The Home Machinist!

Another option is a VFD, variable frequency drive. There are versions that will take 220VAC single phase in and output 3 phase power to run 3 phase motors. Another benefit is you get variable speed at the turn of a knob.

Ed

Gill, I see why your staying away from Chinese mills. The lathe left a bad taste in your mouth. Can't blame you for that. I recently got a 14x40 lathe from Enco and was surprised when I uncrated it and saw that it was made in Taiwan. I was expecting it to be made in China. It sure is a step up from...

Using the method shown in the pictures below along with some nylon straps at the headstock and tailstock ends to keep the lathe reasonably level, there is no why for the lathe to spin over on you while lifting. This is how I plan on lifting my lathe onto the bench once I get the bench constructed. I...

Ed: I'd still take a used, well cared for and unabused Taiwanese made First (or other Taiwan mill) over a new ChiCom mill. But that's just me. LL LL, I agree, a Taiwanese mill would be preferable but they are hard to find in decent condition. I'm not into refurbishing machines so I would have to fi...

Gill, Not sure if this is the type of mill you are looking for but thought I'd throw it out as an option at $3000. http://www.wttool.com/product-exec/product_id/14819/nm/8_x_36_Vertical_Milling_Machine_WT_Import_ If the funds were available I would more than likely order that one but a new mill is ...

Vern, Here's a couple of links to 1/4" HSS tool bits. Enco: http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=171&PARTPG=INLMK32 LittleMachineShop: http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_category.php?category=1208242246&First=T&Last=T McMaster-Carr also carries them but they are...

Jose, The last two pictures showing your arbor press on that stand gave me an idea for using the stand that came with my 4x6 bandsaw. I built a new stand for the bandsaw and did not want to throw away the original stand but had not figured out what to do with it yet. I'm going to mount my arbor pre...

SteveM wrote:
Pay attention to the spindle bore, though. My 12" Atlas has about 7/8" bore, which may be too small for you.

Steve

Good point Steve. I assumed all 12" and larger lathes had at least a 1 1/2" bore. Bad assumption on my part.

Ed

As has already been suggested, a 12" swing or larger will work for what you want to do with the lathe. Once you learn how to use a lathe you'll find lots of uses for it so it's always suggested to get the biggest lathe you can fit in your space and will fit the wallet.

Ed

Here's my Vectrax 14x40 lathe. It's not set up yet because I need to make a stand for it. That's next on my list of things to do.

Ed