I really can't tell you what size you'll be happy with. I can say that something about the size of a 2x D cell flashlight I'd want a 14x lathe to work on.
In case you don't know already you can't spin a 7" part in a 7" lathe. I put a 6" chuck on mine which I'm happy with but have to remember I can't open the jaws all the way out they will hit the ways.
When I got my 7x I thought I'd do most anything I'd have need for but found out not much of anything I went to do would fit. Same thing happened when I bought my milling machine. I thought a 26x7 one mill would do anything I needed. Truth is the mill might do most of the things but was a real passion in the butt to keep repositioning things much over 4". I would have to clamp to the table instead of the vise & keep repositioning the part & finding center again. Even after going to a 14x40 with a removable gap lathe I still run into jobs I can't do or isn't worth the setup involved. In face I think it was the same week I set it up I had a break rotor that wouldn't fit unless I pulled the gap insert, used a face plate, & shimmed it out over the gap. All of that plus I thought about having to clean up the mess so I took them to town & paid the guy $7 to do it for me. Best $7 I've ever spent but point being my lathe want the right tool for the job.
Yes. That's true. Ideally a lathe that would allow me to have a working area of 12-13" length and 4" DIA would be idea for me right now, and for a mill would be similar, in length, X:12-13" Y:5-6" Z:??? I'm not sure about the Z axis due to wanting a 4th axis, and I'm sure that height comes into play for that.
In my opinion, yes the bigger machines are nice, and have their benefits (working area, added features, accuracy), but I'm still in college.
I took a manual machining class and loved it so much! I learned a ton about manufacturing and it even changed the outlook on how I design in CAD. But long story short, I don't need "the best with all the features".
I'd like something decent that I can use to make some money on the side, and not have to spend hours on fixing, and aligning centers (for lathe) and whatnot.
The shortcomings of smaller machines become very apparent when you try to mill steel . They will do fine in aluminum , like butter. Yes, smaller machines will mill steel, but rigidity becomes a problem fast...
I have not been milling very long ...and all I heard in the beginning was "Get a Bridgeport" ...well, the advice was right. For a mill, get a bridgeport , Taiwan bridgeport clone or something in the same class if possible.
As you try to do lighter or slower cuts, you can reach a point where the tool is rubbing the steel and not cutting. I'm sure others with more experience will chime in and help you out. This is a very helpful forum.
Keep in mind, whatever you spend on a machine, you'll spend at least half or equal that in tooling, fixtures, etc .
Good luck !
!Steve
At this point I don't see any reason why I'd need to work with steel. Aluminum has all the properties that I need.
Do you have any link to the bridgeport machines that you're referring too? All that I've found are the huge machines that look to be heavy duty industrial grade. All encased and larger then my fridge. lol
The main reason as well why I'm wanting something smaller is that I don't have a ton of space available.
By the way, thank you everyone for the comments! I really do appreciate all the help!
Keep it coming!