Combined Lathe Milling Machines

[scott]

Hi i am considering buying a Combined Lathe Milling Machine Warco, Clarke, or similar but are they all the same machine with a different label? does anyone have experience of one and can you recommend any other makes models i have very limited space for a machine but want to be able to mill and turn at home.
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[cardiffpat]

I now find myself in a similar position as I am moving to a flat & have to get rid of my Myford lathe & get something smaller.
I am thinking along the lines of a Warco mini lathe + a Warco mini mill ( at least I can move these about without winches ect).

I think that these two machines will cost a little bit more than a combined effort but I think they should do the job better & have the advantage of being portable.
There is also excellent internet support on the mini lathe & mini mill websites. I am hoping to go to the Ally Pally show to look at the machines.
The Warco & Chester people seem OK but the Machine mart seem more expensive, (some of their accesories are double price).
I am trying to find out more about using light machines ( we don't all have the luxury of being able to house heavy equipment) & it seems a pity that most machines use heavy cast iron on even unstressed parts, I guess that patience is needed & that one has to take lighter cuts.
I have heard that the combined machines are a bit of a mediocre compromise but I have never used one.

Edit, Just looked at the Warco website & the price seems to be the same for either the combined machine or separate mini machines.

[spurley]

Hi Scott

I bought the Chester lathe/mill three years ago and although there are a few slight areas of imperfection I think the machine is basically sound. I have built a 3 1/2" Tich using itand I am very pleased with the results. There is some backlash on the saddle and cross slide but I now know where it is and how much I can make suitable allowance for it. I work alone so the combined feature hasn't caused me any problems; when I need the lathe function I set it up and when I need the mil it is simple to convert. I have heard horror stories about Chinese products but cannot say it has caused me any particular difficulties. I couldn't have afforded an entry level English lathe brand new at the time and guess I could easily have had the backlash problems with a second hand Myford.

The one point I would note is due to the centre height; whilst it allows large items to be turned, there is a certain flexibility from the toolpost which can catch one out if a large cut is attempted!

Overall I am satisfied and have no reason to change yet.

Cheers

Brian

[greasemonkey]

HI All
There was adiscussion of these machine on the google group just before christmas have a look here

groups.google.co.uk/group/uk.rec.models.engineering/browse_thread/thread/47994c476fa6db6e/11d74398a562cb22?lnk

Andy

[abby]

I have an EMCOMAT 7 , its a really good lathe and I wouldn't swap it , Does anyone have for disposal the milling attachment which bolts onto the back? I am missing a milling machine since selling my Henry Milne.
Abby

[Noddy]

I notice in the Warco adverts for the mini lathe that they advertise US made variable speed circuitry. A friend's son bought a mini lathe from another source (Ican't remember which) and it was not long before the circuit board went. His solution was to cannabalise a cheap router.

Looks like it could be a common problem with chinese circuits for Warco to source from the US.
Varmint al has a good selection of mini lathe links.

[havoc]

I prefer a combined lathe/mill with the mill head behind the bed. Those with the head on top will need to be use with the mill almost completely extended to just get to the bed. Those on a column behind the bed can be lowered to make the mill head travel smaller.

Do'nt know if this is clear, but try to imagine having to mill something that lies on the carriage and you'll understand.

[scott]

thanks to all i will be going to ally pally on friday and hope to do some research on the combined lathe mill.