anybody have thoughts on the Harbor Frieght all in one machine?

[enginebob]

Any thoughts on this?

http://www.harborfreight.com/multipurpose-machine-5980.html


I personally think that a seperate mill and lathe are better but your thoughts are welcome... ;D

 

[kellswaterri]

Hi Enginebob, having had the use of one of this type of machine to do some work, my first impression was of a distinct lack of rigidity and quite a lot of vibration when the mill was in use...I personally did not like it for that reason and would not invest in one...my feeling is that if you have the space, go for the separate mill and lathe to suit your conditions.
All the best for now,
John.

 

[AR1911]

I have thoughts, but they are unprintable ;D

This type machine is the only metalworking lathe or mill that is heavily discounted on the used market.
Good reason for that.

If you want a dual-purpose setup, look at the Grizzly G0516.
It's a real 10x24 lathe, with a minimill column bolted to the back of the bed.
Once you figure out that's not a very good idea, you can order a base from LMS and have a complet minimill.

 

[multihobbyguy]

Hello enginebob, I have no experience with the machine but I did see that one is for sale down by you I believe. I don't know anything about it but here is a link.

http://fredericksburg.craigslist.org/tls/1784833819.html

 

[Deanofid]

If you have a choice, if you have any way around buying it, if no one is holding a deadly weapon to your
head, do not buy it.

I had one for a few years. I know how to make a machine work for me, (however stuck-up that may
sound). Everything about them is miserable. There are no good points but one:
It is better than no machine at all.

Some folks here have them, and I don't wish to offend those nice people, so I won't say more.
My apologies.

Dean

 

[mklotz]

What kind of boat were you planning to anchor with it?

 

[enginebob]

ok guys thanks for the help

EB