any thoughts on 3 in 1 lathe/mill/drill combos?

shaggy · January 21, 2008, 03:07 PM

Was thinking of getting a small 3-in-1 to learn on and eventually work on some guns and ideas for small parts . Currently I'm looking at a used Smithy AT300 for about $700-800. Any opinions on these machines or another type/brand?

grymster2007 · January 21, 2008, 09:17 PM

My friend has one and really likes it. I've never used one (I did spend 25 years using professional metworking tools), but the Smithy should be fine if you understand what you get. There are always compromises in multi-function tools. It won't be the best lathe, nor the best mill, but for the purpose you describe, it should be adequate.

BTW: There's nothing quite as gratifying as looking at some fine machine work and saying to yourself "I made that!".

Have fun and post pix of your projects.

armedandsafe · January 22, 2008, 07:48 PM

I got that little HarborFreight 4x7. Way too small to do any serious gun smithing, but it works quite well for what I do.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=39743

This one looks to be in your price range:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46199

Just remember to disassemble, wash down and lube all moving shafts, gears and such before using it. They have a history of coming in with machining / casting grit in the guts, whether from HF, Grizzly or whomever.

Pops

January 21, 2008, 03:07 PM	#1
shaggy Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Posts: 1,519	any thoughts on 3 in 1 lathe/mill/drill combos? Was thinking of getting a small 3-in-1 to learn on and eventually work on some guns and ideas for small parts . Currently I'm looking at a used Smithy AT300 for about $700-800. Any opinions on these machines or another type/brand?

January 21, 2008, 09:17 PM	#2
grymster2007 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: In the oak studded hills near Napa Posts: 2,203	My friend has one and really likes it. I've never used one (I did spend 25 years using professional metworking tools), but the Smithy should be fine if you understand what you get. There are always compromises in multi-function tools. It won't be the best lathe, nor the best mill, but for the purpose you describe, it should be adequate. BTW: There's nothing quite as gratifying as looking at some fine machine work and saying to yourself "I made that!". Have fun and post pix of your projects. __________________ grym

January 22, 2008, 07:48 PM	#3
armedandsafe Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2005 Location: Moses Lake WA Posts: 1,001	I got that little HarborFreight 4x7. Way too small to do any serious gun smithing, but it works quite well for what I do. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=39743 This one looks to be in your price range: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46199 Just remember to disassemble, wash down and lube all moving shafts, gears and such before using it. They have a history of coming in with machining / casting grit in the guts, whether from HF, Grizzly or whomever. Pops __________________ Armed and Safe: Not just a theory If it time to bury them, it is time to dig them up. Remember, "Behind every blade of grass."