New member from Southampton

Hello,

I have been playing around with lathes and milling machines for a few decades now, primarily to make small things for R/C model aircraft (and cars a long time ago) I have only got some small machines but I am looking to upgrade so I have joined this forum for help and advice

Simon

Hi Simon welcome to the forum. Just ask on here but have a look at the archives as well as many have asked on here as well. At the top right hand side of the web page has a search button that is well worth searching.

David

The machines you need depends on so many factors. Space available, what you intend to make, and how big your pockets are. I think that most of us would say that a well maintained old British machine is much better then a modern Chinese machine. And for the milling machine if you have the space available a good Bridgeport mill will do anything you may need. But again, so many factors.

Thanks David and Michael. I am in no hurry to change anything but I know that it is coming! I used Bridgeports in my apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce and I would love to have one, but I have absolutely no need for anything that big and nothing like the space (or money). My actual needs are usually for very small and lightweight parts and I only need quite small machines, although larger ones would make most jobs a bit simpler and quicker. I also have a finite space and I have to balance the space used by machinery against that left for benches and general building. Some model aircraft can get quite big and use up a lot of space.

Simon

Welcome to the Forum.

As you say, you have to select a machine that will do what you need, in the space available and within budget.

I tend to advocate choosing a machine that is a little larger than you first think believe, a job will come along that is JUST too big for your first choice.

Already, the gauntlet is being thrown down to start the argument over old British vs new Oriental, inviting the comments about wear or lower quality... Both schools of thought are valid (I have just seen a very basic machine come out of the box with the Tailstock offset by 0.020" over 8*! ) But also know of an old machine with a dip worn in the bed.

Having owned machines old and new, so have seen both sides of that coin.

Caveat emptor applies whichever route you take, but at least a new machine has a warranty., but a well maintained and carefully used used machine can give a lot of bang for fewer bucks.

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