I was thinking about getting a Smithy lathe and vertical mill combo. I want to hear from others with experience with one, accuracy, reliability, etc. I realize it ain't a Bridgeport, but what can a I reasonably expect?
http://www.smithy.com

Thanks,
Chris

 

They are decent little rigs provided that you understand their limitations. Definately not a high production, material hogging machine. But for small shop jobs they are great. I plan on picking one up for my shop one of these days.

PISTOL

 

Pistol,
What can you tell me about their limitations?
I'm not starting a business with this thing, but will do small things that require accuracy, e.g. building a bracket for an alternator, making a pulley for same alternator, etc.
I already had one fellow email me, stating the Smithy isn't as accurate as you'd expect.

Thanks,
Chris

 

For the types of projects you are looking at doing, this would be fine. These machines tend to have a lot of play in the dials that you have to learn to work with, thus the bargain price. Most of the time you can tighten the gibs and that will help..

I also suggest ignoring the graduations on the handles all together and learn to use a dial indicator on your workpiece to make your adjustments.

You might also look into EMCO which is another small all-in-one unit. I had one on my first ship with a 13" swing lathe and it was just awesome. Many different attachments for the lathe and verticle mill ... wasn't much you couldn't do with it.

PISTOL

 

Thanks Pistol. I will look into it. Are you saying the Emco is a better product, as far as accuracy?

Thanks,
Chris

 

Honestly, I couldn't say because I have only used the Emco. However, the info I gave you about the Smithy comes from a trusted friend who has worked with them in a shop setting.
I really enjoyed the Emco's versatility. The Smithy has been around for quite a while and you should be able to get similar attachments for it, like taper attachments, index heads,angle vises, knurling tools, 3 & 4 jaw chucks, live and dead centers etc ...
Either one should work for what you need. Just double check your measurements and dial movements before you make a cut ("I have cut this thing three times and it's still too small !!!") and try to keep things properly cleaned and adjusted.

PISTOL