Which Would Be The Most Useful Machine To Get Next?

[ffmowers]

I have an opportunity to get either a horizontal mill or a surface grinder. Which would generally be the most useful?

I have a lathe and vertical mill, as well as a tool cutter grinder.

The mill would be a Nichols Hand Mill (standard), the surface grinder would be a Boyar Shultz 6x12.
Downside on the mill is it needs the motor repaired or replaced, but comes with tooling

Any recommendations? (and no, I can't get both..)

 

[Bob Korves]

Which one will you be needing next? 8^)

Do you do more precision tool work or hog it out milling jobs?

 

[ffmowers]

Good question. Precision most likely as I can do most milling on the vertical or shaper. I'm thinking you just made me answer my own question.
I do have a need to make spline shafts and gears on occasion but the shaper can do that (I think..)
Leaning towards the surface grinder..

 

[FOMOGO]

If you buy both your dilemma is solved. If you find one isn't needed you can pass it on and recoup your initial investment. Mike

 

[ffmowers]

What about 'no I can't get both' was unclear?
LOL

 

[JimDawson]

I would go for the surface grinder. You can make gears and splines on both your mill and lathe.

 

[TOOLMASTER]

mill

 

[Bill Gruby]

Surface Grinder at this point. The Horizontal Mill can come later. My 2 cents worth.

"Billy G"

 

[drom68]

I am fan of the horizontal mill, but I would go with the surface grinder. A horizontal is easy to come by and usually cheap. And you really can get both… Honestly, you can! There are no laws against you buying both.

 

[John Hasler]

A horizontal is easy to come by and usually cheap.

Where and how much?