machining own parts whats good to start out on

[jw78z28]

I would like to start machining my own parts. I would like to get a mill/lathe combo. I mostly build 1/24 1/25, but i do have some 1/16 1/12 1/8 scale kits i would like to build once i get things figured out on machining parts. who has the best setup to start with that's easy to learn on? and has a fair price. is there a web site, besides fee-bay, that sells used one's?

thanks

[CAL]

I got a Sieg X2 micro mill and 7X10 lathe, you kind of have to know how to set it up and tune it. However, once it dialed in it works good. I have been happy with it.

I got my mill new and my lathe off Ebay, cheap and had to put some money into it. All together I got it all up and running for 1/2 what a new one costs.

If you have money to spend and want turn key stuff Sherline, but it is very pricey.

The basic machines are just the half of it. All the other stuff that goes along with having a machine shop is the other half.

I have well over a $1000 invested in my machines.

I would strongly discourage a combo machine.

Edited August 3, 2010 by CAL

[crazymike179011]

try harbor frieght { www.harborfreight.com }they have them at about the best price i have seen not sure how good they are but as far as cost.i worked with a mill 17 years ago we use to make our own custom wheels years ago for models.my friend was 12 years older than me but we built models together he showed me how to use one he took me under his wing when i was ten and shown me everything i helped build a model and the 1:1 version of his 70 elamino ss had a 671 blower on a 427 all aluminum chevy block it was cool but if you get going and start selling parts or ideas hit me up i can be reached at michaeljmurphy1973@yahoo.com my computer doesnt always work.but would love to see someone make some wheels and stuff at a relative decent price or i could afford sorry single dad.

[CAL]

try harbor frieght { www.harborfreight.com }they have them at about the best price i have seen not sure how good they are but as far as cost.i worked with a mill 17 years ago we use to make our own custom wheels years ago for models.my friend was 12 years older than me but we built models together he showed me how to use one he took me under his wing when i was ten and shown me everything i helped build a model and the 1:1 version of his 70 elamino ss had a 671 blower on a 427 all aluminum chevy block it was cool but if you get going and start selling parts or ideas hit me up i can be reached at michaeljmurphy1973@yahoo.com my computer doesnt always work.but would love to see someone make some wheels and stuff at a relative decent price or i could afford sorry single dad.

That is basically what my stuff is, and if you have some machining background and know how to set them up they are not bad little machines. There are a bunch of little tricks to them, more on the mill than the lathe. However, it is hard to beat the price.

You could even get some steppers and a controler and do a CNC machine from these basics.

[jw78z28]

That is basically what my stuff is, and if you have some machining background and know how to set them up they are not bad little machines. There are a bunch of little tricks to them, more on the mill than the lathe. However, it is hard to beat the price.

You could even get some steppers and a controler and do a CNC machine from these basics.

I've looked into the ones at harbor , will parts and tools work from other brands?

I thank you guys for taking time to answer.

[CAL]

I've looked into the ones at harbor , will parts and tools work from other brands?

I thank you guys for taking time to answer.

Yes, it uses pretty standard stuff.

Littlemachineshop.com is a good place to get stuff. They carry all the replacement parts for these machines, tooling, and addons.

You will just want to get a 3/16 draw bar because the stock one is metric and it is hard to find metric collets.

Otherwise it's standard MT2/MT3 arbors. The tool post on the lathe is also standard for a micro and tooling is easy to find 5/16 IIRC. I haven't had any trouble getting anything.

Edited August 3, 2010 by CAL

[jw78z28]

Thanks for the info cal. i will check into it a little more.

[CAL]

Thanks for the info cal. i will check into it a little more.

I have had mine for six months or so and kind of figured it all out, plus I was formerly a machinest.

So if you have any questions feel free and I will try to answer them to the best of my ability.

It is what it is, it is not the best money can buy, but I have not been disappointed either.

Edited August 3, 2010 by CAL