[TheForge] advice needed: beginner machinist

[Loren Patterson]

i'm ready to start as a hobbyist machinist. I'd like to buy a modestly =
sized
machine that can cover many bases. without knowing any better, i'm most =
fond
of this machine:
http://www.grizzly.com/products/item.cfm?Product_ID=3D12059&&User_ID=3D22=
94413&St=3D9433&St2=3D78153430&St3=3D-65764382&DS_ID=3D1

its a combo mill/lathe made by grizzly industries. ive had good luck =
with
grizzly machines, and i'm willing to try something like this from them. =
plus
they have a showroom north of me where i can just pick it up.

what i'd like to know is, if this would be a reasonable machine for =
learning
on, as well as having the capacity for most tasks i put upon it.

are there any reasons why i shouldn't buy a combo machine? are there =
reasons
why i should? is there a better choice? can you see anything wrong with =
this
specific machine?

my only machining experience has been with a large industrial sized =
milling
machine and likewise lathe in my college welding course. i'm not sure =
what i
need as a beginner and i'm hoping for some pointers..

my inexperienced thoughts tell me that a mill/lathe would be a good =
thing
because i don't yet have my own drill press either. also, it seems like
having this machine would make the task of slotting and drilling dead =
center
holes in cylinders would be a snap.. but i dont see how you could do =
this
without a combo machine.. i'm hoping for input here...

i appreciate the help greatly
- Loren P


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