Tin Falcon
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In other threads I have noticed about complaints of lack of z axis romm especially on 3 in one machines . I wrote this in response.
A caravat here. A recurring theme I see here is lack if z axis room . this is not a problem limited to 3 in one machines.
the seig 7 x 10 is tight on Z for drilling operations. depending on tooling used the z can get tight on the seig x-2 mill.
the new horizontal vertical mill from seig again tight on z axis.
Small Harbor frieght drill presses have the same issue.
small hobby machines are a er small and z axis can seem to disappear fast.
but do not fear some of these problems can be prevented with good tool selection up front and planning.
1) drill bits a 1/2 long jobbers bit is probably not going to work well in the above cases DAMHIKT. a set of screw machine drill bits is a hobby machinist best friend I must admit I need to buy a set of these myself.
2) tool holding : collects that fit inside the spindle save lots of room and there is no good reason not to use a collet to hold a drill bit. use care thought a drill bit that has hung up on a drill chuck will likely have a burr . this burr must be removed before placing in a collect. it can interfere with holding and damage the collet. And use the correct size collet or you will have problems.
3) a DRO or cnc control can eliminate much of the need for a space thieving rotary table. another option is to make a low profile indexing rotary table.
4) ad a riser block an in or two rise can make a huge difference in these little machines.
So yes by all means consider z axis when choosing a machine but if you plan ahead an educate yourself to options you may find yourself with a usable machine sooner and cheaper than if you hold out for the Bridgeport. .
I hope this helps someone get more use from what they have as well.
Tin
A caravat here. A recurring theme I see here is lack if z axis room . this is not a problem limited to 3 in one machines.
the seig 7 x 10 is tight on Z for drilling operations. depending on tooling used the z can get tight on the seig x-2 mill.
the new horizontal vertical mill from seig again tight on z axis.
Small Harbor frieght drill presses have the same issue.
small hobby machines are a er small and z axis can seem to disappear fast.
but do not fear some of these problems can be prevented with good tool selection up front and planning.
1) drill bits a 1/2 long jobbers bit is probably not going to work well in the above cases DAMHIKT. a set of screw machine drill bits is a hobby machinist best friend I must admit I need to buy a set of these myself.
2) tool holding : collects that fit inside the spindle save lots of room and there is no good reason not to use a collet to hold a drill bit. use care thought a drill bit that has hung up on a drill chuck will likely have a burr . this burr must be removed before placing in a collect. it can interfere with holding and damage the collet. And use the correct size collet or you will have problems.
3) a DRO or cnc control can eliminate much of the need for a space thieving rotary table. another option is to make a low profile indexing rotary table.
4) ad a riser block an in or two rise can make a huge difference in these little machines.
So yes by all means consider z axis when choosing a machine but if you plan ahead an educate yourself to options you may find yourself with a usable machine sooner and cheaper than if you hold out for the Bridgeport. .
I hope this helps someone get more use from what they have as well.
Tin
