In reply to Nils inquiry -
I have no real machining background but having got involved in vintage
racing I found all kinds of "things" needed making or modifying that
could not be done with hand tools (at least not by me!)
I ended up buying a Taig Microlathe for three reasons -
1 - it looked capable of doing what I wanted
2 - it was cheap
3 - it was small and portable.
All three proved to be good reasons.
I have made all kinds of little things from carb linkages, to fuel and
oil fittings, to spacers, to body mounting brackets - you name it. It
even did a good job of sizing wheel bearing spacers exactly to size
(+/- .001) and they were about 2" diam by 2-3" long. These were "on the
limit" but at least I got a job done which would have been impossible
otherwise.
The milling attachment may not be a "proper" a proper milling machine
but again it does the job when needed.
Cheap? Maybe good value is an even better description - but at less than
a good set of mikes I'm not complaining.
Portable? When not in use it goes back on the shelf. I've even taken it
in the back of the van on race weekends - and used it (for someone else
- was I popular!).
So to answer your question - I recommend you "Go for it" - you won't
regret it as long as you work within the limitations.
I got a Taig but I am sure much the same goes for Sheerline. The
Sheerline will do more (example screwcutting) but is more expensive and
possibly more oriented to small scale model making rather than small
parts for real sized machines.
Derek
Nils O. Ny wrote:
>
> So afraid I was going to owe the IRS this year. So I made large quarterly
> payments and just did my taxes and am actually getting some small fraction
> of my money back. So ... I was thinking that now would be a good time to
> get two items that I always wish that I had.
>
> The two I'd like to have most is a table model Milling machine and a bench
> top type Lathe.
> I would like to keep each under a $1000 if possible. Anyone have any tips
> on what features I should look for and or avoid in either item. Any
> suggestions or recommendations of particular sources would be appreciated.
> First hand knowledge preferred, but all advice considered.
>
> I've had a lot of experience with a South Bend lathe and limited time on a
> Bridgeport Milling machine (vintage about 20 years ago at a previous
> employer, it was sort of a perk to access to such tools when I needed them,
> and I really miss them). Will only see occasional use and mostly for
> those non-available item repairs or the fiddly little bits one always needs
> to modify because when you find something at the hardware store that you
> think will work just right always needs a little modifying.
>
> Thank for any help and opinions, Nils
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