DPRG mailing list archives: [DPRG] Opinions on machine tools and sources?

Tue May 27 19:41:13 CDT 2008

You are probably thinking of machine tools around this size?

http://golem5.org/machine_shop/experiences.html

This is about the maximum you can buy and move around yourself without
being really strong (e.g. big guy or weight/power-lifter). A normal person
can move these alone (although two people is better - I did it alone).

My experience was that I didn't know what I needed at first. So I did
acquire tooling I didn't use too much. Most important I found was good
metrology. So quality dial indicators and calipers along with a simple
rule and magnifying glass were tools I used the most. These can be
expensive. Another really useful accessories are jointed metal arms for
holding the dial indicators.

Given how inexpensive these machine tools were (although I got what I
paid for?), I think it is very reasonable that the tooling actually cost
more than the tools themselves.

You obviously know more than I did a few years ago (or now...). But the
other thing I discovered is that a lot of amateur machining ends up as
drilling straight holes and milling off the sides of aluminum squares
(such is what I ended up doing a lot). It makes things look pretty. But
really a hacksaw, file and drill can do a lot too. For many of the things
I wanted to do, I realized later that sheet metal or plastic would have
been better materials and would not have required a full shop for
fabrication.

--- brianmerritt at att.net wrote:

> Hi ya' Dave,
> 
> I don't want any tiny little model maker's tools, but at the same time I
> don't want anything so big I have to rent a forklift to move it around.  I'm
> thinking tabletop size, maybe even tools with separate stands that can be
> disassembled and loaded by a couple of guys.
> 
> I am surprised by your estimate that the tooling would be about as much as
> the machines themselves.  I can see that over time you could possibly buy
> lots of tooling for a mill, since they will do so many different operations,
> but it would seem to me that would take years before an average user had a
> need for all those tools.  In the case of the lathe don't see a need for so
> much tooling. I know you can buy a whole shop full of stuff for lathes, but
> I thought a good selection of bits (turning, facing, cutoff, etc) would take
> care of most needs.  That assumes of course that you get the standard
> chucks, tool posts, and centers.  Has your actual experience been different
> than that?
> 
> Regards,
> Brian
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: dprglist-bounces at dprg.org [mailto:dprglist-bounces at dprg.org] On Behalf
> Of dpa
> Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 2:56 PM
> To: dprglist at dprg.org
> Subject: [DPRG] Opinions on machine tools and sources?
> 
> Howdy,
> 
> Brian, this is a huge topic.  What size of machine(s) are
> you looking for?  Table top?  Like Taag and Sherline.
> Sherline has a lot of CNC stuff.  I think Dave/Jon
> Hylands use Sherline and have quite a bit of experience
> therewith.
> 
> You might also look at Grizzly
> <http://www.grizzlyindustrial.com/>
> 
> and Blue Ridge Machinery
> <http://www.blueridgeshoponline.com/category.sc?categoryId=18>
> 
> for medium size machine tools.
> 
> A generally useful sequence is to start with a nice
> drill press and add an X,Y table for layout, etc.  Then add
> a lathe (I love my Emco-Maier Compact 8).  Between those
> two you can do most robot building tasks, and the lathe
> can be fitted with some fixtures to allow it to be used
> as a horizontal milling machine.  Later you can add a
> vertical mill.
> 
> As always, assume you will spend about as much on
> tooling as on the machines themselves.
> 
> A bench grinder for making and sharping tools is
> really a must, along with a precision flat plate,
> often made of granite, for doing layout.
> 
> Ed K. has one of the 3-in-1 lathe/mills perhaps
> he'll chime in here and report on his experience
> with it.
> 
> best,
> dpa
> 
> 
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