HF 3 in 1 lathe mill combination units

[Salty]

Thanks for the info and the pics Zoomie, that looks like a nice setup. Just so you know if you guys are trying to scare me about the cost of tooling its starting to work.

[Zoomie]

Don't be scared, jump right in! There are lots of gadgets out there (I've got plenty). If you can't see yourself using the tool/gadget at least once each project forget it, you can probably either make one, buy one used or utilize a different method to arrive at the same result. Buy a good vice, good set of parallels, good hold down kit, good dial calipers a wiggler set, a center finder, set of end mills (HSS), fractional drill bit set, a set of R8 collets or a taper that'll fit your machine (not the 21 piece set) the small set. a good drill chuck, a magnetic indicator holder (cheapo chinese) dial indicator (cheapo chinese)that reads .001, a copy of Machinery;'s handbook (used older version off ebay) High speed steel tool blanks sized for your lathe's toolpost, a drill chuck with morse taper for your lathe tailstock, and a dead center and you're rockin! I'm sure others will think of stuff but this will get you started enough to start learning. I'm not a machinist nor pretend to be one but looking back this is what I should've started with...

[Salty]

Don't be scared, jump right in! There are lots of gadgets out there (I've got plenty). If you can't see yourself using the tool/gadget at least once each project forget it, you can probably either make one, buy one used or utilize a different method to arrive at the same result. Buy a good vice, good set of parallels, good hold down kit, good dial calipers a wiggler set, a center finder, set of end mills (HSS), fractional drill bit set, a set of R8 collets or a taper that'll fit your machine (not the 21 piece set) the small set. a good drill chuck, a magnetic indicator holder (cheapo chinese) dial indicator (cheapo chinese)that reads .001, a copy of Machinery;'s handbook (used older version off ebay) High speed steel tool blanks sized for your lathe's toolpost, a drill chuck with morse taper for your lathe tailstock, and a dead center and you're rockin! I'm sure others will think of stuff but this will get you started enough to start learning. I'm not a machinist nor pretend to be one but looking back this is what I should've started with...

Thanks again Zoomie,this looks like a good starter list. I know where I can start with tooling now. All I need to do now is decide which machine or machines to buy.

[Tritium]

One source for tooling I use for the smaller lathes and mills is http://www.littlemachineshop.com

Good guys there (at least in my experience).

Thurmond