Thoughts on G9729?

[BeefyFranks]

Thoughts on this machine? Was also interested in the G0769. I am mostly interested in small parts. Maybe a form1 suppressor and finishing some 80% lowers, bushings, bearing drivers, and other small odds and ends for working on vehicles. No plans to make anything of significant size. The biggest parts I would plan to mill/turn would be probably 2.5in x 10in at the largest.

I am more interested in a capable lathe than a super precise mill. Something that can put out reasonably concentric threads if I were to go and try to do any form1 suppressor. As far as threading a barrel I have no desire to do that. But to cut concentric threads on a can would be desirable. As far as mills go anything better than a drill press would suit my needs. Budget total for both would be $3k and under. Cheaper the better but also not afraid to spend a little for something better. That said a $5k lathe is out of the question for now.

My other thought is to go with the benchtop mill from HF for $799 and have two stand alone units. I read a lot of people don't like the 2 or 3n1 machines and generally recommend against that. As far as space requirements. I have a decent sized garage but i am more interested in benchtop models or something smaller/lighter. Down the road, when i have a shop i will be much more interested in larger, more capable machines.

I really would like feedback from someone with either one of those two models (G9729 or G0769) and if they like them, hate them, or are indifferent. As well as the best lathe for the $1500-2k range if i ended up going two stand alone units. I am also not too far away from Grizzly's Missouri location so i could maybe look for a scratch and dent, or just pick up a new unit if they make quality machines.

 

[Ken226]

I started out with a 3 in 1 Smithy similar to the machines your interested in. I believe it was an AT300, but it's been almost 20 years.

The lathe worked. At best. I learned alot about overcoming limitations.

The mill part was all but unuseable for anything but the lightest jobs. No matter how tight you tightened the head, it would still move while cutting. I learned to take cuts along the mills x axis (lathe z) axis, because if you tried along the y axis, the whole head would rotate as the end mill walked up the part.

If your primary interest is form 1 suppressors, spend your whole budget on a standalone lathe, and save for a mill later. Don't buy a 3 in 1.

With your budget and size limitations, one of these would be a good starter lathe.

10" x 26" Bench Metal Lathe

<h1>M1099 Shop Fox 10" x 26" Benchtop Metal Lathe</h1> <h2>The performance you'd expect with larger, more-extensive lathes.</h2> <p>Changing the thread selections is quick and easy on the 1 HP M1099 10" x 26" Benchtop Metal Lathe with quick-change gearbox from Shop Fox. <p>The 5" three-jaw...

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11" x 26" Bench Lathe with Gearbox

<h1>G9972Z 11" x 26" Bench Lathe with Gearbox</h1> <h2>Another great starter metal lathe with more capacity than typical benchtop lathes!</h2> <p>The G9972Z Bench Lathe is a specially designed machine is an outstanding value and able to take on light duty jobs requiring a 10-1/2" swing, a 25mm...

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Then later when you want a small mill, save up for something like the grizzly g0704.

7" x 27" 1 HP Mill/Drill with Stand

<h1>G0704 7" x 27" 1 HP Mill Drill with Stand</h1> <h2>Grizzly's best-selling Mill Drill.</h2> <p>The G0704 7" x 27" 1 HP Mill Drill with Stand can be used as a dedicated, single-purpose machine in a professional shop. It can be easily operated by those just learning to mill in their home shop...

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