Mini-Mill and Lathe on Amazon?

MemorY

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Hey guys,

I came across these new machines that are relatively cheap on Amazon, and wanted to get some ideas from you all on them.

Good introduction to my own machining?

Probably not the best quality, so would it just be better to save up for something like a LMS?

What do you think?

Links:
Mill - https://goo.gl/YnnCSr
Lathe - https://goo.gl/AT1ic3
4th axis for mill - https://goo.gl/IxCQEz

Thanks guys!
 
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My only issue with Amazon for items like this is Service and Support. The Machine on Amazon may be fine..... but if it isn't then what do you do?

The worst thing when starting out, is to have a machine that's not right and not really knowing it's the problem and not have access to MFG support.

I'd look at Grizzly. They have 7x14" machine for just a bit more, (if you include sales tax, now that Amazon collects it and Grizzly does not, but charges shipping). I've found Grizzly's customer service to quite good and the availability of spare/replacement parts to be really good, even after they've stopped selling a given machine.

Chris
 
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The lathe is the same chinese lathe sold by Harbor Freight and others. The Mill I know I have seen elsewhere also.
 
I think it all boils down to customer support. If you save a little but can't get service, parts etc. it's a poor choice.

CHuck the grumpy old guy
 
Same as hf for more money.

Had the hf one and all gears are plastic.

Use same money for small south bend

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The mill looks to be the same as this one from Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/two-speed-variable-bench-mill-drill-machine-44991.html

Which is listed as $699. With a 20% off coupon it would be about $560. With a 25% off coupon it would be about $525. I bought one of these. Shipping was $20. So $580 or $545 vs, $840. These coupons come out frequently.

I haven't had any problem with my mini mill, but I have had to deal with HF customer service in the past. I found them to be satisfactory.
 
Tilting column Mills like that are a pain. It's nearly impossible to use a tilting column, unlike the situation with a knee mill, and they will get out of tram constantly.

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The mill looks to be the same as this one from Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/two-speed-variable-bench-mill-drill-machine-44991.html

Which is listed as $699. With a 20% off coupon it would be about $560. With a 25% off coupon it would be about $525. I bought one of these. Shipping was $20. So $580 or $545 vs, $840. These coupons come out frequently.

I haven't had any problem with my mini mill, but I have had to deal with HF customer service in the past. I found them to be satisfactory.

Also, there is some additional support for these through Little Machine Shop, so the Harbor Freight isn't a bad choice.
 
One other thing to keep in mind - these are best for light work on small pieces and don't always do well cutting steel - not bad for brass, aluminum and plastic. If you anticipate a lot of steel being cut you may want to look at something larger and heavier.
 
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