[TheForge] OT - Advise needed on mini machine tool

[sos at frii.com]

I've heard many praises of Sobel Machinery in Closter, never been there
myself. Here are some pics:
http://www.dogpatch.com/bobp/sobel.htm
It looks like it is run by Sobel's son now. They're also on ebay.

I was pleased dealing with Dave at Mermac, then he went into some other
business (something in the water I think), now it looks like he is back to
some extent (also in Jersey):
http://www.mermac.com/
Very useful on his site is info on evaluating used machinery.

Steve


> Hi Bruce,
>
> I can't answer your question directly, but I did once own a Rong Fu RF40
> mill-drill. It made a good drill press, an uncertain mill. Here is one
> site that shows an RF40:
> http://www.smidgie.com/928/machineshop/rf40/
>
> I bought it used. When I bought it, I wanted to see how it would do on
> steel, so I asked the guy to take a cut on the steel I'd brought. I put in
> my 1/2" end mill and he said something like "well, that steel has scale on
> it, so we're going to have to take a really aggressive cut--0.050" deep".
> The mill limped through this 'tremendous' cut, and I bought it, not
> knowing any better.
>
> The next mill I bought was a Van Norman #12, a very nice machine if you
> can live without a quill feed. With this mill I felt very comfortable
> cutting a 3/8" deep slot with a 3/4" end mill.
>
> As James says, rigidity is very important, and it depends on what you're
> going to do with the machine.
>
> Steve
>
>> I intend to start working on a project requiring some machining of
>> parts.  This would be prototyping, not production.  I have used a
>> vertical milling machine and (minimally) a turret lathe, but do not
>> consider myself a machinist.
>>
>> I''m thinking of acquiring a lathe/mill combination tool like the one
>> below.   I'd appreciate comments back from folks who know about this
>> brand or similar machines.
>>
>> http://www.boltonhardware.com/category/bolton-tools/combo-lathe-mill/5-x-7-mini-combo-lathe-mill.php
>>
>> Thanks in advance.
>>
>> Bruce
>> NJ
>>
>> The total lack of evidence is the surest sign that the conspiracy is
>> working.
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