granted, my home equipment is run ONLY by me and I'm a little OCD when it comes to taking care of my machines.Home:Miller XMT 304 CC/CVMiller 211 (the baby in the garage)Miller Dynasty 200DXMiller Spectrum 375 X-tremeWork:Miller Maxtron 450Lincoln Invertec V311Thermal Dynamics Pakmaster 150
Reply:Originally Posted by wb4rtI'm interested in a small lathe, but know nothing about operating one. I only need to center/drill a 9/32" hole repeatedly for parts. Anybody have any good suggestions? I have been paying a shop, but their rates eat into my profit. Pictures and tooling would be helpful, too.
Reply:Zap,I tried my drill press, but it is just a benchtop and regular bits wear out too quick. Maybe I should try a mill end or something else that might work better? I could upgrade the drill press, but on the other hand a small lathe opens some other possibilities if I could learn to use it.Andrew, The material is small enough the lathe could be small, but it is drilling about 1" in tool quality steel. I would need probably 10"-12" length, bigger is better of course, but width is not a problem.I appreciate the suggestions and ideas. This is for my garage run business and so space is a consideration. Any model numbers, pictures, tooling suggestions, etc. are very much appreciated!Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:This place has some good deals from time to time, I've never bought anything from them so I don't what kind of business they run. If I were closer I would definetly be a regular. http://www.forkliftscheap.com/web/home
Reply:Got a mill drill a few months ago, best thing I have done in a long time.  It aint big but its been invaluable to the shop.Hoping to have the funds next financual year for a lathe.
Reply:Lets try this picture thing again.  Havent made anything exiting on it yet, top tooling for my makeshift press brake is about as interesting as it gets so far. Attached Images
Reply:I got 2 lathes and 1 bench mill.   I used my 1950's 10" atlas all the time.   My grizzly 13 by 37" is three phase so its currently taking up space until we get into our new shop.   Waiting until we get into our new shop to find a nice used bridgeport.  Its amazing sometimes how offend you need a lathe in a fab shop.Lincoln 300 Vantage 2008300 Commander 1999SA250 1999SA200 1968Miller Syncrowave 200XMT350MPA/S-52E/xr-15Xtreme 12vs Millermatic 251 w/30A  Millermatic 251 Dialarc 250 Hypertherm 1250 GEKA & Bantom Ironwokers
Reply:sure like to find an old bridgeport too... patiently waiting for a reasonably priced one to show up on craigslist.  Originally Posted by Xtreme Fabrication  Waiting until we get into our new shop to find a nice used bridgeport. .
Reply:Just out of curiosity, which, do those that have both mill and lathe, get the most use out of?200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Originally Posted by bert the welderJust out of curiosity, which, do those that have both mill and lathe, get the most use out of?
Reply:XLO 9"x42" mill and a 18" x 54" Monarch lathe, couldn't get along with out them in a welding repair shop.
Reply:Just picked up an Atlas 12x36 with some tooling. The price was right and it "should" fit in my shop. I have realized I am over capacity. I need to start removing unused items. Problem is, everything gets used! Guess its time to move out of the city and get some land for a true SHOP.
Reply:Outstanding Joba shaper WFM,I have a 12" Sheldon toolroom shaper from the 50's.Other machines are, DeVleig 2B 24x36" Jigmil, Landis 14x40" cylindical grinder with 2.5x24" wheel, Pratt&Whitney 18x40" engine lathe, Enco 12x36" bench lathe, Enco 9x42" turret miller, Enco mill drill and several portable boring machines.Matt
Reply:Originally Posted by bert the welderJust out of curiosity, which, do those that have both mill and lathe, get the most use out of?
Reply:Originally Posted by rode2rouenI use the lathe more frequently.If I was going to buy machine tools I would definitely get a lathe first, then add a milling machine. Rex
Reply:Supermax variable speed turret mill (B-port clone), and Monarch 10EE in the garage.R"I heard that!!"
Reply:that depends on what I'm doing... lately mill has seen more use. just milled a slot in bar stock for a custom fab'd part for an old Colombian Vise.  Originally Posted by bert the welderJust out of curiosity, which, do those that have both mill and lathe, get the most use out of?
Reply:Would absolutely have a mill and a lathe.