Message

Return-Path: Received: from fed1mtao07.cox.net ([68.6.19.124] verified) by logan.com (CommuniGate Pro SMTP 4.1.5) with ESMTP id 2624852 for flyrotary@lancaironline.net; Sun, 05 Oct 2003 10:45:09 -0400 Received: from smtp.west.cox.net ([172.18.180.57]) by fed1mtao07.cox.net (InterMail vM.5.01.06.05 201-253-122-130-105-20030824) with SMTP id <20031005144504.BMVN13061.fed1mtao07.cox.net@smtp.west.cox.net> for ; Sun, 5 Oct 2003 10:45:04 -0400 From: To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" Subject: Re: [FlyRotary] Mill Drill and Lathe Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2003 10:45:06 -0400 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/mixed; boundary="----=____1065365106554_aip'Sjgd4b" Message-Id: <20031005144504.BMVN13061.fed1mtao07.cox.net@smtp.west.cox.net> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=____1065365106554_aip'Sjgd4b Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Re: > http://www.shoptask.com/shoptaskwebsite/specialoff.htm and multipurpose machines in general: I've looked at a lot of them, starting about 25 years ago, when I was doing a lot of gunsmithing. These machines are, of necessity, compromise machines. And you usually end up compromising the most on the milling capability. Space-savers they may be, but if you can afford another 12 sq. feet of floor space, beyond what's needed for the lathe, you should seriously consider getting a separate "Mill-drill". Reasons: First of all, compare the specs for a combo unit against a moderately priced 12x36 lathe and a similar-quality 8x29 Mill-drill. What's the spindle bore? (For gunsmithing, this is important, because you'll sometimes want to chuck a barrel with the muzzle hanging out the back of the headstock.) What are the warrented tolerances? (Combo machines usually won't hold better than .001".) You can only accurately mill what you can fit on the table. 8x29 is much more versatile than 8x10 (or less). Next compare what you get for $3000. I know we'd all like to buy American ... well, you can - if you're willing to buy pre-owned. On the other hand, our friends in Taiwan make reasonably good equipment at friendly prices. A check of outlets such as Rutland Tool (Airgas), EMCO, and Harbor Freight and Tool, yielded up a geared-head lathe for about $2000 and a (220Kg) variable-speed (not belt- driven) Mill-drill for about $1000. Looking around PHX, I've seen reconditioned Brigeports for around $2500 - plain "used" for considerably less and off-brand equivalents (Spanish, Japanese) for around $1200 (more floorspace, though). Nevertheless, if you have to have a combination unit, for overall utility and quality, I don't think you can beat the Maximat line (e.g. V-10) by Emco. Unfortunately, the only way you'll get one in the U.S., now, is pre-owned. If it's been well-cared for, that shouldn't be a problem. The problem is getting someone who has one to let go of it. my $.02, Dale R. ------=____1065365106554_aip'Sjgd4b Content-Type: text/html; name="reply" Content-Disposition: inline; filename="reply" Message

Ok, Rusty, considered it NOT mentioned

http://www.shoptask.com/shoptaskwebsite/specialoff.htm

Ed Anderson

Hey Ed, I think my wife is looking for you. She seems to want to drive up to SERFI for some reason :-)

Seriously, I appreciate the info. I've thought about getting a tool like this for years, but somehow managed to avoid it. It was sort of like the welding thing, in that it was nice, but not essential. During the course of this project, I've realized that a welding machine, and metalworking tools are becoming less of a luxury, and more of a necessity, if I'm going to do the things I want to do.

I've spent most of the morning looking at the Bridgemill. It does seem to be about the best choice in this class of machine, which of course you already know. I've got a bunch of questions for them, but I wouldn't be surprised if I end up ordering one on Monday.

Thanks,

Rusty (gotta go fly now)

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