Lathe's and Mills/ combination lathe/mill

Discussion in 'Tools' started by Wombat, Mar 12, 2019.

  1. Wombat

    Wombat Sir Combat Full Member

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    Hi All,

    hope you are all doing well, My father is currently also into scale models (he does not overly share my interest in Trains but we share an interest in RC Planes), any recommendations from this question would be greatly appreciated by both of us as I have been looking at starting a long term live steam loco and fabrication will be required for that.

    We are looking for recommendations on small-to medium sized Mills and lathes for part fabrication, should we also wanting some guidance on if we should consider a combination of Mill/lathe?

    At this point price is not really a barrier we are just looking at make/models and user recommendations/guidance for said tools as we want the best tools for the job.

    Appreciate all answers and shared wisdom.

    Cheers,

    Wombat.
     
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  2. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Hmmmm :scratchchin: York Paul or Rob Pulham could be your men for that. In fact ....... maybe Jakesdad might be able to shine some light / advice on this.

    I used one of these at metalwork classes in school but that wasn't yesterday. Always hugely impressive seeing someone making something with these machines. Real engineering. :thumbs:

    I'm sure someone will be along with some input on this.

    Cheers

    Toto
     
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  3. jakesdad13

    jakesdad13 Staff Member Moderator

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    Hi Wombat. I must admit I have no experience of model engineering.
    I think I would probably go to my local model engineering society and seek advice, possibly become a member, you can't beat experience :scratchchin:

    Cheer's, Pete.
     
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  4. Timbersurf

    Timbersurf

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    Are you thinking new or second hand? There are small bench ones coming out of China for peanuts and the reviews are that they are not bad but need a bit of pimping!
    I am an apprentice trained machinist, but have not touched one in 30 years (went to the dark side, electrickery), but have been contemplating one of my own for a couple of years.
     
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  5. Wombat

    Wombat Sir Combat Full Member

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    Hi All,

    Thanks for the responses.

    There is a model Rail show at the end of this Month in ACT, So I'll have a chat to the ACT Engineering Society then, they are usually there showing the latest project work.

    Not fussed on it being New or Second hand Tbh, more looking at recommendations for brand etc.

    Regards,

    Wombat.
     
  6. Rob Pulham

    Rob Pulham Happily making models Staff Member Administrator Feature Contributor

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    Hi Wombat,

    I am not much of an expert only having a very old Unimat SL but when I was looking for one what I did pick up was that a lot of people seemed to be having problems getting new machines cleaned and set up correctly before they could use them.

    On that basis I would suggest looking for a good used one rather than brand new. Sorry I can't really offer too much on brands
     
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  7. ebbwjunc

    ebbwjunc Full Member

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    Hi Wombat, for a good look at what is available I suggest Hare and Forbes in Parramatta. They have a web site https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/ which lists all their wares. They do sell ex Tafe and schools machines at attractive prices and their knowledge to advise the beginner is pretty good. Hope this helps.
     
  8. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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    Hi Wombat,
    I agree with the comment above about Hare and Forbes, however I would not go down the second hand route.
    The reason being that you want all the bearings and bushes in this equipment to be first class and free of play.
    Second hand equipment in this field can possibly have wear issues that won`t be evident at first, and if you are working down to fine tolerances, you need everything to be tight and true and have integrity. The slightest bit of play in a lathe or a drill press or any serious machine tool, will drive you bananas.......don`t be tempted by a bargain.
    With that in mind I would also suggest that you buy the best quality that you can afford.
    :cheers::tophat:Gormo
     

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